Plans for my tank (would these work)
- Thread starter Aquavulpes8
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OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
Ignore the cold water tank it is to small to house those fish anyways was just a fantasy that one really
dsch132
Fish Fanatic
Could you type something where you list the size of the tank, the species you're interested in, and how many of each you want to keep? I'd like to help but I find your sketches difficult to read. I think I read that your tropical set up might include a betta. Assuming you have a smaller tank (10-30) they are an excellent choice. However, you have to be careful putting them into communities. If they see another fish with long fins and bright colors (especially others of their species, even the opposite sex) they may attack or kill the perceived threat. Especially active and nippy fish (like certain barbs and tetras) will tear also up their delicate and beautiful fins. Unassuming bottom dwellers, snails, shrimp, or peaceful, short-finned shoaling fish are all good betta tank mates provided the space is large enough.
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OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
So these sketches were done before I really had done much research and have some bad ideas for the fish inside but now I know a bit more I was thinking on 1 betta male/female 6 neon tetras/4 platy and 6 corydora
OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
Also the tank is 80cm by 40cm by 30 cm and is 21 gallon
dsch132
Fish Fanatic
I worry about overstocking, especially in a tank with aggressive fish. That might be a bit much for a 21 gallon, though I know some people have managed such communities (with attention to parameters and frequent water changes). Anyone else have experience with a stocking situation like this? That being said, Cory cats are very good betta tankmates because they aren't long-finned and occupy a different place in the water column. It's also wonderful that you have a more horizontal tank, giving them lots of space to swim at the bottom!
When it comes to the tetras and platies, exercise some caution. If it were my tank, I would have a well devised plan when it came to introducing fish. Some betta are relatively docile and thrive in community settings. My betta has a vendetta against life itself. I almost had to remove invertebrates until he finally lost interest and went back to trying to kill his reflection (which I am trying to cover with plants). Granted, he lives in a 6 gallon tank. I would add the other fish before adding the betta. As a territorial animal, he may defend the area from newcomers. If he's added last, the others are less likely to be seen as intruders. However, I would also have a safe place to put him if things go poorly (he decides he hates everyone or the neon tetras get nippy).
Worst case scenario, you separate them and have to decide whether to set up a betta tank or re-home some fish. Best case scenario, they barely acknowledge each other's existence and all is well. It will help if you have a lot of cover for the fish to hide in, putting visual barriers between them. Just leave some space for the Cory cats to actively swim.
It's so very heartening to see that you have done some research and are committed to the well being of your fish. I wish you best of luck!
*When you arrive at the store, see if any of the betta are already living with other fish. Those may be less likely to surprise you with outbursts of aggression.
When it comes to the tetras and platies, exercise some caution. If it were my tank, I would have a well devised plan when it came to introducing fish. Some betta are relatively docile and thrive in community settings. My betta has a vendetta against life itself. I almost had to remove invertebrates until he finally lost interest and went back to trying to kill his reflection (which I am trying to cover with plants). Granted, he lives in a 6 gallon tank. I would add the other fish before adding the betta. As a territorial animal, he may defend the area from newcomers. If he's added last, the others are less likely to be seen as intruders. However, I would also have a safe place to put him if things go poorly (he decides he hates everyone or the neon tetras get nippy).
Worst case scenario, you separate them and have to decide whether to set up a betta tank or re-home some fish. Best case scenario, they barely acknowledge each other's existence and all is well. It will help if you have a lot of cover for the fish to hide in, putting visual barriers between them. Just leave some space for the Cory cats to actively swim.
It's so very heartening to see that you have done some research and are committed to the well being of your fish. I wish you best of luck!
*When you arrive at the store, see if any of the betta are already living with other fish. Those may be less likely to surprise you with outbursts of aggression.
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OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
I know alot of this and betta was going in last (I was told that betta work best when introduced to a matured tank) also I will have a 6 gallon that will likely hold platys for now but it can be used to house a betta if something goes wrong in the big tank and the platys will be swapped in place of them
Platies are hard water fish and we established in another thread that you have soft water so they wouldn't do well. They also need a bigger tank than 6 gallons.
OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
Ok yikes is there a way to harden the water
OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
I said yikes as I already have a platy
OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
It was sold to me as a molly witch makes it so much worse but now that I've been here I know not to trust alot of stuff said at the fish shop I go to or at least the guy who sold me the fish i own gotta take their words with a big pinch of salt
Yes, water can be hardened but the other fish in the tank must also be hard water fish. Hard and soft water fish can't be mixed in the same tank.
You need Rift Lake salts and a GH tester. The water should be made up in a bucket before adding it to the tank, and it should be made up exactly the same every time so the GH in the tank doesn't fluctuate. Aim for at least 10 dH/180 ppm. Don't go straight from your soft water to this level; just add the hardened water at water changes so it gradually increases the hardness.
The other fish mentioned so far - a betta, neon tetras, cories - are all soft water fish so they'll be fine in your unaltered tap water.
You need Rift Lake salts and a GH tester. The water should be made up in a bucket before adding it to the tank, and it should be made up exactly the same every time so the GH in the tank doesn't fluctuate. Aim for at least 10 dH/180 ppm. Don't go straight from your soft water to this level; just add the hardened water at water changes so it gradually increases the hardness.
The other fish mentioned so far - a betta, neon tetras, cories - are all soft water fish so they'll be fine in your unaltered tap water.
OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
Ok thanks for all the help I'm going to go check all the fish I think I want to put in and see what type they are (this is all very complicated but I enjoy a challenge)
OP
OP
Aquavulpes8
Fish Fanatic
I was just talking to someone else and I think I might just rehome/return the platy??
What is the tap water GH? It's hard to consolidate info and give advice if the info is scattered over different threads 
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