20 gallon stocking question

[Richie2times]

ok here goes. i have a new tank that is currently cycling. it is pretty well planted with about 5 plastic plants and 2 decorations that are of a pretty good size. i was wondering if i could get 6 neon tetras, 4 cories, 1 beta, 6 black phantom tetras, and one chinese algae eater. it is my first aquarium so i want nice hardy fish.

[dvd_wightman]

Well, first of all, I would stay away from the Chinese Algae Eater. They only eat algae when there really hungry, and they will harass your other fish. Neon tetras are not very hardy. If you want to try them, you can. Just make sure the water's clean, and when you acclimate them, I would recommend acclimating them a bit longer. If your looking for good hardy fish I would recommend adding the following fish in this order:

3 platies
6 black phantom tetras
4 cories
6 neon tetras
1 gourami

Hopefully this helps.You can make changes if you wish. Just make sure that the fish are compatible. Here's a website that should help you out with compatibility:

http://www.*****************/index.htm

P.S.- Don't forget to cycle the tank.

[Richie2times]

all of those fish would be cool in the tank at once?

[SmallFishi]

hmmm let's see I would get
6 to 8 neon tetra
4 dwarf cory
1 dwarf gourami
2 otocinclus
1 guppy

[Richie2times]

ok i think i want 1 silver dollar, 6 phantom tetras, 4 cory catfish, 1 dwarf gourami, and one oto... is that ok???

[fishcatch22]

silver dollars need shoals and will outgrow a 20G. get 2 otos, not one, they need at least 1 buddie.

[SmallFishi]

Yes Silver Dollars really need a 75 gallon tank I am pushing it in a 55 gallon and 3 is a absolute minimum as they do school.
I would try and get Panda or Dwarf Cories as regular ones need about a 30 gallon really to have proper cory space.
Don't know anything about phantom tetras.
Otto would need a friend and the dwarf gourami sounds good. :)