Want to add neons

[robinos]

I have been toying with the idea of adding some neons to my tank. It's a well planted ten gallon, (see signature), it has 5 beckford's pencilfish and 3 otos. Is adding a small school of neons feasible. I need to know so that, if not possible, I can banish this notion from my mind. Thanks.

-Rob

 

[Lorazoo]

I am not familiar with pencilfish, but 8 fish in that tank is nearing capacity I would say. Maybe look into getting one smaller "centerpiece fish" at this point.

 

[dorkfish]

I agree with Lorazoo, and, there just isn't enough room for two schooling species in a 10g.

 

[robinos]

Thanks folks, I had the feeling that was the answer, I just needed to hear it from someone else. I'm really content with the fish I have now. My girlfriend's dad had just gotten some and I just got the urge. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors neons. Oh well, maybe next tank.
-Rob

 

[robinos]

Thought I'd show you what I'm working with here.
This is the tank in question. I thought I might be able to fit the neons since my current fish are quite slim and neons are so small.

-Rob

 

[Lorazoo]

It has nothing to do with slimness. You could get more pencilfish if you want some more fish, but if you get neons you will probably see some deaths. Schooling fish do better in groups of AT LEAST 6. The fish will also grow do not forget. You asked our opinion and I stick to it. If you want more fish get a 20 gallon. It's not fair to the fish to crowd them in there. Like I said get a centerpiece fish. You could even do a Betta or a Gourami, but only one.

 

[robinos]

Thanks Lorazoo, I appreciate your help. I won't be getting any neons as per the advice given here.
-Rob

 

[sillyputty]

I like your tank! Where did you get the Beckfords? I have been looking for them for a long time and can only find them at AZ gardens, and I am not willing to take a chance on them or their outragous shipping.

 

[MDcrinos]

Love the tank. I'm jealous of people who have luck with planted tanks.

 

[robinos]

Thanks for the compliments. This is my first tank, I'm really happy with it. It's a flourite substrate. I just use seachem flourish a few times a week. It's been up for about three months now.
I'm bummed about the neons, but I really do love the pencils. My LFS stocked them a while back. I went in looking for dwarf pencils, but the beckfords were all they had. They were really drab and dull gray/green colored, needless to say they brightened up amazingly (wasn't expecting so much red out of them!). I'm really glad I got them. I'll probably try and pick up two or three more.
-Rob