10 Gallon question

[lancerland]

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read though my question, even though I put the title of 10 gallon question.

I purchased a 10 gallon aquarium from Petland over the weekend, They seemed to be very knowledgeable in suggesting filters, heaters, ect. I actually went in there with the idea that I would buy a "kit" for around $60. After talking with a worker there, I decided to put my own Kit together. So I bought everything necessary to get started.

1 10 gal all glass aquarium
1 aquaclear 20 power filter, for 10-30 gal
1 Florecnt hood, with bulb
1 Marineland® Visi-Therm® Stealth Submersible Aquarium Heater
plants and gravel, and other decor items.

I have been researching what fish to buy for probably close to a month, and I have decided that I want Tiger Barbs. I have read all the information on them, so I know that they can "nip" at other fish from time to time. So I was wondering if 3-6 tiger barbs and possible a Gourami would be ok in a 10 gallon tank?

Thanks again for reading

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

Gourami = Barb food. Also, tiger barbs are way too active for a small 10 gallon. I would suggesting some smaller schooling fish like tetras or rasboras, and maybe a dwarf gourami as the centerpeice.

 

[lancerland]

Thanks for your quick reply, So you wouldn't recommend any tiger barbs for a 10 gallon?

Also if I was to get some rasboras, how many would be acceptable in a 10 gallon

 

[VirgoWolf]

Tiger Barbs are overactive aggressive fish... in a 10gal they do not have the room to swim enough and they can get pretty cranky... they also can get up to 3" a piece, and being that you have to have at least 6 of them, there is just no room or allowence in the bio load for them.

You'll have to be more specific about what type of rasbora... harliquin rasboras get pretty big as well (for a 10gal anyway), I would say 5 and 1 dwarf gourami would be about as much as you could do. See if you can find any of the smaller rasboras locally.

10gal tanks are pretty limiting, but if you do a lot of research, you can make one turn out pretty nice.

 

[Big Vine]

I agree about the tiger barbs...too big for a 10 gallon.
It is so tempting, I know, because they're so small and cute to begin with, but they just get so deep-bodied and require so much swimming space that a 10 gal. really won't give them much of a life.

BV

 

[lancerland]

SInce the Barbs are out my second choice would be the Axelrod Rasbora, blue.

Thanks again for you incite.

 

[VirgoWolf]

The axelrods would work... I'd still suggest 5, but you might be able to get away with 7 with either a betta or dwarf gourami, if you keep up with your water changes. Keeping in mind a planted tank would be best.

 

[lancerland]

cool, thanks guys, I will be purchasing my fish on Saturday, but I think that I will go to the fish store today, just to see if they have what I am looking for .

 

[VirgoWolf]

Sounds like a good plan, I hope all goes well for you. Keep us updated!

 

[lancerland]

Will do, thanks again, I really would have felt terrible if I had gotten Barbs and they weren't happy, and started eating other fish. So thanks for setting me strait. Big Vine was right, I saw them in the store and they were so tiny, I thought I would be okay.

Talk to you in 4-6 weeks when I am done with the cycle

 

[Seleya]

Have you considered fishlessly cycling? It's hard to be patient but, in the long run, easier all around.

 

[MissFishy]

How are you cycling your tank? Make sure you have an ammonia source. The tank won't cycle itself!

 

[seastaar88]

i'm glad to hear that you are goign to cycle! some people, especially those with their first tank are impatient adn dont bother cycling and then wonder why they have dead fish. so big props to you! cant wait to see some pics!

 

[lancerland]

I planed on starting off with my Harlequin Rasbora's as the starter fish. Are they hardy enough to make it though the cycle?

 

[lancerland]

also to "GeraldTheMouse" Have you ever heard of Old Town Aquarium in Chicago? If so would you recommend it?

I went there yesterday and they seemed pretty knowledgeable.

 

[sclabman]

zebra danios are hardy as hell, they'll make it through the cycle. not sure about rasboras, but zebra danios will for sure.