New 20 Gallon Tank

[k-girl]

I am planning how I want to stock a 20 gallon tank I have. I already have it running and have live plants so now I need to start adding fish.

I've been doing some research and really like what I've read about Keyhole Chilids.

Would a pair of them work in a 20 Gallon planted tank? I'm guessing any more then two would start getting too crowded?

What would work as tankmates for them? I've read a suggestion of a school of neon tetras. Would that work? How big of a school?

What other suggestions would you have?

 

[Rbishop]

Some rams.

 

[jm1212]

check this out- http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97203

 

[monkey_toes]

Keyholes are great fish, if you can find them. I bought one last year (last one in the tank) and haven't seen any since in any of the 4 LFS's. Mine is in a community tank that includes black neons and otocinclus catfish, and I've never seen any aggression at all. I would do the two keyholes, 6-8 of any small tetra (neon, black neon, glowlight, etc.) and perhaps a couple otos.

 

[jessicar613]

I have keyholes in a 20 gallon. You're right - definitely no more than two. They are not large, but they will use the entire tank, plus they are messy eaters and every time I look at them they're pooping. I have mine with neons and they've never bothered them (they wouldn't even eat guppy fry). They do however love to eat ghost shrimp and will seriously go to town on some snails. Mine are a breeding pair and very gentle. I have a cory in there and they chase him away halfheartedly sometimes when they have eggs. The rest of the time they tolerate him just fine.

They are great fish and a lot of fun to watch. They really love each other's company, and show it. You'll enjoy them!

My neons have not been particularly hardy, so if the last couple don't last I'll probably go with harlequin rasboras. I think that would be an attractive combination, unless you'd rather stick w/ the South American theme.

 

[k-girl]

I'm thinking of 2 Keyholes (hope our store here has them) and either Harlequin Rasboras or Cardinal Tetras. How many of those would work with the space I have?

If our local store doesn't have Keyholes, does anyone have recommendations for a replacement?

Also...does it matter which fish I introduce to the tank first? Should I get the Keyholes last so they don't claim a territory before I add the Rasboras/Tetras?