Fish compatability?

Question

Its a 20 gallon aquarium. Tell me which of these combinations would work out in my tank. Here are my options...

1. 6 neons/ 2 platies/ 3 ottos
2. 6 neons/3 glass catfish/ 3 ottos
3. 6 neons/3 ottos/ 1 female betta
4. 6 neons/ 3 ottos/2 mollies

I'm not too sure about numbers 2 and 4. I won't be able to put salt into the water for the mollies. Should I risk it? Would the platies bully my neons? My neons are shy anyway.I know glass catfish like schools. Is three enough?

Answer 1

I'm not sure by what you mean by ottos.
You don't HAVE to have salt for mollies, although all fish benefit from a little salt in the water, helps stave off infections of various kinds.

Glass catfish may not be the best choice.
http://www.pet-care-experts.com/archive.php?54803

A Betta would be compatable, as are your platies. Even angel fish are compatable if you have plants. I have successfully kept angels and neons, and raised angels to breeding size. Also, you can add in the little head and tail lights or the some of the other tetra species, like the silver hachet who like to swim near the top.

All catfish can become troublesome when they get big enough. I've had beautiful ones that only came out at night and my fish would 'disappear', I finally got wise and put them into an all african chiclid tank. That was perhaps the most fun tank I have ever had.

Cory cats are an exception to the rule and come in a variety of colors.

Naturally, the larger the tank, the easier it is to keep species that may be slightly at odds. Lots of plants for hiding help new fish to feel more secure.

And always add a slime coat when adding new fish, it really helps them.

Answer 2

I think 1 or 3 would be your best options.

Glass cats are a little harder to care for - they should be in larger schools, have a well planted tank, and have a meaty diet of things like frozen bloodworms.

Although the neons and ottos can take some salt in the water, come spawning time, the male molly might harrass the smaller fish.

If you have a decent filter, you could probably add the female betta with the platys (basically combine 1 and 3) and not be overcrowded (just add a few fish at a time over a few weeks).

If you have enough plants (they don't have to be real ones, just so there's some cover), the neons will tend to be less shy. Since these fish are small, they like to know there's a place to duck into to hide, so the more of that you provide, the more you'll actually see them out.

Answer 3

1 or 2 would do well.

for number one:The neons would never get bullied by the platies because they are both community fish, which means non agressive fish. The otto fish would do well with them also.

for number two:The neons, and glass catfish would do so well together, they both have interesting features, and i personally like the glass catfish because of the see through skin.

Answer 4

All of those choices would work, Mollies don't really need salt in the water. Also, you may want to add 3 Corry Cats for your cleanup crew. Good luck, and good choices. (I would reccomend either #1 or #2!)

Nosoop4u