30Litre tank

[Randommoose]

Hi,
I have been recommended to come to this section to ask about suitable tetras to stock a 30 litre/6-7 gallon tank.
I am interested in small fish and so am trying to learn about tetras.
The list of types I am interested in is:
Ruby, Ember, Green Neon, Silvertip, Royal, Jewel, Red Phantom, Flag, Rosy, Splash, Black Phantom, Firehead, Lemon, False Rummynose, Cochu's Blue, Emporer, Ornate, Head-and-Taillight, Black Neon, Neon, Serpae, X-Ray.
These all are 0.67-1.77 inches (according to the info in this section - great post whoever did the sizes thing)

However, I do not know how much space each of these need and so therefore do not know what is suitable for my tank.
I will probably be doing a fishless cycle as I know tetras are not good for cycling with.

Thanks,
Randommoose

ps any information about other small fish with similar requirements would also be good

 

[WILDER]

None as they are shoaling fish and need room to shoal.

 

[MarkOne]

Yeah you would need at least 6 of each of these, and that wouldnt leave much room in the tank. Tetras are also very sensitive to water, and new tanks...a tank would need to be matured for about 6 months before adding

 

[modernhamlet]

What are the dimensions of the 30l tank? Depending on how much horizontal space is available, you might be able to house a small school of the smallest of tetras, those less than 1". Ember tetras look like a good choice if you can find them. I would strongly encourage you to give them a small piece of driftwood with some java fern attached, as this will make them much more comfortable in such a small environment.

Stability is key in tanks of this size, so regular small water changes, a reliable heater, and good filtration are a must, as is fishless cycling. None of the smaller tetras should be used to cycle a tank.

 

[Randommoose]

Hi,
It is a low rectangular tank and the dimensions are;
Length - 17 inches
Height - 10 inches
Depth - 10 inches

At the moment I am planning on doing a fishless cycle as I know tetras can't be used for cycling. I am interested in the smaller the fish so the smaller the better really
Thanks for the information about the driftwood and java moss.
What would you suggest for filtration? I have a filtration 'sponge on a stick' type thing but it is not powered. Should I get a 'proper' filter or can I rig up one with an airpump?
Thanks,
Randommoose

 

[WILDER]

Also once tetra's feel safe in the tank, they no longer shoal and tend to find them abit boring, once you have put ornaments and plants in the tank there isn't going to be much space to swim, so you won't see the beauty of them when they do shoal in a big large group.