10 Gallon Stocking Suggestions

Clurin

Clurin

Melf
Sep 14, 2005
157
0
0
44
Maynard, MA
I'm going to be setting up a 10 gallon tank in my cubicle at work. I have a stand already, and will be getting the tank itself soon. I want to keep cichlids in there (tetras and the like are just SOOO boring after keeping cichlids..).

Throw out as many ideas as you can. Whether it's SA, CA or African, I will not be using live plants, and will probably be using Tahitian Moon Sand as a substrate, thought I could go with Aragonite if Africans end up catching my fancy.

I already have Blue Rams and A. Cacautoides at home, so I'd like something different.

I have not bought any decoration yet, although I have a pile of slate at home that I could easily construct caves/rockwork out of.

Thanks!! :bowing: :idea:
 
You're pretty limited in a 10 gallon tank, but a pair or three of the Lake Tanginyka shell dwellers would be cool. Neolamprologus multifasciatus only get a couple inches and they breed fairly easily. Be sure to read up on the habitats.....
http://www.cichlidrecipe.com/shellweb/
 
I do like the multis, and I do plan on setting up a tank for them. I am considering using a 40G Breeder at my home for them, but maybe I could start some at work, and use some fry to bring home. Good idea. :idea:

How tough are A. Agassizi? I like the look of the Double Red variety, and they seem to be fairly easy to find. I may end up using a 15G Tall I have at home, instead of buying a new 10. In that case, if I go with Apistos, maybe I'll toss a trio of guppies in there - always good for live food, eh? ;)

Any other thoughts?
 
I just got an agassizi for christmas, and I love it!!!! It is in my guppy tank actually and is diong great so far, but I cant give you a long term "toughness" evaluation from it. Just thought Id chime in on how cool they are ;)
 
I think some of the usual suspects that I was hoping to hear from are away on holidays (not that rbell didn't give me a good suggestion, just was hoping for some more), so let me get a little more specific with thoughts, and tell me what would work and what wouldn't (or pros and cons):

  • Apistos
    • Tank 1:
      • A. Agassizii "Double Red" pair
      • Diamond Tetra trio
      • Oto pair
    • Tank2:
      • A. Borelli pair
      • 4 Cardinal Tetra
      • Oto pair
  • Shellies
    • Tank 1:
      • N. Multifasciatus trio
    • Tank2:
      • L. Stappersi pair
    • Tank 3:
      • N. Brevis pair

Can anyone give me a pro/con breakdown of one or more of these setups? Remember, the tank will most likely be a 10G, but possibly a 15G High (same footprint).

:look:
 
Well, I could tell you something about the shellies...

I would skip the Brevis, though with them you could probably get away with 2 pair in a 10...maybe even three..lol....because they don't move a whole lot.... They're a beautiful fish but I got rather bored with my trio as all they do is hang next to thier shells and stare at each other...one of the females spent 99% of her time IN the shell, out of site. I traded them in for a trio of Stappersi.

I like the Stapps.....but definitely only one pair for a 10 gallon. I have a trio in a 15 right now and one of them can't seem to stake out a piece of ground for herself where the other two will leave her be. She's my favorite of the three too..(figures !) She had actually spawned with the male, but then the other female pushed her out of her shell and I think ..ate her eggs.

The multis are GREAT ! But I think your colony will very quickly outgrow a 10 gallon...mine did ! I had to kick the Stapps out of the 20long and put the multis in there. I've only had them about 2 months now and I have no idea how many I have in there now...but I started with one male and two females.

Another possible consideration for shellies would be the Similis. They are very similar to the multis in that they are a true colony fish...though they aren't as tolerant of each other as the multis are...they get along well enough and they have a bit more color to them. Darker banded bodies with yellow and blue in thier fins. Also, I believe thier natural habitat has more rock in it and they will enjoy swimming through and hanging out in any rocks you add to your tank.

The moon sand would be great for the shellies...especially the multis, they would show up very nicely against the black color of the sand. If you choose shellies...add plenty of shells. You can find them for pretty reasonable prices at ebay. Look for escargot shells or whale eye shells. Also, make sure your filter intake isn't down near the bottom of the tank...it may get buried !

I'm not famililar with the other groups you mentioned, so can't help you out there.......but have fun choosing and setting up your tank, whatever you pick !
 
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