10g Stocking and Cleaning advice needed.

[tomisyoung]

So this is my 10g tank..

I currently have 1 Betta and a couple of small snails. I added sand to the left hand size of my tank because I'm interested in getting some Pygmy Corydoras. Information about how many to stock varies all over the internet, so I'm going to throw the question back out there... How many of these fish should I add to my tank? and if I cannot find this type of fish, what is my next best option?

ALSO,
I was also wondering what's the best way to clean the substrate without a gravel vacuum? snail poop can get a bit messy from time to time. As my tank seems heavily planted, can I assume that they will help clear up this mess?

Note: My betta is a pretty calm fish. His old tank mates were Rosy Barbs (in there before him) which I had to get rid of because of fin nipping. I'm positive my betta will be able to get along with a peaceful group of fish.

 

[QuakingAspen]

I would go with a school of about six, most of the corydoras species should work.

 

[azmodan]

Nice tank! 6-8 pygmy cories would be good, just keep an eye on the betta. Most planted tanks aren't vacuumed although I'd still recommend getting a really basic one you can hover over the sand. Just an FYI too some of your plants appear to be non-aquatic.

 

[tomisyoung]

Thanks azmodan and QuakingAspen for the input, I'm hoping to get about 6 cories, I'm sure they'll do just great

Just an FYI too some of your plants appear to be non-aquatic.

Hmmm, weird. I'll have a look into it. The aquarium shop I bought them from had the plants completely submerged in water described as low light aquarium plants. Which ones were you thinking were non-aquatic? Thanks.

 

[azmodan]

The one on the far right is definitely not a true aquatic plant. The grassy one in the middle I suspect as well although I would need to get a closer look.

Care to share a few more details on your tank? Light, photoperiod, any ferts or carbon? Is it correct to assume you are new to planted tanks? Just hoping we can give you some good plant alternatives.


Sent from my iPad using science

 

[tomisyoung]

Correct, I am new to the planted tank scene.

Going off the tags that came on the plants, this is what's in the tank:
- Aluminium (just googled it, apparently not a real aquatic plant as you were saying.. oops)
- Ambulia
- Assorted Hydroponics
- Variegated Rush (also apparently not a real aquatic plant..)

Quick question: although they aren't "true aquatic plants" can I expect them to do well in my tank? or slowly die off? My tank has been running with plants for a few weeks now.

Light: 1x15w t8
Aqua one plant food. I put in around like 10ml every week.
No carbon

 

[tomisyoung]

So I've decided I'll ditch the aluminium and variegated rush in the next couple of days. The ambulia doesn't look too bad so I might grab a bit more of that.

Here are the two plants that I bought as "assorted hydroponics". Dose anyone have any idea what type of plants they are? And if they are aquatic plants?

What a disappointing start to a planted tank! Ahh well..

 

[Mebbid]

Picture didn't work. I would take the plants back to the LFS you got them from and complain. Print off a fact sheet about them to bring with you.