Newbie tank filling question - DIY tank - Fish quantity

[Jespy]

Hello forum!

Quick question from a fish tank newbie here. My parents have had fish before (fresh and tropical) but never had much to do with them - now i have my own place i'm starting a rather audacious DIY tank project!

I'm going to be getting a custom tank made to 410x180x320 mm (WxDxH) - so pretty small!

How far from the top of the tank will i be able to fill with water? Ideally I'd like it to be ~20mm from the top of the tank to nicely match the enclosure. Is this too little? I have the ability to make the tank 410x180x340 mm (WxDxH) if really needed, although this limits access a little too much so I'd rather not!

Also with a tank this size ~21L (4.6 Imp Gal, 5.5 US Gal) I'm struggling with fish selection! What would be acceptable to both look populated and keep happy, healthy fish?

Thanks in advance!
Jespy

 

[Mebbid]

That size of a tank is really limiting in what you can put in there. Personally, I would only really put a betta in there and maybe some shrimp.

 

[ImACoolguy]

I'd just jump ahead and buy a $15 10 gallon. Much more stocking options.


Caleb

 

[Jespy]

I'd just jump ahead and buy a $15 10 gallon. Much more stocking options.


Caleb

But then my tank idea wouldn't come off.

I've already invested a fair amount of money in this up to now - easily £150+ - so no matter which route I go, this tank will be made eventually.

 

[Jespy]

That size of a tank is really limiting in what you can put in there. Personally, I would only really put a betta in there and maybe some shrimp.

A Betta was my initial idea. Or 5 or so neon tetras. Although i think the betta will look better and likely be easier!

 

[Mebbid]

A Betta was my initial idea. Or 5 or so neon tetras. Although i think the betta will look better and likely be easier!

The tank is too small for the neons sadly, they need at least a 10g. Bu tyou're right, the betta will be easier.

 

[Jespy]

The tank is too small for the neons sadly, they need at least a 10g. Bu tyou're right, the betta will be easier.

Really? The local pet shop said that 5 tetras in a 20L tank is advisable, and i have 21.6! Although I think I trust the forum a little more!

 

[Mebbid]

Really? The local pet shop said that 5 tetras in a 20L tank is advisable, and i have 21.6! Although I think I trust the forum a little more!

Always always keep in mind the primary goal of a pet store.. To make more $$.

 

[Jespy]

Always always keep in mind the primary goal of a pet store.. To make more $$.

While I agree in most normal scenarios, in this particular instance the pet store is run by a very close family friend, so the fish are free!

 

[Mebbid]

While I agree in most normal scenarios, in this particular instance the pet store is run by a very close family friend, so the fish are free!

Well, in light of that my suggestion is to always do some research before buying fish species.

This is the website I usually turn to for fish info.

Neon Tetra, Paracheirodon innesi Characin Fish Guide

 

[Jespy]

Well, in light of that my suggestion is to always do some research before buying fish species.

This is the website I usually turn to for fish info.

Neon Tetra, Paracheirodon innesi Characin Fish Guide

Ah thank you sir.

Yeah I'm pretty new to all this stuff, hence why I thought I would ask the burning questions here first before diving in to build!

 

[sinibotia]

Neon tank size is a debatable thing. Fish stocking breaks down into bioload and swimming space. Your tank has enough bioload space for neon tetras- which is sort of a hard number and not really debatable. Swimming space is a lot more arguable- and people have different opinions of what constitutes acceptable swimming space.

I tend to agree that a 10 gallon is a minimum for neons, and some would say even larger than that, as they are fairly active.

You could always look into ember tetras, which are small and beautiful! A betta would also work- probably your best option.

 

[TheresaM]

A few male Endlers would work, colorful and active. Dwarf amber barbs and micro rasboras are also quite small and in my opinion do-able in that size tank.