Setting up a 15 gallon column tank...Help!

[GetFuzzy10]

I need help on everything. I really want to do this right. I understand this is a smaller tank, but currently it's all we have the floor space for.
It is the Aqueon kit, so it comes with a couple things, but I know there are items I still need too.
I will be upgrading the filter to the QuietFlow20, and I'll need a heater. But, that's about all I know.
Do I need an air stone? Or, anything under the gravel? I will most likely do silk plants of different lengths, and a couple cave type decorations.
I've had a few small fish tanks over the years. Mostly bettas. Right now I have a platy in a 6 gallon tank. Once this tank is cycled, I will move him to the new tank. I know it is weeks/months away, but I'm already thinking of tank mates. Would a platy, a ram and an oto go together? I really dislike shrimp and snails (just throwing that out there, I've seen them recommended in other tanks about this size).
Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Brian Feeder of Fish]

I don't know that what you suggested would be the best setup for that tank.

Based on what I have read, platies have very different requirements for water parameters than rams and otos, so maintaining them together would probably prove difficult, even with the adaptability of commercially bred fish. (Somebody correct me if I'm wrong and the adaptability would be enough to account for the different optimal parameters) Specifically, platies prefer hard alkaline water, while the rams and otos prefer softer and more acidic water.

Also, the otos and platies both prefer to be kept in groups, which would be a little too much for that tank.

Furthermore, platies may nibble on algae at times, which would make feeding the otos difficult.

Since you are already keeping a platy, I would assume your water conditions are good for them. That said, I would suggest you get a few more platies to bring the total up to 5, and making it a single species tank. Try to shoot for more females than males if you want both, to avoid stressing the fish. Just know that there is a pretty good chance of getting fry in that case. On the other hand, you could keep all males or females. (Also, probably a good idea to read up a bit on telling the difference between males and females)

Brian

 

[tanker]

A 15gal is maybe OK for a few platys (5?), and no and air-stone is not "needed" depending on your stock, nor anything under the gravel.

Yes, Rams and Otts do "Like" different water, but can be kept together if the water is not at extremes, but a 15gal column is a little too small for Rams.

 

[Tifftastic]

Agreed with Tanker, 15 gal is too small for rams. I'd go with what she suggested, roughly 5 platies.
The problem with then adding ottos, is that they require a shoal and that may put you too crowded in that footprint. You might be better off with a small pleco, like a BN or rubber lip. But if you just want something on the bottom I'd suggest pygmy cories.

 

[rufioman]

15g is too small for a lot of species you could do easy to keep livebearers or micro fish, but that column design gives you less options, unfortunately.

 

[FreshyFresh]

If you did go with a platy or multiples of them, make sure they're all the same sex or not preggo when you get them. The footprint of a 15g tall is very small and would be overpopulated by platys or any livebearer in no time.