What should i have in a 10 gallon tank?

Question

I just got a 10 gallon it has been set up for 6 days now. I am open to a lot of different fish. Not brackish or saltwater because of the size of the tank. I dont want something that gets over 4-5". I want this tank to be compatible. I like tetras a lot and would love to have them i just cant decide. Also i want to have this tank planted and i have just regular aquarium gravel (i read about a substrate?) do i need to change anything? I will most likely put the fish in first then plant. I was thinking maybe bottem fish first then work up to top fish? Thanks. I heard corys were hardy and so as bottemfeeders maybe them since this is a new tank. I would probably get fish either this weekend or next weekend. After i get them i would wait about 2 weeks to get more. Just anything you think would look nice/decor wise/ gravel wise/ plantwise ya know? Thanks!

Answer 1

For some less common, hardier Tetras (compared to Neons and Cardinals), check out Phantom Tetras. They are awesome little guys that will only reach about 1.5 inches. Get 5 of them, 3 Cories (any species is fine, but I like Panda Cories), along with a Dwarf Gourami OR a Betta OR a Goo Obo Gudgeon. These fish will all take up different sections of the tank and stay small enough to do fine in there.

For plants, check out Cryptocorynes (Beckettii, Wendtii, Parva, Prolific, Pontederiifolia), Vallisneria (Junle Val, Italian Val, Contortion Val), Sagittaria, Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias (Barteri variety Nana), Micro Sword, Dwarf Chain Sword, Dwarf Hairgrass, Riccia Fluitans, and also, small Apongeton species.

Answer 2

You will not be able to sustain a planted tank with regular gravel. You need a fine substrate that will really hold the roots down. You can buy substrate that is made specifically for planted tanks.

You will also need very, very good lighting to make it work, and also a CO2 system (you could probably go for a while without a CO2 system though). If you don't do this right you will be buying plants and they will just keep dying and you won't know why.

Cories are really fun little bottom dwellers. You should get some. But be careful, because some cories are hardy, and some are very delicate and sensitive. A little research will help you choose.

For me, the ideal 10g tank would be: 3 cories, 6 neon or cardinal tetra, and a dwarf gourami.

This combination will give you you bottom dwellers, a nice little school, and a "centerpiece" fish who will explore the whole tank. Your tank will have lots of activity without being over stocked. And you don't need to have 6 cories, 3 for a group will be fine.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Try some corydora catfish for bottom feeders (there are many types with panda's being most interesting in my opinion) as they are compatible with lots of other types of fish and they do not bother any other fish. Corys also do not get that big so they would be alright for a 10 gallon tank. Do NOT get plecos as they can get huge. Make sure that you get at least 6 corys as they like to school together. Tetras are also a great idea as they are hardy and they come in many different types depending on the fish store. They also like to have a buddy so make sure they are not the only one, usually it is recommended that you get 4 so that they can shoal.

Answer 4

I am a betta breeder. And therefore I am going to suggest bettas, in your case two or three female bettas, since you can not have more than one male betta together. Also you can have snails and catfish to clean your tank beside the water filter, also for plants you could get java fern, they are pretty easy to take care, and grown relatively fast.

Answer 5

you need to cycle your tank for at least 3 weeks before even thinking of adding fish.
test your tank every couple of days as you will get an ammonia spike and do partial water changes.
the fish you could keep are neon's ,platties ,penguin tetras ,you don't really have enough room for really big fish.
possibly a couple of dwarf gouramis,
a plec
a couple of botom feeders