Additions to 20 gallon tank

[RDS]

Just to get a few things out of the way...

Yes...the tank is cycled...
Yes...all chemical levels are fine...

My wife and I were recently given a 20 gallon tank, with filter, heater, plastic plants, etc., plus a common pleco (currently approximately 5 inches) by a couple from our church that basically wanted rid of it.

I haven't really kept fish for a few years, since moving out of my parent's place, so I've probably forgotten quite a few of the things I'd learned growing up in a house that had three aquariums.

Currently, our 20 gallon aquarium contains the pleco, plus 5 neon tetras and 5 cardinal tetras. I know that the pleco will eventually have to find a new home, as he's going to outgrow the tank.

Just wondering if anyone could suggest a couple other fish to add to what has essentially become our cat's new big screen TV.

We'll often find our 2-year-old black/brown tabby (Tucker) sitting in front of the tank just watching the fish...not trying to get at them...just watching. He loves our pleco, Groucho, especially.

 

[bshockstubb]

Well, perhaps a pair of livebearers(guppies, mollies, swordtails, or platys) they are very hardy and can breed VERY easily. Or you could go with black widow tetras. A small school of zebra danios, pearl danios, or white cloud mountain minnows would look very nice inside that tank.

Another thought would be to get some hatchet fish(they love the top area of the tank and are very good fish to have) But be warned...they do jump out of the tank often.

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

yeah grab a couple balloon mollies there funny to watch (well probably because i think there so goofy looking lol)

 

[luxum]

I wouldn't add anything else until you get that pleco re-housed, they contribute significant bioload and a 20 gallon isn't very big as i well know.

 

[tstenback]

I would take the pleco to the LFS. Get 3 cories for the bottom and a pair of dwarf gouramis for the top. If algae becomes a problem then you could get 2-3 ottos as they only get 1.5 inches and will keep the tank algae free. HTH