Hello all!
I am starting off a new tank (new to the hobby) and would like to start responsibly; so, I would like to solicit your expertise. I have a rough idea on what I want to accomplish but need help on the last part of my plan, which is the best part! Picking out fish.
For background:
I will have a 20 gallon tank 24x12x17. The deep substrate will be potting soil with a gravel cap. The tank will be heavily planted and I have tried to stay with low light, easy to keep plants. (no CO2) Java moss in the foreground, Crypto in the middle ground, Microsorum/Hygrophila/Hornwort/Water Wisteria in the background. My goal is to have a very low bio load (think only a few fish). In addition, I am looking into creating some-what of an ecosystem where all the plants/animals come from around the same area. (Asia) I would really like to have Cherry Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snails (or some other snail)
I initially wanted to “rescue” a Betta from those sad environments that many find themselves as it really makes me sad for the fish.
I was going to add Harlequin Rasboras (6+) with the Betta. Through research, it seems as though it just depends on the Betta if they will one day destroy the occupants of the tank. I don’t think I want to take the chance of rescuing one fish at the expense of several others.
So right now, my list is down to:
Cherry Barb (Might need a bigger tank than a 20 gallon? Read they like groups of 6+ so I might have too small of tank)
Celestial Pearl Danios (can be hard to find and relatively expensive)
White Cloud Minnow (Not as visually appealing as the Cherry Barb)
So my long-winded questions (sorry!):
1. What would you recommend? (any criticisms, concerns comments are very much appreciated)
2. Is there any fish that I might have overlooked? (Spouse doesn’t like Kuhli Loaches)
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
I am starting off a new tank (new to the hobby) and would like to start responsibly; so, I would like to solicit your expertise. I have a rough idea on what I want to accomplish but need help on the last part of my plan, which is the best part! Picking out fish.
For background:
I will have a 20 gallon tank 24x12x17. The deep substrate will be potting soil with a gravel cap. The tank will be heavily planted and I have tried to stay with low light, easy to keep plants. (no CO2) Java moss in the foreground, Crypto in the middle ground, Microsorum/Hygrophila/Hornwort/Water Wisteria in the background. My goal is to have a very low bio load (think only a few fish). In addition, I am looking into creating some-what of an ecosystem where all the plants/animals come from around the same area. (Asia) I would really like to have Cherry Shrimp and Malaysian Trumpet Snails (or some other snail)
I initially wanted to “rescue” a Betta from those sad environments that many find themselves as it really makes me sad for the fish.
I was going to add Harlequin Rasboras (6+) with the Betta. Through research, it seems as though it just depends on the Betta if they will one day destroy the occupants of the tank. I don’t think I want to take the chance of rescuing one fish at the expense of several others. So right now, my list is down to:
Cherry Barb (Might need a bigger tank than a 20 gallon? Read they like groups of 6+ so I might have too small of tank)
Celestial Pearl Danios (can be hard to find and relatively expensive)
White Cloud Minnow (Not as visually appealing as the Cherry Barb)
So my long-winded questions (sorry!):
1. What would you recommend? (any criticisms, concerns comments are very much appreciated)
2. Is there any fish that I might have overlooked? (Spouse doesn’t like Kuhli Loaches)
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
