Question re stocking a 20gal

[prhelp]

Hi all,

I was a regular on these boards about 5 years ago as I cycled and then maintained a 29gal hex. Everyone here was instrumental in the success I had, so I figured I come back here, now that I'm investigating the hobby again.

I'm considering a 20gal rectangular. I live on the third floor, so I can't really go much larger than that. While I'd love to go bigger for aesthetic and stocking purposes, I really can't -- but I'm confident I can maintain it well, too, despite it's size.

I want to get a sanity check on the stocking here. I'm considering 6 diamond tetras, 6 glowlight tetras, and 2 julii corys, and it moderately planted tank.

Any thoughts?

Thx in advance!

 

[emmanuelchavez]

now that I'm investigating the hobby again.

Hehe, investigating the hobby?

 

[prhelp]

You know -- doing my research and planning first, and re-learning the stuff I used to know.

 

[kaburan]

I feel you have plenty of room for those those fish. The tetras dont get that large so you should be fine

 

[noob23]

sounds cool, i think you would be able to go bigger than a 20 though....(if you wanted)

 

[MissFishy]

With a 20g I would only go with one of those schools of tetras, then the corycats, then possibly a centerpiece fish to finish it off. Two schools might be cramped in that size.

 

[jen0910]

I think you should get at least 3 cories. 1 big school and a centerpiece fish doesn't sound like a bad idea either but I dont think you would have a problem with the 2 schools if that is what you really want. Do you still have the 29g hex? Cause it looks like that had/has the same fish that you want now. If it is still set up I think you should go for some different fish.

 

[prhelp]

Good advice. I've owned Bolivian Rams before and loved them. How about this:

2 Bolivian rams, 8 Diamonds, and 3 Juliis. I'm thinking a long 20 gal with a Penguin at one end. The opposite end would be built specifically for the Rams, with more plants, including floating cover, since they prefer those things (and less current).

I've only ever done a fish-in cycle before, with Giant Danios, and may try that again. Then again, I am also reading about the fishless cycle option, too. We'll see.

Thx again!

(Don't have the 29g anymore. That thing was a PITA, especially with respect to lighting.)

 

[prhelp]

Ooh, just had another idea, because Jen's point above about trying new fish was such a good one.

1 Golden Wonder Killifish (centerpiece)
8 Cherry Barbs
3 Julii Corys

I learned about the Golden Wonder at Striped Panchax Killifish, Aplocheilus lineatus, Family: Aplocheilidae, Golden Wonder Killifish

Problem is, I still think a few diamonds thrown in would add great color. Yellow, silver, red. . .

 

[Adorkable]

Hmmmm, I would get
1 Honey Gourami
A school of some sort of tetra
3 Panda Corys
And 3 Otos

 

[brian1973]

I am goingto throw my $.02 in here..I personally have taken a liking to natives..we have a colorful variety of native fish that most of us take for granted, unfortunately it seems my state restricts me from keeping any native fish.
check out the following links and you might get some other ideas. Of course check the legal side of keeping them.
NANFA Forum (North American Native Fishes Association)
California fishing regulations - NANFA Forum
Board Message
NANFA Forum -> Commercial Vendors

 

[prhelp]

Thanks, Brian -- I'm not gonna try native for now. Maybe in the future once I get my fish/feet wet again.

 

[jen0910]

I kinda like the rams and tetras option. But, maybe a smaller tetra or rasbora would look nice with the rams so that the rams really stand out. I recently helped my boyfriend set up a tank with German Blue Rams, Pristella Tetras, pygmy Cories and Hatchet fish and it is a nice combo.