12 Gallon Eclipse tank

[Cher]

Hi all!

I'm looking for some idea as to how many fish is appropriate for a 12 gallon tank.  Of course I'm know I need to go with really small fish like guppys and maybe female bettas.  I'm thinking of going with all male guppys as I don't want any breeding going on.  Any suggestions as to the number of fish that would be appropriate and/or any other type of fish that would live happily in a smaller tank environment would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

~Cher   *twirlysmiley*

 

[Pooky125]

Hmm.. Well in my slightly over stocked tank, I have 1 sunset platy (female), 1 red Wag Swordtail (male), 1 Ballon Molly (male), 1 young Blue Gourami, 2 Bronze corys, 1 Oto, and one young Albino African Clawed Frog, who will shortly be finding a new home, becasue he ate my yoyo loach.. Anyway, look around, see what you like, nowthing over 4 inches please... I have a feeling my Gourami will out grow my tank in a couple months, but as for now, it gives it a nice variety of color. Other wise, I suggest Bettas, Dwarf Gouramis, African Dwarf Frogs (if you want something other then fish.. They do great in communitys) Small tetras, guppys, Mollys, Platys, and of course, corys.

 

[colesea]

If you don't want guppies breeding, the best suggestion is to go with all females instead of all males.  A tank of all males may do some fighting, and could result in torn fins that don't look very pretty.

The "rule of thumb" is usally one gallon of water per inch of fish, but it's not an exact science. I would only suggest about 6 to eight fish, because one inch fish become two inch fish next year. Small tetras are great for small tanks (neons, cardinals, skirted tetras etc), or you could go the molly/swordtail/platy route. The thing is, if you do any livebearers you really ought to keep them in a 2 female/1 male ratio.
~~Colesea

 

[honeybee105]

I'm seconding what Pooky said. I have two African dwarf frogs, and I love them so much! They really cute, really tiny and get along with most fish. They do great in communtiy tanks, and are super easy to take care of. They're popping up in pet stores everywhere. They're about $2-3 each. Just make sure not to get them mixed up with clawed albino frogs, because they're eat your fish (exactly what happened to pooky) But if you do go for them you definatley won't regret it. Just feed them food that sinks to the bottom of the tank (I feed mine shrimp pellets) and they're add a great variety to your tank. I also love corys and yoyo loaches they're great in community tanks. Good luck and happy shopping!

                                     ~*Katie*~

 

[Pooky125]

The only thing with guppys is, that if you get all females, they can change into males, but once there males, there stuck that way. Thats the same for all livebearers I believe.