Help improving the stock in my tank...tank is a lil boring

[coach_z]

Well, the title says 'my tank' but it is my GFs tank really but i am trying to help her set it up and stock it and everything. the tank is cycled and everything and she wants a good variety of fish but she is complaining that the tank is 'boring' because the fish aren't very active.

It is a 10 gallon tank

current stock is:
4 xray tetras
2 ottos
2 angels (i know, the tank is too small but it is the way it is so please dont tell me repeatedly to lose the angels, thanks)

the 4 tetras sit in the back left corner, the two angels sit in the back right corner and the ottos happily suck on some plants and glass. All the fish sit around and dont move...they are about as entertaining as watching the grass grow.

What is the best way for her to improve her stock, also considering the fact that the tank is/is becoming overstocked. She also wants like 4 more smaller fish for the tank mainly to improve on the activity in the tank.

:help:

 

[Sawyer]

How big is the tank?

I'd get another 2 xray tetas since they're schooling fish as well as another oto. But it really depends what size tank.

 

[coach_z]

How big is the tank?

I'd get another 2 xray tetas since they're schooling fish as well as another oto. But it really depends what size tank.

10 gallons.

cant believe i forgot that part. i edited my post as well to include that.

 

[Sawyer]

ok, I know you said not to say this, but how about getting a 20 gal for the two angels, and then for the 10gal you could get 1 more oto, and 10 xray tetras in all. They'll be happiest and most fun to watch in a school. I think 10 tetras, 3 otos is probably max in a 10gal but I'm not positive on that.

 

[kjr928]

Your tank is way overstocked. You really can't add anything else unless you upgrade.

OR

If you don't want to upgrade, just wait until your angels die and then you will have more room. Shouldn't take too long.

 

[Star_Rider]

You should NOT add any new fish to this tank.

Since you already know the tank is too small for angels. you have 0 options for this tank unless you get a larger tank.

 

[ChrisK]

I would rehome the angels, add a few more xray tetras, and add a Dwarf Gourami, or a male betta.

 

[bigwave]

I would think a Betta, or a Dwarf Gourami would be nice in a small tank like that. I had a neon blue Dwarf Gourami who did very well in his 10 gallon.

To get him in, you probably wouldn't be able to add much more in the way of stock, and you would have to get rid of the angels for sure (I tried not to say it, but I couldn't help myself, sorry).

Otherwise you could try some cherry or Amano shrimp and a few more of your tetras. (Minus the angels of course ;-)

David

 

[coach_z]

i will try to re-discuss the angels with my GF and see if we can return them to the LFS in exchange for a dwarf guarami (she wanted gouramis or angels).

could 6 tetras 2 gouramis and 2 ottos work?

 

[bigwave]

My personal experience with Gouramis makes me think 2 would not work. That's quite a bit of load for that small of a tank anyway.

My gourami ruled the tank he was in, and I am pretty sure if there had been another in there with him, he would have killed it. Females are pretty rare in in any LFS as far as I can tell, so probably a pair would not happen.