GBRs in a 20g

[James_in_MN]

Right now, my 20g high has 10 black neon tetras and around 9 ghost shrimp. I know that I'll be adding around three otto cats to the tank later on. The tank also has anacharis planted along the back, a few groups of corkscrew val, and a crypt, with plants to add a few more once my LFS gets their plant shipment in (which should be today).

I was thinking about adding a school of gold tetras, but have decided that would be a bad idea; another decent size school would definitely overstock the tank. I'm now considering adding a centerpiece fish or two, and maybe another fish that doesn't require as big a school as gold tetras would.

Dwarf gourami temperment seems to vary, so I may go the path of german blue rams instead, probably two of them. If I do get two GBRs, should I just hit the brakes there and not add anything else? Or perhaps get one GBR and a small school (3 or 4) of something like cherry barbs?

 

[RamCichlidLover]

that sounds good to me. i have a 20 gal tank that is in the process of cycling. my plans were to get 2 GBRs and some small tetras perhaps glowlight tetras.

 

[Jason7894561230]

Yeah i think its a good idea they are very peacful but very senstive

 

[Homedog98]

+1 Jason. German blues are very sensitive to water conditions and like well established tanks. I like bolivians, since they are a bit hardier!

 

[tyspot1000]

I would add one, possibly two (If you do not want any breeding, just stick to one) with the stock you plan to have. This will give a nicely stocked, beautiful tank (Any pics you could show us; I would love to see your tank).

As people are saying, Rams need a well established tank, but Im sure you are already informed on this since you plan to get otos...

 

[James_in_MN]

+1 Jason. German blues are very sensitive to water conditions and like well established tanks. I like bolivians, since they are a bit hardier!

Thanks for the info. Perhaps I'll get a Bolivian Ram instead.

It's looking like I'd have to choose between two rams, or one ram with 4 cherry barbs. Two rams with a small school looks to be overcrowded (using aqadvisor as a general guideline).

Too bad dwarf gouramis seem so unstable these days. Those fish look awesome (I had a couple of them in the past).

 

[Homedog98]

I personally don't trust the calculators, but I would go with one Bolivian and the barbs, unless you sex the bolivians. Cichlids (which bolivians are) can get aggressive if you get two of the same sex. Especially males.