Help Me Plan My DREAM 10 Gallon! [Archive]

Jspigs

10-01-2009, 4:41 PM

I just want to make it clear from the beginning that this tank is not going to happen any time soon, this is just for fun:).

That said I was thinking that it would be fun to plan a dream 10 gallon. The reason I say 10 gallon as opposed to something bigger is because I hope that at some time in the future (hopefully not too many years from now) I will be able to get a tank like this and I know 10 gallons is as big a tank as I could possibly convince my parents to let me get.

So I was thinking my dream tank would be a planted tank. Any suggestions for easy to care for low light plants?

I also want the tank to be filtered by a penguin bio-wheel filter, what size should I get?

And finally: Anyone have any stocking suggestions?

Please comment.

P.S. How much will a full 10 gallon tank weigh (spelling)?

montanafish gal

10-01-2009, 4:45 PM

I personally like amazon swords, giant hygro, anabacis (?) I didn't like java fern it kept getting these little brown fuzzy growths that looked terrible.

Flower1982

10-01-2009, 4:48 PM

I've always had good luck with java fern, java moss and anubis plants. They are good low light plants. Java ferns do spread so all you need is a few plants to start the within a few months or so you should have baby plants growing from the adult plants. As for fish it depends on what kind of fish you like.

Jspigs

10-01-2009, 5:15 PM

I definatelly want a bottom dweller that will eat algae.

I also want some colorful fish.

Flower1982

10-01-2009, 5:53 PM

In an established tank otocinclus catfish are good algae eaters. I've kept 2 in my 10 gallon tank before. you may want to get some shrimps. shrimps are very interesting to have in a tank too.

Rbishop

10-01-2009, 6:13 PM

80-100 pounds...

Lycanthropic

10-01-2009, 10:47 PM

Rbishop is right with the weight. Why not go with a bit of a bigger tank? 15-20 gallons IMO would be a much better choice, more room for fish. If you got a 20 long, there could be a multitude of options and the end result could be rediculously beautiful... just my 2 cents.

Blown 346

10-01-2009, 11:33 PM

For fish I have always like schooling Tetras, Neons or cardinals. Maybe some male guppies to help throw more color in the tank. The guppies will be a mid to top swimming fish, mine are anyway.

l3lhsl3

10-01-2009, 11:35 PM

german blue rams

Conski

10-01-2009, 11:35 PM

10s and 20's really arent that different man, you could totally get away with it! that way you could even have GBRS like the guy above me said... those fish are bomb

Jspigs

10-02-2009, 4:53 PM

I need fish that are easy to care for any Ideas?

FindingBlemo

10-02-2009, 5:03 PM

Pretty much anything along the lines of a school of tetras. After your initial set-up get some corys!

German Blue Rams... hmmm... are those easy to care for? I don't have any experience with them.

BagelDog

10-02-2009, 8:11 PM

German Blue Rams are not easy to care for due to their sensitivity to water quality. (A ten gallon tank is going to have larger fluctuations in water parameters due to it's small size.) GBRs are also a bit too territorial for a 10 gallon. (It's is really funny to watch them pick "fights" with each other though.)

After keeping some Corys in a ten gallon for a couple months, I find it's a bit on the cramped side for these fish. They are extremely playful and need to be in groups of six plus. It's kind of like locking six a hyperactive four year olds in a small closet. They'll still have fun but you might feel a bit guilty about it.
You could try Corydoras Hasbrosas. These guys stay VERY small, about one inch. Perfect for a tiny ten gallon!
http://www.scotcat.com/images/habrosus.jpg

I really like the idea of having a hearty shrimp in your tank like Red Cherry Shrimp. These guys are cheap, colorful and pretty fun to watch. I buy mine from Mgamer's for sale thread. He also has a good bit of easy to care for plants for beginners. He'll even pick them out for you if you aren't "in the know". Make sure to plant heavily. The shrimp will love it and the large quantity of plants will out compete the algae for nutrients. Between keeping plants and shrimp in your tank, you may not even need a bottom feeder. (Just make sure to put your lights on a timer or your will have algae issues.)

Add a couple of small schooling fish and you've got your self an awesome mini community tank. And as an added bonus the cherry shrimp and Corys stand a good chance of breeding in your aquarium. Sounds fun to me!
Hope this helps.

Jspigs

10-06-2009, 5:02 PM

rocker92

10-06-2009, 5:08 PM

i wouldnt get it, walmart sells glass tanks with hood and filter for 34 bucks, it may not be the filter you want but you can get a better filter and some other things and still be below 100 bucks.

just my two pennies.

Jspigs

10-06-2009, 5:10 PM

Jspigs

10-13-2009, 4:20 PM

What are some easy to care for plants?

I am especially interested in plants that will carpet the bottom of my tank.

joel.uejio

10-13-2009, 4:45 PM

I'll 2nd the suggestion for anubias. They're not grass-like, but *super* hardy, and I think a tank bed covered in anubias with a few rocks rising up out of the vegetation would look amazing! ...like an African mountain at 1/100000th scale. :D

The you could do a colony of shrimp living in the "trees" and some tetras schooling in the "sky".

jamiya0727

10-13-2009, 5:03 PM

Does anyone know about this tank?: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752388&ab=fish_fc1d

I hear the lid is a pain and it's a 12 gallon not a ten but it looks like it might work.

What do all of you think about this tank?

I actually have that tank (and a system-6 and a system-3). They might be pricier than buying separate components, but I like the all-in-one - very simple, nothing hanging off the back. The only minor problem is there is no good way to transfer media to a new tank to cycle it faster, but if you are only going to have one tank that doesn't matter. You do need to be careful to not scratch the acrilyc, but we haven't had problems with ours.

Jamiya

jamesstill84

10-14-2009, 2:18 PM

You could do a school of Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae) or Phoenix Rasboras (Boraras merah) with some Red Cherry Shrimp, Venezuelan Pygmy Cories (Corydoras pygmaeus) & maybe a snail. You might be able to do a pair of Clown Killis (Pseudepiplathys annulatus).

lookit

10-14-2009, 3:32 PM

Js, I too have the Eclipse System 12, along with a System 3. They're both in my office and each is heavily planted with low light plants. I use only the in-the-lid standard light and Flourish Excel and have no problems growing plants in either. The System 3 is my betta's home, while the System 12 houses 3 otos, 5 flame tetras, a yoyo loach, one ramshorn snail and a multitude of trumpet snails.

When you say you hear the lid on the System 12 is a pain, I don't know what you mean. I have no problem with mine. I find the tank easy to clean and refill (I refill by pouring water into the filter compartment rather than directly into the tank). It's certainly much easier to clean than the System 3, which is a pain in the a** to clean until you get used to it.

The plants I'm growing in my tanks include Java moss, Java fern, crytocoryne, anubias, valisneria and anacharis.

I suppose it is pricier than other tank set-ups, but the only additional equipment you need to buy is a heater and a thermometer. (A timer for the light is really helpful, but not necessary). I find the System 12 clean, sleek and very quiet. I highly recommend it for a starter tank. But do be careful not to scratch the acrilyc (use only soft cloth on the outside and aquarium safe sponge on the inside).

Jspigs

10-14-2009, 3:37 PM

I heard about he lid being a pain when reading reviews on another website.

How is the filtration on the eclipse system 12?

lookit

10-14-2009, 3:46 PM

I find the filtration to be just fine, but bear in mind that I don't house big poop machines in either tank. I did have one platy in the 12 who was a veritable poop factory, but she lives elsewhere now. Also, I'm very good about my twice weekly water changes. I really think you would like the System 12. If I were to give an aquarium set up to someone as a present, I would definitely go with the System 12.

lookit

10-14-2009, 4:04 PM

Oh, by the way, I forgot to say that I also grow water wisteria (hygrophila) in both the System 12 and 3 tanks.

Brian Bivens

10-14-2009, 4:13 PM

a 10 gallon tank is fine to set up (What I let my daughter have), and you could do something really cool like a couple of dwarf puffers, with the java fern, java moss and some amazons. Tons of nuissance snails (fish stores give them away for free!)...

Jspigs

10-14-2009, 5:35 PM

This "dream tank" is becoming a reality:):):D:D!!! I might be getting the 12 gallon tank plus ammonia to cycle it with as soon as this weekend:D:D:):):)!!!!!

Sorry for all the smilies, I'm REALLY excited!!!

I probably won't get the fish for a while after the tank cycles as I am planning on getting the fish this summer (or sooner if I can convince my parents).

I still don't know what kind of fish I am going to get though.

I also want a snail so all fish need to be snail compatible.

I also want a fish that will clean algae off the glass, Any ideas?

jamesstill84

10-14-2009, 5:40 PM

The Otos that are already mentioned will be great for that. They're fairly active too. You could get a Pomacea Diffusa, or a Nerite snail...

Congrats on getting your new tank!

lookit

10-14-2009, 6:01 PM

lookit

10-14-2009, 6:02 PM

Well, actually, otos are fine if you're tank is a well established tank. Don't start off by putting them in a newly cycled tank. At least give it 3 or 4 months of being established before you try out otos.

jamesstill84

10-14-2009, 6:14 PM

If you didn't want Oto's, you might be able to find a Pitbull Pleco. They stay really small too.

67chevelle

10-14-2009, 6:17 PM

Does anyone know about this tank?: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752388&ab=fish_fc1d

I hear the lid is a pain and it's a 12 gallon not a ten but it looks like it might work.

What do all of you think about this tank?
I have 2,and I think they are a pain,because of the lid.You are also stuck with the filter that the hood comes with,which is not that big of deal,but I like to run 2 filters.I changed the bulb in the ones I have and keep lowlight plants in them.They are also acrylic,so keep that in mind when buying things to clean it with.

67chevelle

10-14-2009, 6:21 PM

If you didn't want Oto's, you might be able to find a Pitbull Pleco. They stay really small too.
They stay small,but you shouldn't put one in anything smaller than a 20.They will produce too much waste in a 10 or 12.And really just need some more room than a 10 or 12 provides.
Otos are great algae eaters,but are kind of touchy IME with them.They need a mature,well established planted tank to make it.

jamesstill84

10-14-2009, 6:25 PM

Good point. :)

Jspigs

10-14-2009, 7:17 PM

Congratulations!!! Otos are great for algea, just be sure to have places for them to hide. And they need driftwood. If you don't have any other fish to put in it, why don't you put Fred in it (after it cycles, of course).

Funny you should mention driftwood because I was thinking of getting some and putting some java fern on it.

I am not going to put Fred in it because he is a fairly aggressive Betta (he nips at my fingers, snails, and the occasional plant).

Also I want some colorful fish that school.

EDIT: I am not able to take care of fry so I need fish that are either all male or all female.

But I really want to figure out what kind of plants to get because I am going to cycle the tank with the plants in it.

jamiya0727

10-15-2009, 11:48 AM

I probably won't get the fish for a while after the tank cycles as I am planning on getting the fish this summer (or sooner if I can convince my parents).

Can someone who knows things say whether this is possible? After it cycles, wouldn't you either need to add the fish, or keep adding ammonia? Otherwise the bacteria would have nothing to eat and would die....right?

lookit

10-15-2009, 2:53 PM

Well, that's why I suggested he put is betta in the tank once it cycles.

Jspigs

10-15-2009, 3:11 PM

If I can't get my new fish right after the tank is done cycling then I will keep adding ammonia.

lookit

10-15-2009, 4:26 PM

why not get at least a couple of male guppies? They're inexpensive and pretty.

Jspigs

10-15-2009, 6:42 PM

would Guppies get along/school?

jamesstill84

10-15-2009, 6:44 PM

I don't think they would. I have guppys with muppys and the only reason they hang out together is to argue over who's gonna hook up with the females next.

Jspigs

10-15-2009, 8:15 PM

I also decided not to buy the eclipse tank due to the low lightingand instead buy a ten gallon tank, a fluorescent hood, and a penguin 100 bio-wheel power filter.

BUT I STILL NEED HELP WITH PLANTS.

P.S. the capitol/bold letters are just to show it's urgent. I was not trying to be rude:).

hirschy75

10-15-2009, 8:27 PM

get some... :)

You can get anything from moss to anubias

Just probably stay away from hc or riccia

67chevelle

10-15-2009, 8:41 PM

I run 1 penguin 100,and 1 penguin 150 on all my 10 gallons.I would get a 150 instead of a 100 personally.Adding a 100 isn't really necessary,I just like to have a backup.

Check out the classifieds here for lowlight plants. Customdrum always has lowlight plants at great prices.http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208856

Jspigs

10-16-2009, 8:48 PM

Now it's definite. Tank+filter+stand+plants+sand+ammonia=what I am getting tomorrow!

I am not getting fish yet because I am going to fishless cycle the tank first.

P.S. If I get a ammonia/water solution that is 10% ammonia how much of the ammonia should I add to get to 5 ppm?

EDIT: I am definitely starting to catch Multi-Tank Syndrome.

jrawebb83

10-16-2009, 10:01 PM

I don't know if you already have your heart set on a particular tank but you can always check craigslist. I just got a 10 gal with stand and penguin 100 for $45. I saw some other cheap full set-ups on there too. I recall a 10gal with hood, lights, filter, and heater for $10.

As far as plants I would suggest getting them right here on AC. I've had a good experience both times I purchased from other members.

And as far as ammonia, won't decaying plants create ammonia? I don't know if this will be enough to continue to feed the good algae, but if so, you may be able to hold off on buying fish.

jrawebb83

10-17-2009, 6:23 PM

:duh:
Sorry, good bacteria, not algae.

Jspigs

10-17-2009, 7:19 PM

Well I bought everything (except the fish) but the Penguin Bio-wheel 150 is making a grinding noise. Every thing is installed properly but the filter still makes noise. It has been making this noise since I set it up (2-3 hours ago) so I don't think there is air where there shouldn't be.

What could be making this noise?

67chevelle

10-17-2009, 7:26 PM

Did you fill it up with water before you pluged it in?

Jspigs

10-17-2009, 7:35 PM

Did you fill it up with water before you pluged it in?

No, Should I have?

67chevelle

10-17-2009, 7:41 PM

Yes,every time you start it up,make sure it is full of water.Get a glass and fill it until the wheel turns,and water is falling into the tank.

Jspigs

10-17-2009, 8:47 PM

The Bio-wheel was spinning but I unplugged the filter, filled it up,and started it up again.

Now after running for a bit after I restarted it is somewhat quieter but it is still a little loud/annoying.

Jspigs

10-18-2009, 9:07 AM

Good news! I left the Bio-wheel on overnight and it quieted down so much that I think it's at the normal noise level for any penguin 150.

Jspigs

10-18-2009, 12:02 PM

Now for stocking.

I want some schooling fish,

I want a bottom feeder,

I want a snail,

and I want a colorful centerpiece fish.

All the fish need to be easy to care for

I can put a heater in the tank if need be.

NO FISH WILL BE PUT IN THE TANK UNTIL AFTER IT CYCLES.

esparonisproud

10-18-2009, 12:31 PM

10 gal hmm
me personally
male guppies,female betta,small tetras neons they are colorfull and some cory cats

Jspigs

10-18-2009, 4:21 PM

I am not sure I want any female Bettas.

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 4:48 PM

Now for stocking.

I want some schooling fish,
RUMMY-NOSE/NEON/CARDINAL TETRAS/DANIOS
I want a bottom feeder,
CORYS/OTOs/1 small PLECO
I want a snail,
APPLE/NERITE/MYSTERY/RAMSHORN
and I want a colorful centerpiece fish.
MALE BETTA/GOURAMI/GB RAM

Obviously some things wont work with others but here are a few possibilities that I've seen people do...not saying that they are good/right...just that this is what most people get or thin about getting

Jspigs

10-18-2009, 6:59 PM

How big do plecos get?

Chrisinator

10-18-2009, 7:03 PM

I'd say go for Threadfins or something a little harder to find species. I like Lampeye Killifish, Threadfin Rainbowfish and Blueyed Rainbowfis. I would also consider some Pencilfish (Dwarves preferably).

As for bottom feeders, I'd recommend going with the Dwarf Cories. Habrosus or Pygmy woudl be fine.

I would go for Nerite Snails since they have really cool looking shells.

As for the others, I'd go for a Blue Dwarf Gourami.

My 2cents.

The thing is, it might be a little tight to have
6 of a school
6 Cories
& 1 dwarf gourami

Chrisinator

10-18-2009, 7:06 PM

How big do plecos get?

Generally, I thnk it's about 4"+

If you looking for algae eaters, think about snails or a school of Otos intead of Cories.

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 7:07 PM

How big do plecos get?

Don't get a normal one because they get huge. You can find a nicer one that will stay rather small like 4 in max.

But personally I'd take a trio of otos or the dwarf corries like he said ^^^

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 7:10 PM

The thing is, it might be a little tight to have
6 of a school
6 Cories
& 1 dwarf gourami

:clap:

Get a school of 6 and then do a SMALL pleco or 3 otos.

I wouldn't worry about a center with a ten if your doing cories and another school of 6

If it was up to me I'd probably roll with 7 cardinals, a GBR, shrimp & snails.

Don't feel compelled that you have to have a sucker fish or whatever...

Jspigs

10-18-2009, 7:36 PM

I want a suckerfish because I think they look cool and I have always wanted one ever since I can remember.

EDIT: It does not have to be a pleco, I'd be open to some kind of catfish.

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 8:25 PM

6 cardinals, 3 otos, a gbr?

a little cramped but with the right amount of water changes it would/could work

Jspigs

10-18-2009, 8:42 PM

I hear that german blue rams are hard to care for/wouldn't work in a ten gallon:

German Blue Rams are not easy to care for due to their sensitivity to water quality. (A ten gallon tank is going to have larger fluctuations in water parameters due to it's small size.) GBRs are also a bit too territorial for a 10 gallon. (It's is really funny to watch them pick "fights" with each other though.)

By the way the filter is VERY quiet now.

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 8:54 PM

I hear that german blue rams are hard to care for/wouldn't work in a ten gallon:

By the way the filter is VERY quiet now.

I worked at a fish store for two years and all sorts of people had them. I'm not saying its right but you can do it. It's no difference than a gourami in my opinion

Chrisinator

10-18-2009, 9:14 PM

Working at a pet store, anyone can have anything.

If you want a GBR, have it by itself. Nothing else. Gouramies aren't as fatter in body shape than GBRs.

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 9:21 PM

Working at a pet store, anyone can have anything.

If you want a GBR, have it by itself. Nothing else. Gouramies aren't as fatter in body shape than GBRs.

I wouldn't agree. They are great community fish.

And they are still often as big size wise, being thinner doesn't make them any more suited for a 10 with other fish.

Either way having no centerpiece is probably best for him since he wants a schooling fish which means 6+ and a sucker fish (1 pleco, 3+ otos, 5+ corries) Those should put him at the edge of being safe.

jrawebb83

10-18-2009, 9:41 PM

Personally I would go with otos for your algae eaters. They seem to have quite a bit of character once they get comfortable with the new tank.

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I have a 10 gallon I'm cycling right now and trying to think of a good stocking arrangement. I would have to agree with either choosing a center piece or a school, not both.

I would like a GBR but I'm hesitating because of mixed opinions about whether 10 gallons meets requirements. I'm sure it would work, but quality of life has to be a consideration too.

What about a pair of peacock gudgeon?

hirschy75

10-18-2009, 9:45 PM

Chrisinator

10-18-2009, 10:10 PM

What about a pair of peacock gudgeon?

I highly recommend these! :D I have 3 of them! :D

jrawebb83

10-18-2009, 10:36 PM

I highly recommend these! :D I have 3 of them! :D

Where did you get them? I haven't seen any at any lfs...

Jspigs

10-19-2009, 3:18 PM

When you say "a pair" I assume you mean a male and a female. I don't want to have fry because I can't take care of them and if they died I would be really sad.

lookit

10-19-2009, 5:44 PM

In my 12-gallon Eclipse, I have 3 otos (whom I rarely see unless I'm looking in their hidey-holes), 4 flame tetras and 1 yoyo loach. I'd like to have a couple more of the flames, but for now the 4 are just fine. The don't school like others would, but they provide lots of activity, while my yoyo loach, Rapper, is the clown of the tank. He's all over the tank throughout the day. I also have one ramshorn snail and lots and lots of Malaysian trumpet snails. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with the tank. It's by no means overly stocked, but there plenty going all day.

Jspigs

10-19-2009, 8:55 PM

I would rather the fish school.

bluekrissyspike

10-19-2009, 10:34 PM

i did not read the whole thread but i can suggest that if you want a school of small fish go with 8 neon tetras and if you want something to help with algea a bit and also help keep up with your plants care for you add about a dozen or up to 20 cherry shrimps in there. then it will be stocked beautifully. the neons are colourful and the shrimps are so much fun to watch.

livebearerfreak

10-19-2009, 11:29 PM

why not get:
8 neons
6 pgmy cories
6 otos
3 male gups
and a dozon or so ghost shrimp/rcs ( one of the 2 not both at the same time )

hirschy75

10-19-2009, 11:51 PM

why not get:
8 neons
6 pgmy cories
6 otos
3 male gups
and a dozon or so ghost shrimp/rcs ( one of the 2 not both at the same time )

please tell me your kidding...

if you want to kill the fish or do a water change a day than go ahead but there are way to many fish in that stocking list.

lookit

10-20-2009, 10:18 AM

:iagree:

Jspigs

10-20-2009, 3:10 PM

Good news! I am already seeing nitrites! The level is still below .25 ppm (the lowest reading other than zero on the color card) but still nitrites :).

P.S. I use API liquid test kits.

Jspigs

10-20-2009, 3:11 PM

why not get:
8 neons
6 pgmy cories
6 otos
3 male gups
and a dozon or so ghost shrimp/rcs ( one of the 2 not both at the same time )

When I read this I also thought it was too many fish.

Jspigs

10-21-2009, 3:21 PM

I am definitely going to get some neons and some corys, the question is how many of each should I get?

Also I want an easy to care for snail, any Ideas?

hirschy75

10-21-2009, 4:07 PM

I am definitely going to get some neons and some corys, the question is how many of each should I get?

Also I want an easy to care for snail, any Ideas?

6-8 and 6

mystery, apple, mts, rams...

snails really aren't hard at all...

Jspigs

10-21-2009, 4:32 PM

how big does a mystery snail get?

hirschy75

10-21-2009, 4:48 PM

HERE (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+big+do+mystery+snails+get) you go

Jspigs

10-21-2009, 4:54 PM

So about the size of a golfball?

Also would having 6 neon tetras and 6 sterbai corys be overstocking my tank?

hirschy75

10-21-2009, 4:56 PM

So about the size of a golfball?

Also would having 6 neon tetras and 6 sterbai corys be overstocking my tank?

A ten? I'm not to familiar with sterbai corys but if they are about the size of juliis than I'm sure you'll be ok because the neons aren't to big on the bioload

Jspigs

10-21-2009, 5:54 PM

So what about 6 julii corys, 8 neons, and 1 mystery snail?

hirschy75

10-21-2009, 7:47 PM

id do 7 if you want more than six

jpappy789

10-21-2009, 7:55 PM

Too much for me...

Jspigs

10-21-2009, 8:07 PM

Too much for me...

How many of each would you recommend?

Jspigs

10-22-2009, 5:22 PM

Bump.

hirschy75

10-22-2009, 5:40 PM

If you want a legit get one school or the other...not both. It shouldn't be done for a ten especially if your new but people do and do it well. If you want pygmys search for dwarfs...you could probably get those and neons but the rest is somewhat pushing it.

Still I'd say go with otos instead of corrys.

Jspigs

10-22-2009, 6:19 PM

How many otos should I get? And how many neons should I get?

jrawebb83

10-22-2009, 7:55 PM

I'd say 3 otos and 4-8 neons.

Or 3 otos, 4-5 neon, and a betta.

hirschy75

10-22-2009, 8:03 PM

I'd say 3 otos and 4-8 neons.

Or 3 otos, 4-5 neon, and a betta.

Could have a problem with the betta and neons.

6-8 neons and 3 otos and you should be rocking and rolling.

Plus you could add a bunch of inverts and make it pretty sick.

BUT I'd rather get cardinals than neons...much nicer

Jspigs

10-22-2009, 8:35 PM

I was just gonna ask how many cardinals could I get?

Assuming I was getting the same number of ottos.

bluekrissyspike

10-22-2009, 8:42 PM

that sounds like a lot for a ten g to me. i tend to understock, i know but it helps keep things balanced and a bit more low maintenance.

jrawebb83

10-22-2009, 8:43 PM

Could have a problem with the betta and neons.

I have several tetra species (neon, glo light, blue) in my 30 with a betta and every thing is cool. Also I researched quite a bit about betta tank mates and neons were one of the most common suggestions.

All that aside, Jspigs these are just suggestions. You may or may not have the same experience that I do, or someone else does, even when getting the same species/count.

Good luck with your tank though. Post some pics when you can.

Jspigs

10-22-2009, 9:16 PM

I found out that I could have 6 cardinal tetras and 3 otos and My tank would be 99% stocked and I would have plenty of filtration.

I used this calculator: http://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php

jrawebb83

10-22-2009, 10:43 PM

I found out that I could have 6 cardinal tetras and 3 otos and My tank would be 99% stocked and I would have plenty of filtration.

I used this calculator: http://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php

That calculator is pretty cool. Good find.

fishguy001

10-23-2009, 12:45 AM

For colourful fish you can get several guppies and some corydoras but not bottom feeder can just servive on algae and should be fed with sinking pellets

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 3:16 PM

For colourful fish you can get several guppies and some corydoras but not bottom feeder can just servive on algae and should be fed with sinking pellets

I am planning to supplement the bottom feeders diet.

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 3:20 PM

That calculator is pretty cool. Good find.

Thanks, I read about it in this thread: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205321

67chevelle

10-23-2009, 3:57 PM

Oto's IME are very touchy.They are great algae eaters,but they can be difficult to keep alive.I have had the best luck with them in a 30 gallon that is well established,and planted.Every time I have put some in a 10,I've lost all but 1 or 2 of them,and put the survivors in my 30.
Just my 2 cents.

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 4:32 PM

67chevelle

10-23-2009, 4:41 PM

You can always try otos,I wouldn't until it has been set up for 3 or 4 months though.They do much better in stable established tanks.It's up to you though.
I would not worry about bottom feeders in a 10 gallon.Just don't overfeed the fish you get,and they won't be necessary.
I have found 10's work best for single species of schooling fish.
I have one 10 with 12 emperor tetra.Another that has sand substrate with more pepper cory than I care to admit to.And another with 6 cherry barbs,and 6 black neon tetra.
I just think 10's are too small to have a true community tank,and it's best to find one species you like,and go with that.
You can always add some inverts to add some variety.Cherry shrimp,and nerite snails will add some diversity to you tank.

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 6:42 PM

would a mystery/apple snail work in a tank with (insert number here) cardinal tetras/(insert number here) neon tetras?

I hope to be able to get cardinal tetras but I will get neons if my LFS doesn't have any cardinals.

hirschy75

10-23-2009, 6:45 PM

67chevelle

10-23-2009, 6:52 PM

you could have 2 apple snails and 12 cardinal or neon tetra.Keep an eye on the snails if you get them.You may get a male and female.They lay their eggs above the water line,so you can remove and freeze them,then toss them in the trash of you don't want the babies.

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 9:54 PM

The aquarium stocking calculator says apple snails will get to big for my tank.

How about 11 cardinal tetras and 1 mystery snail? The stocking calculator says with that setup the tank will be 107% stocked and I will have plenty of filtration .

67chevelle

10-23-2009, 10:12 PM

apple snails and mystery snails are the same thing.The large apple snails,the ones that get to be the size of apples, are next to impossible to find,and are illegal to ship(i think).

I think 11 cardinal tetra and 1 mystery snail would be perfect!
That calculator is really cool!

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 10:30 PM

Well it turns out that apple/mystery snails are bad for planted tanks because they will eat your plants.

Here is a link (look under why not): http://www.planetinverts.com/apple_snail.html

67chevelle

10-23-2009, 10:47 PM

I don't know where that site got their info,but unless the plants are already decaying and dying,they do not eat plants.
I've got some pics of a couple of mine in one of my planted tanks if you want to see.

Jspigs

10-23-2009, 10:58 PM

I went to http://www.applesnail.net/ and found out that apple/mystery snails do not eat healthy plants.

Jspigs

10-24-2009, 8:50 PM

I went to my LFS today to get some Flourish Excell ( I ended up getting a heater, a standing thermometer, and a backround too, I can never walk out of there with just what I came for lol) and looked around and found out that they did not have any cardinal tetras so I am going to have to get neons instead.

Does this change how many fish I can have?

Also Do I have to add extra calcium into a mystery/apple snails tank/food?

Jspigs

10-25-2009, 9:19 AM

Also what type of food should I feed neons? Fish food obviously, but what kind of fish food (veggie flakes, tropical flakes, etc.)?

Jspigs

10-25-2009, 4:33 PM

One thing I forgot to mention is that if my tank is cycled before the end of November then I will get my fish then. Because I spent over $250.00 when I got everything (the tank, the lights, the plants, etc.) I got a coupon for $60.00 in FREE fish:woot:! But the coupon expires at the end of November so I am really hoping the cycle goes by quickly and is done before then.

Chrisinator

10-25-2009, 4:53 PM

If it's close, I'd get the fish. That's 60 bucks man!!

Neon Tetras and Cardinals aren't much different in size (although I think Cardinals get bigger). You can stick with your 11 Neons and your snail.

Jspigs

10-25-2009, 5:05 PM

I am definitely going to wait until the cycle is finished (I am already seeing nitrate) before I get the fish. I decided not to get the mystery snail because I looked at them when I was in my LFS and they looked a little too big for my liking. Instead I am going to take a pond snail or two from my 2.5 gallon Betta tank and put it/them in my new ten gallon.

Jspigs

10-27-2009, 6:01 PM

I never did post a pic of my new tank in this thread.

Well Here you go:):
109347

Those grass-like plants may appear to be dying but the are some form of sagittarius which will melt down then regrow smaller.

Jspigs

10-29-2009, 9:18 PM

I am estimating that I might be able to get my neons this weekend!
todays test results:

ammonia=0 (I just added more)

nitrite= .5

I did not test nitrate today.

I am estimating that tomorrow ammonia and nitrite will be 0 and then I will add ammonia one last time just to be sure and then Saturday if the ammonia and nitrites are both 0 I will do a BIG water change and then get my neons!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

jrawebb83

10-29-2009, 9:25 PM

Cool congrats

Jspigs

10-30-2009, 5:28 PM

Nitrite is still .5 but it has not been 24 hours yet since I added more ammonia so there is still a chance.

Because I am so close I want to finalize my plans.

Fish: 12 Neon tetras.

Snails ~5-5+ pond snails (came in on the plants and have survived thee cycle so far).

Food: HIKARI® FLAKE TROPICAL, but I would like to have a backup in case my LFS does not have HIKARI® FLAKE TROPICAL. Any ideas?

Stocking was determined using the stocking calculator mentioned earlier.

chenwb

10-30-2009, 5:42 PM

Neons are so trite and the currently available stock has tons of problems! I suggest another fish!

Jspigs

10-30-2009, 7:17 PM

Neons are so trite and the currently available stock has tons of problems! I suggest another fish!

I happen to like the way they look and my LFS does not have very many options for schooling fish!

67chevelle

10-30-2009, 7:34 PM

Jspigs

11-08-2009, 6:55 PM

My tank is finally cycled:D so today I did a few big water changes (the equivalent of about a 150% water change) to get the nitrate below 20 ppm and then I GOT MY NEON TETRAS:):):):):):D!!!!!!!

I acclimated the neons and they are now swimming around in a school and appear to be healthy!

Here are some pics:
110396

110397

110398

Also the Legos that are in front of the filter outlet are to slow the flow for my neons.