View Full Version : New tank, help with stocking?
erinw621
04-23-2009, 2:32 PM
I have kept a ten gallon tank with a goldfish for years now but he passed away, and I want to upgrade to something a little bigger with different fish.
I can only afford a 20 gallon tank right now and I'm looking to start cycling the tank.
I was thinking about this set up:
1 dwarf gourami
6 neons or cardinals
2 platies
4 panda corydoras
Any opinions on this? Can I cycle the tank with 2 platies? Also what temperature, pH, etc would be best for these fish? My final question is about breeding, how hard is it and would that be a problem with these fish?
I would appreciate any sort of advice!! Thanks in advance!
majortank
04-23-2009, 2:47 PM
With all the information out there on fishless cycles, I think it will be hard to find someone who recommends using fish in your cycle.
Your stock list seems fine. Maybe add another cory or two?
erinw621
04-23-2009, 2:53 PM
As I read through the forum, I see a lot of talk about cycling without fish. I thought the process was more complicated, but it's faster and more humane so I will go with this method.
You may be able to borrow some used media or gravel from the fish store to help speed up the cycle. I would be inclined to start with the platies if you go the fishy route.
The platies are fairly easy to breed. Two females and one male could do the trick.
erinw621
04-23-2009, 3:27 PM
I'm not so sure I want to have fish breeding, is that possible?
majortank
04-23-2009, 3:35 PM
Then take out the platies and you'll be fine. The other fish need certain requirements IME for them to breed. I"ll let someone with experience breeding follow up though.
erinw621
04-23-2009, 4:30 PM
I think maybe I'll take the platies out then!
Also, has anyone ever used these for water testing (because i hear strips can be inaccurate)?
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753390
It doesn't check for nitrite or nitrate levels. And I don't think the ammonia test is any more accurate than strips. The PH meter is not really necessary and its useless if your ph is over 7.4.
I'd get a liquid test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. You can get a master kit with all three included.
erinw621
04-23-2009, 5:34 PM
Ok, sounds like a liquid test kit is the way to go.
I've heard a few negative things about neon tetras, would any small tetra work in this tank?
Also would a pair of gouramis be alright if I did not get two platies?
Most small tetras would be fine in that tank. Just about any schooling fish under 2 inches should work. You could get one dwarf gourami. Two is usually a bad idea unless you are able to find a male/female pair.
furfinsfeathers
04-23-2009, 11:46 PM
If you do get neon tetras, add fish to the cycled tank a few fish every week or two and add the neon tetras last. They do best in a well-established tank.
erinw621
04-23-2009, 11:51 PM
If you do get neon tetras, add fish to the cycled tank a few fish every week or two and add the neon tetras last. They do best in a well-established tank.
Thanks for the advice! What kind of fish is your avatar I really like it?
The avator is an endler's livebearer. They reproduce like crazy. Fish stores usually sell only the pretty males however.