Stocking a 20 Gallon Long

[C98Hall]

Hey all, I recently got a 20 gallon long tank and I have been over here voraciously reading the forums for setup tips. Anyways, I was wondering if this setup would work:

6-8 Neons
6-8 Guppies
2-3 Ottos

And yes I have read all about cycling the tank and it has been running for about 2 weeks and I think I am going to do a fishy cycle by only adding 2-3 fish per week or so depending on the tank parameters. I also have an undergravel filter (the horror!) with Aquaclear 301 and 201 powerheads as well as a heater.

So would these fish work or do you guys have any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[webcricket]

Those fish should work, however, the ottos in particular are very sensitive fish and should only be put into a fully cycled and mature tank (several months old). They die very easily for no reason in even the most well-kept aquariums. Neons can be a pricey gamble as well as cycling fish since they can be prone to health problems.

Do you have access to Biospira at any of your pet stores? If you want to do a fishy cycle this is going to give you the best jumpstart and the least stress on the fish. Do you know anyone with an aquarium that you could get some used filter media from (to float in the tank)?

 

[jm1212]

i would start with 3 guppies, and add the other 3 a couple of weeks later, and then add the 3 neons, and finish adding the last 3 of them, and then add 2 or 3 peppered or panda corydoras, and then a few ottos, just to make sure that the tank is established enough

 

[C98Hall]

So you think the cories and the ottos would be ok together?

 

[jm1212]

yes, they would. i would go with
5 guppies
6 neons
2 panda corydoras
2 ottos

 

[C98Hall]

Thanks for the advice jm1212. I really like the look of the cories but I wasnt sure all the fish would get along together.

Would 2 males and 3 females guppies be ok?

 

[jm1212]

that should be fine