I set up a 10g tank this weekend, and after it had been running for 48 hrs, rushed to a locally owned pet store for my first few fish to begin the cycling process. I bought 2 lyretail mollies (1 male,1 female - my first foray into deliberate breeding) and a blackfin shark. I plan to go back in 2-3 weeks to get 2nd female mollie and a 2nd blackfin. And, finally 2-3 weeks after that, to get one angelfish. Total will be 6 fish in the tank. I realize that with this many fish, I'll probably have to stay on top of the water changes, but that's not a problem, as I truly enjoy caring for my pets. My question is, is this a good schedule for adding tank mates, or do I need to slow it down more?
new 10g tank setup
- Thread starter clyons10
- Start date
I'm afraid your angel won't be happy for very long in a 10 gallon tank. Not sure about the sharks either.....
You're better off choosing fish that won't outgrow your tank. There are plenty available...such as:
dwarf gouramis
cories
small to mid sized tetras
guppies
mollys
swords
kuhlii loach
some shell dweller species and other dwarf cichlids
killifish
otocinclus
1 male betta...OR....4-5 females
Lots to choose from that you won't have to be finding new homes for in a very short time.
You're right to add slowly...and give your tank time to adjust to the new load. Waiting a couple of weeks between additions can only help. The best way to tell when it's ok to add more, would be to keep track of your parameters. You may notice small spikes in ammonia and nitrites after an additon of new fish. When they go back to zero you can add a few more.
You're better off choosing fish that won't outgrow your tank. There are plenty available...such as:
dwarf gouramis
cories
small to mid sized tetras
guppies
mollys
swords
kuhlii loach
some shell dweller species and other dwarf cichlids
killifish
otocinclus
1 male betta...OR....4-5 females
Lots to choose from that you won't have to be finding new homes for in a very short time.
You're right to add slowly...and give your tank time to adjust to the new load. Waiting a couple of weeks between additions can only help. The best way to tell when it's ok to add more, would be to keep track of your parameters. You may notice small spikes in ammonia and nitrites after an additon of new fish. When they go back to zero you can add a few more.
I've never had bettas in with mollies. I did have one female in a tank with blue rams and dwarf gourami and she terrorized everyone in there and I had to take her out. Too bad, she's a gorgeous gold and looked lovely in that tank..
You may have to worry more about the mollies attacking the betta though. Those long flowing fins are hard for some fish to resist....
You may have to worry more about the mollies attacking the betta though. Those long flowing fins are hard for some fish to resist....
My plan is to get a larger tank - probably this summer - for the fish that outgrow the 10g, guess that'll be the angel and the blackfin's. I may even move the mollies. I just can't afford the larger tank right now. When that happens, I'm thinking of setting up the 10g with a large school of neon tetras or some other schooling fish. It'll be a grand challenge to keep two tanks going!