Ten Gallon Tank?

Question

I have a 10 gal tank w/ heater(76-78F) filter, and airbubbler. What would be some INTERESTING fish to put in my cycled tank? I prefer to have alage eaters , midwater, and bottom fish. Thanks!

Answer 1

Of course cory cats make great little bottom fish, they are active and cute and come in many, many different patterns. But for different there is freshwater flounder as they are called or a variety of loaches small enough for a 10 gallon. Apistogramma are also a good choice to a small tank. They stay small, aren't too aggressive, and are beautiful fish. The only algae eater I would suggest for a 10 gallon is the oto or the Flat Head Dwarf Sucker (Hypoptopoma thoracatum)
For mid water to upper water you could look into killifish, hard to find in stores but awesome colors! They are readily available on the net. Dwarf gouramis, croaking gouramis are col and there are bettas out there other than Betta splendens that make good community fish.

A 10 gallon wth a few apistos in the lower section, an oto or two and a few killifish would be one of the most colorful and active freshwater tanks you could imagine.

MM

Answer 2

I know the other posters will help you decide on fish, but I want to reiterate and slightly change what someone said about "1 inch per gallon". Most fish enthusiasts know that you should start with 10 gallons, as a basis, with only 5 inches of fish, and then you add an inch per gallon for larger tanks.

i.e. 10 gallons - 5 inches
15 gallons - 10 inches
20 gallons - 15 inches
50 gallons - 45 inches

Also remember that fish do grow, you need to leave space for them as they mature, or you may find yourself needing a much larger tank than you started with.

Answer 3

Mmmm, I love bottom fish as well, which is why I've moved up from a ten, to a twenty and now to a fifty five gallon tank, so I can have as many as I'd like.
My favorite bottom feeders are loaches, Kuhli loaches, YoYo loaches and Border loaches. Their designs, and body shape are so eye catching and interesting as well as their playful behaviors and vigorous eating habits. The the loaches love to be in schools of 3 or more. Plecos are great and will grow huge if their enviornment allows. Coridoras are playful & come in many different varities and love to be in schools as well. I have a featherfin squeaker who is now maybe 5 inches and although he is shy he is so interesting to watch when he ventures out to feed. Spotted Pictorus catfish are a gorgeous silver with black spots and they have the long catfish antenna. This fish is also really fun to watch.
I'm sure if you find a fish that catches your eye you will enjoy him fully.

Answer 4

there are many fish that you can put in your tank. Just remember to follow the rule of 1 inch of fish per gallon. Also make sure that you research the fish you wanna get and how long they will get at their adult age or you'll get a fish too big for thier tank.

Answer 5

Well 1st I'd test your pH, and hardness. If it's basic (higher than 7 pH) and hard look at platy/swordtail, and guppy. If it's acidic, and soft look at tetras, and killi fish. If the pH is around 7 then any of the above fish will thrive. Also danio deal with 6.5-7.5 pH.

As far as algae eating, and bottom feeder types. I'd recommend cory cats if the pH is 7 or less. Oto (Otocinclus) for 6.8-7.5. Small breed pleco (clown, rubber lipped, bushy nosed) for 6.5-7.5.

Avoid common pleco, and common (Chinese) algae eaters as they get huge.

Answer 6

I would suggest some neons (very colourful) Plattys, there exists a wide variety of tetras. Just go to the fish store and get whatever grabs your fancy. Remember: 1 inch per gallon.

Answer 7

when i got my tank i got neon tetras! very good starter fish!