Kuhli loach/es in a 10 gallon

[enufluvfor3]

I have a 10 gallon which is still cycling at the moment right now with 2 mollies. My ammonia is now at <1 and I am starting to figure out what I want to put in there. I am thinking about platies and my husband wants a pleco. He knows nothing about fish keeping and I'm telling him I can't think of one we could put in our tank. I am wondering of a kuhli loach would be a good compromise, but don't know how they do with the addition of salt in the tank. I've read of people putting the two fish together but they say nothing about salt. I know the mollies and platies need it though. Also, with a small tank, how would you suggest I stock the tank. I have 2 mollies now, and thought about 3 platies and the kuhli (if they will go together), but know kuhli's do better with more then one in the tank. I don't mind regular cleanings every few days if need be. What order should I add them, the platies and then the loach or vice versa. If the kuhli won't go, then do you have any other ideas on another fish. I've heard of otos but they require lower temps and don't sound very compatable with the livebearers either.

I would also love some suggestions on some tank decor. I have light colored med gravel, and two fake driftwood with the silk plants coming out of the driftwood. I know nothing about live plants and I'm very leary since I believe some live plants I attempted before infected my bettas with ich. (Terrible to treat.) Any other hidy ideas that would look good with the driftwood?

 

[OrionGirl]

I wouldn't put kuhli's or oto's in a salted tank. Scaleless FW fish tend to do very poorly when put in BW. There are a number of armoured cats that will be fine with low levels of salt--what sp are you shooting for? A knight goby might be a more appropriate bottom feeder, as would bumble bee gobies.

For plants, you will need to acclimate them slowly to the BW conditions, and go with something like anubias--it will attach to the wood, and be very attractive. Buy plants from fishless tanks to avoid importing diseases, and use a weak bleach solution (1:10) dip for 1-2 minutes, then rinse the plant well. I use lots of driftwood, plants and piles of rocks in most of my tanks--not very colorful, but it provides a natural look.

 

[Starry]

I don't know about the khulis, but livebearers don't necessarily need salt. Everyone has their own opinion, and my experience is that they don't need it. Otos will go fine with livebearers (without salt), but they're not suitable for a non-planted tank. They can be pretty sensitive too, depending on your luck. I'd skip the Otos, and also skip the salt if you want anything other than livebearers. About the khulis, you'll have to do some more research.