1st Tank, 10gallon, Have Danios And Corydora, What To Add?

[jaimeg]

My 6-year-old son just got his first fresh water tropical tank. It is 10 gallons. We put in 4 zebra danios, one corydora catfish (speckled??), and one large snail. What would be the best fish to finish off this tank? I've looked around a little and was thinking of adding one beta and one swordtail to get to about 10" of fish. Does that sound reasonable? I know the beta is ok being alone, but what about the swordtail? Does it need to be in a group like the danios? I was thinking of neon tetras, but from what I've read, is that not a good idea? I really want to take him to the pet store with a short list of choices, so that he doesn't get his heart set on one type that won't be compatible. If you were adding fish to this tank, what would you add to complete the fish??
Thanks so much!

 

[three-fingers]

Ideally you should add at least 2 more of the same type of corydoras(shoaling fish, you should really have around 6 if possible). Four danios is ok, but if there are no other similar small fish in the tank you should really get a couple more to make them feel safer .

 

[jaimeg]

I just want to make sure I'm reading this right... Should I just add a few corydoras and another danio or two? I think (of course I'm new to this, so please correct me) that is all I'll have room for in the tank, since it is only 10 gallons. I was hoping to add some color (like a single beta), but most importantly I would like happy, healthy fish. Thanks for any input you give!

 

[dwarfgourami]

First of all, if this tank is just set up, it will be a while before you can add any more fish. Instead, you have actually added quite a heavy first load, so you will need to spend the next few weeks keeping a close eye on water stats (get a liquid test kit and test for ammonia and nitrites and do partial water changes with dechlorinated water whenever they go over 0.5 ppm).
Once the readings stay stable, i.e. no readings of ammonia or nitrites at any time, you might just be able to add a couple more danios or another corydora, and that will be the tank fully stocked.

A swordtail would never have done in such a confined space anyway, they grow big and are fast active swimmers- they need the space to stretch out.

And a betta can be a bit dodgy with danios; some people claim they can get it to work, but I have seen bettas who've had a terrible time with danios- fins all ripped and never a moment's peace. This would have been worse in a small tank (danios too like swimming space) and with only a small group of danios (larger groups tend to be more interested in each others, less in outsiders).

 

[92cw12]

First of all, if this tank is just set up, it will be a while before you can add any more fish. Instead, you have actually added quite a heavy first load, so you will need to spend the next few weeks keeping a close eye on water stats (get a liquid test kit and test for ammonia and nitrites and do partial water changes with dechlorinated water whenever they go over 0.5 ppm).
Once the readings stay stable, i.e. no readings of ammonia or nitrites at any time, you might just be able to add a couple more danios or another corydora, and that will be the tank fully stocked.

A swordtail would never have done in such a confined space anyway, they grow big and are fast active swimmers- they need the space to stretch out.

And a betta can be a bit dodgy with danios; some people claim they can get it to work, but I have seen bettas who've had a terrible time with danios- fins all ripped and never a moment's peace. This would have been worse in a small tank (danios too like swimming space) and with only a small group of danios (larger groups tend to be more interested in each others, less in outsiders).

have you thought about some gouramies? or even mollies or platies

 

[dwarfgourami]

have you thought about some gouramies? or even mollies or platies
[/quote]

bit of tight fit, given size of tank+ current inhabitants

 

[MegTheFish]

Once the tank is finished cycling you may be able to add a single dwarf gourami if you stick with 3 cories and 5-6 danios. They come in many different varieties and stay small, and are generally peaceful.

 

[Big botia]

My 6-year-old son just got his first fresh water tropical tank. It is 10 gallons. We put in 4 zebra danios, one corydora catfish (speckled??), and one large snail. What would be the best fish to finish off this tank? I've looked around a little and was thinking of adding one beta and one swordtail to get to about 10" of fish. Does that sound reasonable? I know the beta is ok being alone, but what about the swordtail? Does it need to be in a group like the danios? I was thinking of neon tetras, but from what I've read, is that not a good idea? I really want to take him to the pet store with a short list of choices, so that he doesn't get his heart set on one type that won't be compatible. If you were adding fish to this tank, what would you add to complete the fish??
Thanks so much!

i have pearl danios and corydora catfish in mine with some male and female guppies, neons,penguin tetras,swordtails,and a male and female siemese fighter but only 1 of each as they will fight

 

[Tetras]

okay as to not confuse jaimeg, the post above mine is not really the best set-up. I would not advice keeping schooling fish as singles and certainley not a male and female fighter together let alone in a comunity like this.

 

[demonmagus]

right

a 10 gallon isn't enough for danios, they are very active so 3ft minimum

atm that's all I know, ask in the cory section about the cories in that tank