Bottom-Feeder suggestions for a small tank

[Bear]

Hi all
I've just (finally) pick up my tank - a little 16L (about 4 Gal) desktop jobbie - not your normal desktop size though - it's about 9 inches high and probably 20 inches wide.
My wife decided she really liked the larger pebble look instead of fine gravel.
I had planned on getting two dwarf gouramis and a few kuhli loaches to keep the bottom clean. I've read that kuhli's prefer sandy bottoms and can actually hurt themselves on larger gravel or stone -
Anyone have any suggestions on other small bottom feeders to keep the algae down?

Thanks!

[Leopardess]

I think that tank is too small for jsut about all the fish you mentioned, imo. The dimensions may be better than some, but the volume is 4 gallons regardless. Kuhlis get 4" and I wouldn't put one in anything under a 20-29 (granted, they can go a big smaller, but I wouldn't do it personally), imo. Also, dwarf gouramis are VERY territorial and two often aren't suggested for even larger tanks than a 4. Putting two of them in a 4g is not only VERY cramped space but is asking for trouble.


The only "bottom feeder" I can suggest are pygmy cories and snails. I wouldn't even put full size cories in that size tank. Sorry, but IMO your choices are very limited in a 4g. Mostly to the very small killie species and bettas.

[OrionGirl]

9 by 5 by 20? That's really small. I would not put anything in there...If you must, a pair of amano shrimp, and a pair of smaller killies would be all. What filtration do you have for it? With that depth, you're going to need something that provides a lot of water movement.

[Grassguy]

About all I could see putting in that tank would be a Betta and a coupla amano shrimp or a Gold Mystery Snail. Just about everything else I can think of would be too large for that small of a tank.:(

[Nikki D]

I think that I know what kind of tank your talking about, it's 24" long, 8" high and six wide and comes with a filter that is rated for a 10 gallon tank, mine is sitting on my computer desk beside me right now. We have two really small plants in it right now, two pygmy cories and were maybe thinking about a betta, and that was it, the thought also came up of maybe using it as a fry tank. The filter really moves the water around, we have ours set at the lowest possible current and it's still moving stuff around. If you have the tank from petcetera, be careful about the top of the hood, it gets pretty hot from that light.

Nikki

[Bear]

Thanks for all the replies - I based my fish choices on previous posted suggestions for a 5 gallon tanks but obviously overshot in my enthusiasm

Nikki - that is exactly the tank I've got from Petcetera - I noticed last night that the light bar was getting really hot - I'm a bit nervous about leaving it on when I'm not home due to that. I was hoping the larger surface area would provide a bit more aeration than a normally sized 4 gallon to hold a bit more of a bio-load - as well the filter is rated for a 10 gallon. The filter material is carbon fiber but I'm planning on putting in some filter floss instead of the carbon - also thinking of dropping some bio-balls for some additional biological filtration capacity.

The original plan had been for a betta tank but I want something that I have at least a pair of although it sounds like that may be a bit tough. I really like the idea of shrimp to keep the bottom clean, hadn't thought of it.

Next quick question - I'm trying to cycle the tank with "Cycle" - it says on the bottle that's all I need, although I've read other posts that adding small amts of amonia will help - anyone else try the "Cycle" product?

[dethjam316]

i have an eclipse 3g. i used to have one dwarf puffer in it, which was cool for about a month. then i realized i couldn't put *anything* else in it without it being too large or being tormented. the puffer has since passed on, and what i think i'll do eventually is bring it to work and follow some of the ideas here...maybe some little plants, a betta, and a couple shrimp. they're cool little tanks, but you are indeed limited as to stocking possibilities.

[OrionGirl]

Cycle is pretty well snake oil. It will not introduce the bacteria needed for establishing the tank. Ammonia is used as food for the bacteria, and testing is used to determine when the cycling is complete. Search on Fishless Cycling for details.

[aquariumfishguy]

No matter how much filtration you get going in this small tank, it is still a 4 gal tank and this doesnt allow for much fish. I recommend a betta or maybe some white clouds...pretty much the same as what everyone else has recommended. (a snail might be nice?)

[dethjam316]

i have a snail. he's a winner. though, you really just have to think they look cool, because in my experience, they don't do much.

[OldVamp]

some zebra danios (zebra fish) might be ok for that small a tank? i think they only get about 2", and they would be shiny and add a lot of movement.

[Leopardess]

Danios are very active swimmers. IMO they don't belong in a tank that small. Plus, they ought to be in schools - something that is not feasible in that size tank.

[ScottoMacD]

In a four gallon tank you could very easily fit in three otos.

They stay very small and are fantastic cleaners. They will go well with whatever you decide to put in the tank. As long as it is not on the agressive side.

The only thing with otos is that they have to be in a small group. Three is preferable but two will do if space dictates that.

Cherry barbs would work nice. Two (1 male, 1 female) in a four gallon with the otos.
Or how about a couple of the more docile tetras. IE: Head and tail light, or rummynose tetras. Both are mid to top swimmers and will fill the tank out nicely with the otos on the bottom.


One more thing about the otos. Do NOT place them in the tank until it is fully cycled. They don't tolerate harsh water conditions very well. Also make sure to drop in a quarter or half of a spirulina tablet every few days to help supplement their diet and keep them healthy and happy.

One very important thing to remember about small tank is that your water change regiment has to be strick. Weekly or bi-weekly 25 to 50% changes are a must if you want the fish to survive and thrive. If you decide to go with the once weekly 50% change. In a smaller tank like yours you can help yourself and the fish out with the water quaility by only feeding every second day. This will cut down on the pollution uneaten food can and will cause.

Regards.

[Slappy*McFish]

Agree with the above posts...your best bets are amano shrimp, snails, and otos.

[Leopardess]

From what I've heard/read, I don't think I would put rummy noses in that tank. They really need to be in a school of at least six - and there won't be room for that in the tank. Also, I believe that they would do best in a planted tank with lots of swimming space. Plus, they're awfully delicate little buggers:)

I don't know, I guess I don't think any of the tetras would be a good choice for that sized/dimensioned tank.

[Bear]

Thanks for all the great suggestions...
At this point I'm leaning towards either the Otos or the Amano shrimp on the bottom...
Still not sure what else...maybe a pair of livebearers.
I'll post an update when I get the tank cycled and get some fish in there :)

[aquariumfishguy]

Actually, Ottos desire extreamly clean pristine water and a tank of that size wouldn't work well with them. Newbies seem to have a hard enough time keeping them in a 10 gallon tank, let alone a 4 gallon.