What should I put in my 10 gallon?

[WinterWind]

Okay, I know you guys are tired of these types of threads, but I don't really know what to put in my 10 gallon aquarium. It's fully cycled (for years now) and is planted. Currently I have 1 male betta and 3 leopard cories and 1 skunk cory. I have one ten gallon filter on it now and will add another filter, maybe an aquaclear mini or up to 200. I might want to put in a group of small schooling fish (4 neon tetras) or 3 harlequins. But that might be overstocking. Is that okay? Or my other idea is to get a smallish peaceful fish that doesn't need to be in groups. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Mako]

I think 4-8 neons or cardinal tetras would do fine. Feed lighter than usual, the fish won't grow as fast but will do just fine (oddly, will live longer). Keep the temp around 74-75F, anything over that keeps metabolism high. Anything lower is too cold.

Aquaclears are great filters. A 200 would do just fine. Keep an eye on the betta, be sure it's not too much current for him. The neons and cories will love a nice, whirly-current tank (so long as it's not like a blender or something). Your plants may morph shape with new foliage to adapt to the current.

As far as a peaceful fish, there are TONS of small dwarf cichlids and similar types that are good. Rams, Aggasizz's, kribensis, etc... all good candidates for a ten. NO angelfish, though, they just get too big too quick.

 

[WinterWind]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Could you give me more info on the Aggasizzs and the kribensis. Do you know of any dwarf cichilids that don't need a higher pH(above 7.5) and occupies the middle and higher regions of the tank?

 

[mooman]

A single dwarf cichlid would be great. In a ten, they would be all over the place anyway. Don't get a pair unless you want to move everyone else out. If they breed they will become very violent, but alone they're fine.

Both agazzizi (a particular species of apistogramma cichlid) and kribensis are SA cichlids that prefer neutral or slightly acidic water as apposed to their african cousins. The kribs are usually cheap and available, while apistos are expesive (worth every penny) and cannot be found in your average lfs. Either of these is more interesting to watch and hardier the blue ram cichlids that most people start out with.

 

[tricksterpup]

Dwarf Liverbearers, you will love them.