Currently I have 5 young neons (1 inch or smaller) and a dozen ghost shrimp. I have plans to increase the size of the shoal some and add a pair of apistos.
yesterday I responded to a craigslist add for some free fish. I picked up 1 cardinal tetra, 1 green cory cat, 1 red wagtail platy (I think its a male, not an expert on them). These fish are full grown and several years old. So what should I do with them?
1st: the cardinal is at least twice the size of any of my neons - will it shoal with them or will the neons avoid it since it doesn't quite fit in, size-wise? I haven't been able to see the neons' response as the cardinal has a fungal spot at the base of the caudal fin (top side) and all the fins are raggety looking. He's in QT now and will be medicating with Melafix starting today. Should he make a complete recovery should I add him to the tank or take him to the LFS and exchange for a young neon/cardinal?
2nd: the corydora is a neat looking fish with his irridecscent green markings. I read they are a gregarious species and should be kept in groups. What is an optimal number of corys in a tank with a 10x20 footprint? Would this group cause any distress to the pair of apistos I will be adding soon in such a small space? So basically keep + add more corys or take to the LFS?
3rd: The platy is larger than I expected. I've only ever seen them in stores as juveniles, so I didn't realize the get so large. At first my neons were distrustful of him, but after an hour relaxed. He looks amazing against all the green in the tank - his dark orange color really stands out. I never planned on adding any platys, but may keep this one. Is there anything I should know about keeping him? Is it advisable to add a couple females or just leave him solo?
Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.
yesterday I responded to a craigslist add for some free fish. I picked up 1 cardinal tetra, 1 green cory cat, 1 red wagtail platy (I think its a male, not an expert on them). These fish are full grown and several years old. So what should I do with them?
1st: the cardinal is at least twice the size of any of my neons - will it shoal with them or will the neons avoid it since it doesn't quite fit in, size-wise? I haven't been able to see the neons' response as the cardinal has a fungal spot at the base of the caudal fin (top side) and all the fins are raggety looking. He's in QT now and will be medicating with Melafix starting today. Should he make a complete recovery should I add him to the tank or take him to the LFS and exchange for a young neon/cardinal?
2nd: the corydora is a neat looking fish with his irridecscent green markings. I read they are a gregarious species and should be kept in groups. What is an optimal number of corys in a tank with a 10x20 footprint? Would this group cause any distress to the pair of apistos I will be adding soon in such a small space? So basically keep + add more corys or take to the LFS?
3rd: The platy is larger than I expected. I've only ever seen them in stores as juveniles, so I didn't realize the get so large. At first my neons were distrustful of him, but after an hour relaxed. He looks amazing against all the green in the tank - his dark orange color really stands out. I never planned on adding any platys, but may keep this one. Is there anything I should know about keeping him? Is it advisable to add a couple females or just leave him solo?
Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.
