So many choices for my 10g. I have 2 harlequin rasboras and 2 scwartz corys. I'm cycling now, and when it finishes, I was thinking of getting 4 more rasboras and 3 or 4 more corys. Is there any combo that would let me hve a betta or dwarf gourami?
Bettas, Gouramis, Rasboras, oh my!
- Thread starter hendrixpujols11
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If you add only a dwarf to your existing tank, it would be fine. No more Harleys and no more corys.
Yeah... the best policy is one inch of fish per gallon of water... and keep in mind that some fish continue to grow after you buy them initially!! Over populating such a small tank might lead to aggression, stress, and difficulty in maintaining overall health in your tank. If you want so many fish, you're gonna have to get a bigger aquarium!! ^__^;;
*shrug* It's a simple enough rule to apply... the only time it doesn't really work well is when you're using a tall tank set-up. Then it would rely more on what level the fish generally dwell on. But for beginners, it's an easy rule to remember. I would always apply this rule initially with my tank and then add on to it later as I saw where there were 'gaps' in the environment.
For instance, when I had 2 corydoras and 6 full-size longfin danios in my 20 gallon, the middle of the tank looked a little bare. I added some mid-swimming tetras and an algae eater for the bottom. It looked much more rounded out after that and the community stayed quite healthy and happy for years. My danios and cories even tried to breed!!
So I wouldn't call it a rule of thumb or anything... but it's a great guideline to start out with as long as all your fish are peaceful community types.
For instance, when I had 2 corydoras and 6 full-size longfin danios in my 20 gallon, the middle of the tank looked a little bare. I added some mid-swimming tetras and an algae eater for the bottom. It looked much more rounded out after that and the community stayed quite healthy and happy for years. My danios and cories even tried to breed!!
So I wouldn't call it a rule of thumb or anything... but it's a great guideline to start out with as long as all your fish are peaceful community types.
Yes, bettas and gouramis are a type known as labrynth fishes. And the organ they use to derive oxygen from the air is known as a labrynth organ. Bettas can be top-dwellers... but I've seen more than a few who swim mid-range... and most gouramis swim mid to high as well, depending on the breed... and even on the general personality of the fish.
the inch per gallon lie is garbage and should be treated as such. it does not take into account the space needs, temperment, behavioral needs, waste, and basic water needs of different fish. it doesnt work for any fish, or for any person, newbie or not.
if you get four more harlequins and then one more corydoras, that will fully stock your tank.
BTW, the people at the major chain pet stores that tell you this crud contradict themselves all of the time. they tell you "one inch per gallon" and then they go and sell you a container with like 1 cup of water for a betta. bettas get to around 2.5 inches long, and thus by the "inch per gallon" lie, they would need at least a 2.5 gallon tank (but even that is to small)
if you get four more harlequins and then one more corydoras, that will fully stock your tank.
BTW, the people at the major chain pet stores that tell you this crud contradict themselves all of the time. they tell you "one inch per gallon" and then they go and sell you a container with like 1 cup of water for a betta. bettas get to around 2.5 inches long, and thus by the "inch per gallon" lie, they would need at least a 2.5 gallon tank (but even that is to small)
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