stocking suggestions

reignman40

reignman40

AC Members
Jun 15, 2005
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Spokane, WA, USA
Hey all,

I actually have a couple of questions for stocking suggestions. First off is a 10 gall kids tank. I have 3 children who are sharing this 10 gall. It's not ready for fish yet but I want to have a plan for when it is. Right now they have decided on Guppies and Tetras. For this I'm looking for some good numbers of these fish for a 10 gallon tank. Any other fish ideas that would go well feel free to throw out there. They are most likely going with a cartoon theme with purple substrate.

My next question is.. My 20 gallon in my sig is losing it's Panda Cories. I was recently inspired by EMG to do a black and white theme tank so I will be transferring my Pandas to that tank. Any suggestions for some other cool bottom swimmers to replace them would be great.

Thanks guys,
Curtis
 
To replace your panda cories you could get a small pleco, like a clown pleco, or you could get a kuhli loach or two.
 
5 guppys and 5 neon would to good. the neons need to be in a group of 5-6 or more, to feel safe (schoaling fish). as for the guppies i think 4 or 5 could be fine. get all male unless u want ur male population to increase rapidly.
 
You know I would LOVE to have Kuhli loaches in my 20 gall. But my substrate is Flourite and I've heard they recommend sand for them. My other concern in reading through their profile is the lighting issue. Being a planted tank my 20 gall has 55w of lighting.

Does anyone have experience with Kuhli Loaches around here with this type of environment? Or should I just forget it because of the setup I have?

Thanks,
Curtis

PS, anyone else have recommendations.
 
I think kuhli loaches will be okay in any substrate that is not sharp so it doesn't damage it's body on the substrate. I'm not sure how sharp or rounded flourish excel is, so I can't say if the loaches will be comfortable with it, but for the most part if it's like standard, unsharp gravel, it should be okay.

For your ten gallon, how about 6 neon tetras, and 3 guppies (1 male, 2 females). I suggest this ratio because male guppies need females around or else he will be very aggressive, and if you only have 1 female, the one female will be very stressed due to the male guppy, so if you have two, the stress will be spread around. When the guppies breed, you can let the fish eat the fry if you don't want more fish.
 
Kuhli Loaches have been a must in every tropical aquarium I've had over the years, from my experience they do fine in gravel type subtrates as long as the gravel doesn't have sharp edges (have 3 in the gravel floored tank in my bedroom, they're in fine health and have been growing like mad). Lighting shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as plants provide plenty of shade to the substrate. They generally like to find a nice dark hiding spot and spend most of the day there, so make sure you have some good places to hide. Mine spend their days lazing in a gap under a large peice of granite, coming out only at feed time (they're addicted to Wardley shrimp pellets) or for the occasional psychotic dash around the tank.
 
WinterWind said:
. I'm not sure how sharp or rounded flourish excel is, so I can't say if the loaches will be comfortable with it,
Click to expand...

Flourish Excel is a liquid additive that supplies a source of carbon(other than CO2) to plants. Maybe you meant to say flourite and just accidently typed flourish excel...if so, nevermind.
Kuhli loaches would be much happier in sand. I personally wouldn't keep them in flourite as it can be a bit sharp in places.
 
Yes I meant flourite. I'm an idiot. I really want Kuhli Loaches but I'm thinking my tank right now might now be right for them. Any other suggestions on bottom dwellers to take the place of my 4 Pandas?

I like the ratio of 6 neons and 3 Guppies. Do you guys think this would be maxed or could I possible get a couple bottom swimmers to finalize the tank?

Curtis
 
Actually, I was quoting Winterwind...not you. You typed it right the first time. ;)
No biggie though..
Anyway, 6 neons and 3 guppies sounds good. Keep in mind the guppies will breed unless you have all males. The fry will reduce your stocking limits.
For a bottom type feeder, I'd get a couple of otos, myself...and/or amano shrimp.
 
I think you would be pretty much maxed out with your fish choice, but a few shrimp wouldn't really add much and are pretty cool, so you could go that way. I'm not sure if everyone suggested neons b/c they are small, but they can be somewhat sensitive fish, and I wouldn't put them in the tank until it was well established. Also, I would keep up a good maintenance schedule for them, which might not happen if the kids are in charge :) of the tank too...
 
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