Thanks, Keith!
I'm still deciding on the other inhabitants. It'll really depend on answers to my schooling question in the Freshwater Newbie forum. I really like Mollys, but they don't seem appropriate for a 10g tank. I really want a few "transparent" fish, but they all seem to be Tetras that require larger schools. Otherwise, Platys seem hardy and attractive. I just don't want to overstock, so I'm taking my time deciding.
Platties I can attest are pretty fun- they have a lot of personality, and after they are used to you will come right up when you come close to the tank to check you out, and see of course if you are bringing food with you. Also, I
believe for mollies you want to have a little salt in the water, so they might not be the best. Maybe try the platties (or something else that is not too demanding) initially, and then later on perhaps you can move onto other fish.
I've been concerned about live plants because this is my first real tank, and I've got my hands full with cycling, keeping my Zebra Danios alive, etc. This goes off-topic, but are the live plants easy to grow in gravel? It seems strange to grow plants without soil. It must be more difficult than just tossing a bulb into the water! That said, I would love to have live plants, if possible.
Some plants will grow even when you
don't want them too... really! It depends on the plants. I have a cheap 5-gallon aquarium kit set-up now for instance with hygro, sagittaria and red ludwiga and they are all thriving! (I do add a little flourish Flourish Excel daily, and flourish comprehensive once a week or so, but you could do even with out those for many plants). As for substrate, there are some that work better than others, but many plants are not too picky. Gravel should be fine for the ones I mentioned, and many other undemanding plants. Definitely look into it, or search around on the forums if you are thinking about it, planted tanks look much nicer IMO.
Great point about waiting to add the bottom-dwellers. I made videos of fish at PetCo yesterday so I could analyze their behavior at my leisure at home, and the cory cats (emerald green and albino) definitely have a fun factor that can't be beat.
Cool. Yea, I've fallen in love with cories over the last year myself. Also, have you checked to see if there are any other aquarium stores in your area? You might try google / yellow pages if you have not yet already.. Often local stores will have better selection and prices than the big chains.
Oh, another question: My substrate is smooth browish gravel, going for the natural look. Do cories and/or Otos prefer sand? If so, do I have to replace the substrate, or just fill in the gravel with sand? Thanks!
That should be fine. As mentioned above- as long as the substrate is especially sharp (could harm catfish barbels), you will be okay.
