20 Gallon Stocking Suggestions

[vantgE]

Hi I have a friend getting a 20 gallon tank and want to help em out. I like my africans but think there a little complicated for a beginner, but would suggest some kind of intresting fish smart, active, and good looking. Something begginer simple with controllable breeding(I was figureing maybe newworld eggs can just be removed?).

Anyways these are off a website do they look okay for a 20 gallon?
Any other sugestions would also be apreciated.

• Archocentrus nigrofasciatus - 1 pair
• Hyphessobrycon eques "Serpae Tetra" - 5


• Archocentrus centrarchus - 1 pair
• Capoeta tetrazona "Tiger Barb" - 6


• Archo. spilarus "Blue-eyed cichlid" - 1 pair
• Hyphessobrycon eques "Serpae Tetra" - 5


• Herotilapia multispinosa "Rainbow" - 1 pair
• Capoeta tetrazona "Tiger Barb" - 5


• Neetroplus Nematopus - 1 pair
• Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 1



South American Aquarium

• Apistogramma species - 1 pair
• Corydoras catfish - 4
• Hyphessobrycon eques "Serpae Tetra" - 6-8


• Cleithracara maronii - 1 pair
• Corydoras catfish - 4
• Gymnocorymbus ternetzi "Black Skirt Tetra" - 3


• Crenicichla compressiceps - 1 pair
• Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis "Lemon Tetra" - 6


• Microgeophagus ramirezi - 1 pair
• Hemigrammus bleheri "Rummy Nose" - 6
• Inpaichthys kerri "Blue Emperor" - 4


• Gymnogeophagus australis - 1 pair
-OR-
• Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus - 1 pair
-OR-
• Gymnogeophagus meridionalis - 1 pair
-AND-
• Gymno. ternetzi "Black Widow Tetra" - 6

From Cichlid-forum

 

[modernhamlet]

Given the tank size, your experience, and the desire to learn about breeding, I would say your best bet would be either a pair of Bolivian rams (Microgeophagus altispinosa) or one of the hardier Apistogramma species.

I'm currently spoiling a pair of Apistogramma cacatuoides (triple red) in a 40g breeder tank, along with a big school of rummynose tetras, some otos, and a few amano shrimp. You could easily do something similar in a 20g long. If you want them to breed, do your homework on the conditions they require and avoid the more aggressive or active community fish on that list, like serpae and black widow tetras or corys. Calmer tetras, oto catfish (good algae eaters), and peaceful upper level dwellers like livebearers or hatchetfish might work out too.

You can see some cacatuoides pics here: http/images.google.com/images?q=Apistogramma+cacatuoides

 

[vantgE]

Thanks

I was reading today a 30 gallon tank size minimum somewhere for the cockatoo fish.
So I'm wandering if a nontall 20 gallon is fine for the apistos? Just to be clear.

 

[modernhamlet]

Thanks

I was reading today a 30 gallon tank size minimum somewhere for the cockatoo fish.
So I'm wandering if a nontall 20 gallon is fine for the apistos? Just to be clear.

30g as a minimum sounds a bit conservative to me. They aren't particularly agressive fish and certainly aren't particularly big. I can't imagine my pair not doing just fine in a 20L, Provided ample hiding spaces like wood, rocks, and plants.

 

[Kenliz]

20g long is fine for bolivian rams and apisto's. i've bred both in 14g tanks with good success.

 

[vantgE]

Thanks alot

 

[aardvarkfromspace]

kribensis are pretty hardy and aren't too hard to breed..

 

[dothedew]

I'm a fan of rams.