Upgrading to a 20 gallon!

[newmag1659]

I'm very excited as I am upgrading my 10 gallon to a 20 gallon. I currently have three adult (two female, one male) gardneri killifish and 6 corys (4 albino, 2 emerald), and two nerite snails. The tank is heavily planted and I intend to do the same with the 20 gallon. Cycling shouldn't take long as I can move some of the water, but more importantly, filter media, into the new tank.

That being said, can I add new fish? Should I? I would love shrimp but I am confident that the killifish would eat them right up.
Parameters of the current 10 gallon:
76 degrees F
0/0/15ppm
pH is around 7.5
very soft water, about 10-20ppm

Should I get more corys? Should I allow my killifish to breed and keep the fry instead of selling them? A female betta? Or are there different fish I could consider? OR should I add nothing at all. I believe my 10 gallon is currently fully stocked, but not overstocked. Advice appreciated as I begin this exciting upgrade.

 

[CassCats]

Consider some rasboras or some small tetra for a schooling fish. Have your killis as the "centerpiece".


Other than than, maybe 2 more emerald cories.

 

[newmag1659]

Consider some rasboras or some small tetra for a schooling fish. Have your killis as the "centerpiece".


Other than than, maybe 2 more emerald cories.

How many rasboras would you say? I don’t want it overcrowd

 

[Retired Viking]

Go with a 20 long better that a 20 tall. You should have a minimum of 6 but more is better.

 

[newmag1659]

Go with a 20 long better that a 20 tall. You should have a minimum of 6 but more is better.

Only issue there is I already bought the tank because it was a really good deal - it’s a 20 tall.

 

[CassCats]

Oh then if its a 20 tall, I'd not get larger schoolers, maybe ember tetras would do better just unsure if your killis are large enough to eat them.

 

[newmag1659]

Oh then if its a 20 tall, I'd not get larger schoolers, maybe ember tetras would do better just unsure if your killis are large enough to eat them.

Definitely not - the killis are about 1.5 inches, 2 max. How many ember tetras would you recommend?

 

[CassCats]

no more than 8 in a tall. Id treat it like a 10 gallon footprint.

Id also keep the cories at 6, no more, especially since they're a larger species (the emeralds particularly)

 

[newmag1659]

no more than 8 in a tall. Id treat it like a 10 gallon footprint.

Id also keep the cories at 6, no more, especially since they're a larger species (the emeralds particularly)

Thanks! The corys seem pretty happy and they all school together, so I’ll not get any more.

 

[newmag1659]

so does everyone else recommend ember tetras over rasboras, like chili rasboras? I totally trust @NCaquatics, I just want to get as many opinions as possible and do the right research before getting any new fish

 

[CassCats]

I would have considered chili rasboras or other microrasboras... but i worried their narrow body shape combined with their small size may make them easily eaten by your killies. The ember tetras have a taller body compared to the microrasboras.

And your water is quite too soft for most of the tiny rainbow fish too.

 

[Retired Viking]

so does everyone else recommend ember tetras over rasboras, like chili rasboras? I totally trust @NCaquatics, I just want to get as many opinions as possible and do the right research before getting any new fish

I have a shoal of ember tetras in my tetra tank and I like the way they swim together and they are good looking fish. I really like them.

 

[newmag1659]

I would have considered chili rasboras or other microrasboras... but i worried their narrow body shape combined with their small size may make them easily eaten by your killies. The ember tetras have a taller body compared to the microrasboras.

And your water is quite too soft for most of the tiny rainbow fish too.

That makes a lot of sense! I think if I end up adding to this tank, I’ll add some ember tetras. Thank y’all!