Fish for 12gal Tank

[brookelyn]

I am planning on purchasing a 12gal (Marineland Eclipse 12) aquarium later this spring, and right now I am trying to figure out what kinds of fish I can safely place in the tank without severely overcrowding it.

Below are the kinds of fish I'd like to place in the new tank, and I'd like to know from everyone here if all these would work in a 12gal or not. Thanks!

FISH:

- 3 Lemon Tetras (or 4 Glo-lites)
- 1 Bronze Corys
- 2 Albino Corys
- 1 Powder Blue (or Neon Blue) Dwarf Gourami

[Watcher74]

There is a little more info needed for anyone to give you a good answer.

First what are the dimensions of the tank? Height/Width/Length

Second what gallons per hour does your filtration provide?

Third, what schedule of maintenance are you planning on doing to the tank?

All three of these variables will dramatically change any answer someone gives to you.

[brookelyn]

The tank is 20 1/2" wide across the front, 17 1/2" wide across back, 10" from front to back & 17 3/4" high.

I have no idea what the GPH is for the tank. I can't seem to find that information.

30% weekly water changes along with monthly to bi-monthly gravel cleanings.

[brookelyn]

I located the GPH, and it is 150.

[OrionGirl]

I think you should be okay. Make sure the tank is well cycled before adding any fish, and you may want to consider adding some low light plants as a bit of a buffer, but the cories will likely be the largest bio-load in the tank (bronzes more so than the albinos, IME). You can clean the gravel with each water change, which will help keep the tank cleaner overall.

[brookelyn]

Why are corys such a big bio-load?

[OrionGirl]

The adult bronze and spotted cories can be up to 3-4 inches in length, and chunky buggers as well. I have spotted ones that are about 4 years old, and they are as long as my index finger, and about 3 times as big around. The skunks that are the same age are half that size.

[Watcher74]

That sounds like a larger tank than 12 gallons.

Have you tried pouring gallons from a milk jug into it to prove it's capacity?

I tried an online tool and it said it was 14 gallons. But I've often thought alot of those tools were flawed, but so that it said an aquarium held less than it actually does.

[brookelyn]

Since I have not purchased the tank yet, I cannot fill it up.

I listed the measurement specs off the Marineland web site for the Eclipse 12.

[Watcher74]

Doh!! Sorry.

[brookelyn]

So with all the fish I listed above, the 12gal tank should cycle without a problem?

I just want to be careful that I don't have bioload that the tank can't handle.

[OrionGirl]

Cycle the tank in advance--fishless cycling will provide a large bio-bed, well able to deal with the fish load. The size of the tank isn't actually the deciding factor for the biological component--the filter plays a large role there. A good filter will support more fish than the tank will.

[brookelyn]

Would the filter that comes with the Eclipse 12 system (or the Eclipse-1 hood unit) be a good enough filter?

[OrionGirl]

Should be. One suggestion--instead of using the cartridges that come for them, get some sponges and cut them to fit. Easier to clean, cheaper to replace, and doesn't force you to have carbon in the tank. I've been pretty happy with mine.

[brookelyn]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into picking up some sponges once I have the new tank.

I guess carbon is unnecessary?

[OrionGirl]

Carbon is good for some specific applicatins, like removing medications, but is not needed on healthy tanks. Frequent water changes will be of more benefit than carbon.

[Hound]

Just thought I'd chime in real quick. I like the tank you are planning, but I'd probably go with 3 panda cories and 5 or 6 lemon tetras. Panda cories don't get as large as most of the other species and I just believe most tetras like to be in groups of 6 or larger.

[brookelyn]

I would love to have Panda corys, but I already have two albino corys, and one bronze cory (currently they're in a three gallon tank), which will be in the 12gal, so I can't really fit anymore fish. I am, however, looking at maybe get getting a 15gal tank instead, which seems to be cheaper, and easier to find, so perhaps I'll have a bit more room.

[OrionGirl]

Look at the dimensions of the tank. Most 15 gallon tanks are just a taller version of the 10, which means you don't really gain any more room for bottom dwelling fish. A tank that has a larger foot print would allow you to get more cories--20's are a good example.

[Hound]

If you can manage the space I think a 20g wide tank is a good option.

[brookelyn]

I don't have the space for a 20gal. unfortunately. It's a small place I have here.

Would a 15gal (I believe the Eclipse-1 hood would fit a 15gal) allow me to have a few more Lemon tetras? The three corys I have now are happy as clams in their current grouping, so I will probably just stick with the three I have.

[OrionGirl]

7-8 should be fine in the 15. You wouldn't be able to add much more than the 10, but a slightly larger school would make the fish happier.

[brookelyn]

So...

2 - Albino corys
1 - Bronze cory
1 - Dwarf neon blue Gourami
7 - Lemon tetras

would all work in a 15gal tank?

[OrionGirl]

Should. You'll want to provide lots of cover--floating plants seem to work well for gouramies, keeps them out in the open more. Otherwise, a mix of plants (real or fake), wood and rock (also real or fake) will give them all a place to claim and be comfortable.

[brookelyn]

Would two white clouds (and only five tetras) work? White clouds usually like 74F max (from what I have heard) so I am not certain if they would far well in a tank at around 76-78F.

And thank you everyone for you feedback, it's been extremely helpful. :)

[OrionGirl]

White clouds do better at lower temps and in groups--I wouldn't have just a pair.