20g Stocking In Hard Water

[Birdie]

My tank is 20 ukg - 32"x12"x12" with plants, bogwood, and small, rounded gravel. It is almost cycled.

I aim, eventually, to put in some Cory cats ( 4-6) and either a Bolivian Ram or a Pearl Gourami (yes, I know they're pretty different, but I really like them both )

I'd also like a group of small something elses, using the mid-upper levels - but my question is - what?
My water is pretty hard (17-21 dH out of the tap) and tank pH is 7.6 (tap is 7.4) (I have another tank with a Betta, that is cycled, and that ph is 7.6 too)


I'd like something that looks pretty, and/or is interesting behaviourally - and hey, if I can have both then that would be fab Schooling might be fun - but I am a tad wary of that if it means that they are stressed - don't want stressed fishies


So far my thoughts have been -

Dwarf Rainbow fish (Melanotaenia praecox) - sound v gorgeous, but is my tank's footprint long enough? Would they be too nippy for the Gourami or the BR?

Guppies - very pretty, but that would have to be a male-only group - wouldn't know what to do with a bazillion fry a month . So possibly grumpy and unhappy ?? Do they have much personality? But, as I said, *very* pretty - and would probably like my water.

Cherry Barbs - pretty. Don't school, but still sound quite interesting. However, from what I have read - do they breed like rabbits? As with guppies, what would I do with the fry?? (or would the BR or Gourami take care of those ?)

Zebra Danios - pretty, hardy, and busy - but too busy for the Gourami, if I went that way, I think? Would they annoy a BR? Not terribly colourful.

I guess part of my problem is that I haven't entirely decided whether to go for a tank that is quiet and serene - or one that is as mad a a box of frogs ( or at least a little livelier than "quiet and serene" ). I see the attraction of both.


I've also considered missing out the shoal of little fish, and just getting 3 Gouramis, or a pair of Rams -but I don't think my tank is big enough for three Gouramis to be comfortable, and to get a pair of Rams, don't you have to put a whole bunch in, and see who pairs up? Don't think I have room for that...

Whatever I choose, I want them to be happy in my hard, alkaline water, and reasonably forgiving of my newbieness - so I would welcome any thoughts or suggestions, particularly of fish that I might not have thought of.

 

[chrisdoesntmiss]

Why not Neons, Everyone loves Neons - Saying that cardinals are slightly bigger and still both school

 

[n3ont3tra]

If you want a small schooling fish that will school without being frightened, rummy nose tetras are one of the best. They are colorful but the need stable water conditions. Also, you don't see them too often, unlike neons and cardinals. They would do fine with a pearl because they tend to be calmer than most other tetras.

 

[Birdie]

Why not Neons, Everyone loves Neons - Saying that cardinals are slightly bigger and still both school

I was considering Neons, as they are so pretty, and school, and are generally quite gorgeous - but v sadly, I don't think they will like my hard, alkaline water - sob.

 

[n3ont3tra]

From what I've heard, most fish will do fine with any PH, as long as it's not extreme (below 5.5 or above 8.5). Although an alkaline PH may not be the best possible for a neon, it will adapt and do fine. Same with the hard water. It is only when you wish to breed fish that a specific water quality is needed.

 

[chrisdoesntmiss]

I am not to sure that cardinals are affected to badly by alkaline water, Neons should be ok, no fish are going to like unstable water though. I currently have Neons situated in water that is 14dh and they seem to be ok.

 

[n3ont3tra]

I have neons, too, and I know my water is very hard. As long as it's stable, you should be fine.

 

[chrisdoesntmiss]

Pentazona barbs are also another idea. Mine were peaceful but not as colourful as something like a neon.

 

[drewmac]

I suggest Tiger Barbs. If you are looking for a semi-aggressive fish that adds a ton of action to your tank throw four of these guys in. They literally don't stop and are actually quite beautiful. I love mine and they are getting along fine with my aquatic frogs and pleco.