Would you add more fish?

[rena_bean]

I have a 20 gal tall with gravel substrate and a few artificial plants and rock formation. The current residents are 2 synodontis nigrita and 6 serpae tetras. I have had the tank set up since August and test results are:

Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate < 20
pH =8.4
Haaaard water

I was thinking of adding one of the following:

3 more serpae tetras, or

a pair of flame gourami's, or

one betta

What do you think (besides that my catfish will probably need a new home)?

Thanks!

[Red Tailed Wonder]

Hi there,

Really the best choice would be more serpea tetras, this is because they have a reputation of being fin nippers, because of this a betta would certainly not work, neithere a gourami. However a group of say 5+ Platys would work very well.

Flag

[fishcatch22]

i'm pretty sure those synos will out grow your tank and cause you some problems, so IMO return them before getting anything else.

[Red Tailed Wonder]

oh yeah,sorry forgot that. They will grow out of that tank fairly quickly.

Flag

[momar]

Synodontis nigrita tends to be more active in the day (so it will conflict for space with your other fish) and gets to about 8", which is too large for a 20gal (really needs a 55gal). If you want synos in your tank, go for synodontis nigriventris, the 'classic' upside down catfish, which only gets to about 3-4", or synodontis contractus, which is slightly smaller.

[jm1212]

you should get rd of the catfish, and then get alot more serpeas