Fish selection for 20L

[jonnythan]

I'm making a planted 20L right now and I'm thinking about fish.

Here's what I'd like:

4-5 green tiger barbs
4-5 Serpae tetras
2 of some variety of cory

I understand tiger barbs can be a bit nippy on other fish, and Serpae tetras might as well. Should I reconsider my selections?

 

[mike47517]

I think you should reconsider just because that is way over stocking a 5g/20L tank. Go look at some stocking lists and stuff. IMO i would get a couple of tetras. and some ottos.

 

[jonnythan]

Sorry, not 20 liters.

20 gallon long tank. 30x12x12.

 

[morningman]

how about some livebearers......red delta guppies for example.

 

[jonnythan]

Wouldn't the tiger barbs be much more likely to pick on and nip at small fish with big fins like guppies?

 

[morningman]

Sorry....I should have been more clear. I'd avoid the barbs and sepae tetras totally and go with something less aggressive like the livebearers.

 

[Johnny Tuttle]

In a tank that size, I'd probably do the tiger barbs and the cories and stop there--with some strong consideration for a bristlenose pleco, too.

The barbs would be very cool in a bigger group by themselves.

 

[mike47517]

In a tank that size, I'd probably do the tiger barbs and the cories and stop there--with some strong consideration for a bristlenose pleco, too.

The barbs would be very cool in a bigger group by themselves.

I agree with this ^^^^. I would go with 6-7 barbs and maybe 4 or so cories. ( {Johhny Tuttle} Correct me if i'm wrong ) And a BN pleco would look good and would help keep your tank cleaner.

 

[Johnny Tuttle]

6-7 tiger barbs and 4 cories sounds great. That actually would be a very pretty tank, particularly where you've suggested the green tigers, a personal favorite (when I see them in the store, anyhoo).

Another option instead of the cories would be some sort of loach, but I would rely on the advice of others here--I think loaches are tough enough to be with barbs, but they can be shy, nocturnal, and big, depending on what you get.

 

[jonnythan]

I went to the local fish store and saw some great fish.

They had a display tank with green tiger barbs and some other barbs the dude said were "Indian fire barbs." They were a bright orange and red color and looked fantastic in the tank. I couldn't find much info about them online, but they look a bit like cherry barbs.

I think I'll be doing that. A few green tiger barbs, a few of these fire barbs, and a couple of corys.

I thought about loaches, but all of the attractive loaches I see tend to get very large over time, so I ruled them out. I've always wanted a few clown loaches.

 

[mike47517]

sounds good. Oh and do NOT get a clown loach for a 20g it will out grow it quick.