Newbie

[Kels_eh]

Hey Guys, I've been creeping around for a while & finally decided to join in on the fun!
I'm looking at buying a 20 gallon tank (it will be my first tank since I was younger & had a 5 gallon tank).
I realize I have a lot of time before I finally get around to buying fish (I'm getting my tank next week & will begin the cycling process then). So of course I'm excited & trying to figure out what fish I'd like (when I get them... around October or so).
I'd love some suggestions on what is/isn't going to work & any other fish combo's that you have.

I was thinking something like,
6 neon tetras/white cloud
2 dwarf gourami
3 platys (2 female, 1 male)
2 corydora catfish
1 otocinclus

But doing the whole 1" to 1 gallon, I'm pretty sure I'd be overstocked... Also, what would be the best order to get them in?

Also, what's everyone's view on the whole glass vs. acrylic argument?

 

[frida]

Hi there and welcome!
I'm not sure about how stocked you are but I think with dwarf gourami, it's usually better to have wither have just one or more than two males because I understand the stronger / bigger one can end up bullying the other one. This way all the bullying won't be directed at one fish.

As for corydoras, they tend to do better in larger groups, say five or more.

Let's see what the more experienced people say about your general combination.

Hey Guys, I've been creeping around for a while & finally decided to join in on the fun!
I'm looking at buying a 20 gallon tank (it will be my first tank since I was younger & had a 5 gallon tank).
I realize I have a lot of time before I finally get around to buying fish (I'm getting my tank next week & will begin the cycling process then). So of course I'm excited & trying to figure out what fish I'd like (when I get them... around October or so).
I'd love some suggestions on what is/isn't going to work & any other fish combo's that you have.

I was thinking something like,
6 neon tetras/white cloud
2 dwarf gourami
3 platys (2 female, 1 male)
2 corydora catfish
1 otocinclus

But doing the whole 1" to 1 gallon, I'm pretty sure I'd be overstocked... Also, what would be the best order to get them in?

Also, what's everyone's view on the whole glass vs. acrylic argument?

 

[Johng89]

Neon Tatra should be added to a tank at least 6 months old as they are quite sensitive
x2 on Cory i would say min of 4 - 6 in a group

I have 2 male blue gourami and provided they have suitable cover they seen fine together but i watch them closely just in case

I would say add Corys first then decide on what else you like
I suggest adding
Cory wait a month or so
Gourami again wait a month or so

then see what suits teh tank and add to 1" per USG

 

[OldMan47]

Your stock plan looks fine for a final stock but some fish like the neons should not go in right away. An option for a bit tougher fish would to be the white clouds instead of the neons. As JohnQ and Frida both suggested, cories act better in larger groups of at least 4 or 5. In larger tanks, I like to use 8 to 15 cories but not in a 20 gallon. Be careful putting more than one male DG in the tank. Males can be territorial.

 

[Kels_eh]

Thanks for the help...
I've been doing some more reading & I'm pretty sure I'll drop the neon idea. My dad had them about 18 years ago & I can remember watching them for hours, but the white clouds do seem hardier, or maybe some gold zebra danios. & I do appreciate the info about the cory cats, I've read that ppl keep less, but anything to keep them happy. I've been thinking lately I'll drop the platy's & oto & do 4 corydora cats.

As for the dwarf gourami, I've got a question. I've been reading some contradicting facts about keeping them. I'd like to have 2 (I'd feel bad the one guy all by himself!), but they say not to get a pair (1 female, 1 male) as the male will likely stress the female out, but then (as mentioned) 2 males will likely be too territorial. What's the best option? Or if I am dropping the platy's & oto, could I instead get 2 female & 1 male gourami?

Thanks again for all the help, I want to make sure I keep all the little ones happy... once I get them haha.

 

[furry catfish]

Hi and welcome I have had some experience with white clouds they are very hardy and intresting fish,what they lack in looks they make up for in charm (im not saying they're not good looking im just saying there are pretier fish) they are very active and compatible with any fresh water fish that dosn't eat it.I just thought I'd add that







good luck with the tank




chris

 

[qwertylol52]

otocinclus has to be in groups of at least 4..they are not suitable for newbies..very hard fish to take care of and tend to die of within 1st week unless tank conditions are just right..if u want an algae eater..forget the otos and get more corydoras

 

[jimmyringo]

if u want an algae eater..forget the otos and get more corydoras

Unless i'm mistaken,Corys are not algae-eaters.

 

[OldMan47]

You are absolutely right JimmyRingo. A corydoras is a very nice looking and active fish but is far from a vegetarian. They will eat an algae wafer rather than starve, so will a betta, but they are largely carnivorous in their nature and will do much better with a omnivore's diet that is skewed toward meaty foods.