Glass Cats in 20G High

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Izz

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Aug 4, 2004
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1 - Betta
3 - Otocinclus
5 - Neons
2 - African Dwarf Frogs
? - Glass Catfish

I would really like to get some glass cats for the 20 gallon high tank I'm getting. I've read quite a few different max sizes for glass cats, usually ranging from 3-6inches, so I'm really not sure if there is room. Since I know they like to be in groups, I figured maybe three of them would be an alright number. But with all of the confusion on their max size - and I'm almost certain 3 inches is too small - I just don't know if they will fit.

Any opinions? And I'm guessing the tank is full with this roster, eh? It has to be close.

Thanks.
 
From my experience, glass cats are schooling fish and need 3+ or they will start to become more stressed. 3 would not go well in a 20 high, especially with those inhabitants you have listed.

Max size = 5-6 inches.

p.s. your tank is not fully stocked; maybe like halfway. I have all this in my 10g tank (its REALLY overstocked)

2 Panda Cory
2 Kuhli Loach
7 Neon Tetra
1 Gold Algae Eater
1 Amano shrimp

I know I know thats too much, but with 30% water changes weekly it does ok.
 
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Getting a new tank is such fun! The possibilities and anticipation!

My thoughts on this:
As you are getting a 20 high you will need to consider that there will be less "floor space" than say a 20 long. Fish generally swim in horizontal patterns rather than vertically. With this in mind a 20H does not offer the same usable space, running room, elbow/fin room as a 20L.

There is a very basic stocking guideline of 1" of fish per gallon of water. The calculation uses the adult size of the fish you have in mind not the very small size of the baby/juveniles that we bring home. There are other factors to consider as well: behaviors, level of aggression, activity levels, need for hiding places or open swimming, territorial issues...

There is a stocking thread here :
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26409

I am not at all familiar with the needs, behaviors of the frogs so I cannot speak of the compatibility of your selection. You have done well to include groups of the oto's and neons.

Good Luck!
Kit
 
I figured the glass cats wouldn't fit, but I was just hoping. I will probably just add in another school of small tetras, if I can get another type that won't nip at my betta. I was thinking maybe x-rays, glowlights, or head & tail lights possibly.

Thanks everyone.
 
I saw at the LFS a tetra

that was sort of see through like the glass cat but in tetra form (didn't get the name of the type of tetra though, they only had a few in the tank). I also got a neat looking tetra that is a new variation (color morph) of the flame tetra with a cream colored front and a bright red back. They were at Petsmart and I had to give them a try. I agree that glass cats look cool too, but they would be too stressed out in my tank too (big yellow tail congo tetras, red-line shark, the new tetra and rams).
 
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