Stocking 55g

[neosilee]

I have a 55 gallon tank and trying to decide on tankmates. Already in are 4 peppered cories, 6 black neon tetras, and a pair of pearl gouramis. I plan to add some kuhli loaches.

My main question is that I really like the black neons and might get more, but I was thinking of another school of something else just for some variety. Suggestions?

 

[Barliman]

I have a 55 gallon tank and trying to decide on tankmates. Already in are 4 peppered cories, 6 black neon tetras, and a pair of pearl gouramis. I plan to add some kuhli loaches.

My main question is that I really like the black neons and might get more, but I was thinking of another school of something else just for some variety. Suggestions?

You might try "regular" neons for a nice contrast with the black neons, or maybe a school of rummynoses.

I'd also add three more peppered corys. Corydoras like to be in shoals, and you'll see more interesting behavior from them.

 

[neosilee]

I just found a non-chain lfs somewhat close by that I've never heard about. Place looked nice, lots of different fish. But when I asked the lady about tetras and schooling, she said tetras are just fine in pairs. I know I'm new to this, but I thought tetras as schooling fish was newbie 101?

 

[Barliman]

I just found a non-chain lfs somewhat close by that I've never heard about. Place looked nice, lots of different fish. But when I asked the lady about tetras and schooling, she said tetras are just fine in pairs. I know I'm new to this, but I thought tetras as schooling fish was newbie 101?

Unless I'm forgetting a species, I can't think of a tetra that isn't happier in a school. Certainly all the ones I'm familiar with and that are common in the hobby do better in groups of five or (preferably) more.

I'd be a little wary of her advice.

 

[neosilee]

I'd be a little wary of her advice.

This was one bit of knowledge I felt pretty secure about, so I didn't stay very long. [emoji846]