Bottom Dweller Suggestions?

[Trollfest]

I want something to inhabit the bottom of the tank andh have decided against Otos as they seem a bit fragile for me. I think I would like corys but have read that some prefer sand and I have gravel. What would people suggest for me? The tank is 63l home to 5 neon tetras and 1 male betta (soon to be rehomed). How many should I get to keep them happy? Ideally would like somethink that gets to about 5cm or thereabouts.

 

[Jonty]

I want something to inhabit the bottom of the tank andh have decided against Otos as they seem a bit fragile for me. I think I would like corys but have read that some prefer sand and I have gravel. What would people suggest for me? The tank is 63l home to 5 neon tetras and 1 male betta (soon to be rehomed). How many should I get to keep them happy? Ideally would like somethink that gets to about 5cm or thereabouts.

Most bottom dwellers prefer sand, so your options are limited. If the gravel is not sharp you could try 5 corys, bur it's hit and miss. If you did consider changing to sand, corys love it, or you can consider Khuli Loaches.

If you have bogwood you may be able to have a bristlenose pleco, but this would add a lot of strain on your filter and you wouldn't be able to stock your tank much more.

 

[mattlee]

I want something to inhabit the bottom of the tank andh have decided against Otos as they seem a bit fragile for me. I think I would like corys but have read that some prefer sand and I have gravel. What would people suggest for me? The tank is 63l home to 5 neon tetras and 1 male betta (soon to be rehomed). How many should I get to keep them happy? Ideally would like somethink that gets to about 5cm or thereabouts.

alot of people keep corys on smooth gravel but they are happier on sand as it doesnt damage their barbels and they can dig for food, i know several people that have corys on smooth gravel with no probs...
if you dont want corys or think theyre not for you then there are several other things to look at, how about chain loaches? khuli loaches? the tank is quite small so you are limited as alot of loaches need quite a bit of space and plecs grow too large....
how about an army of shrimps and up the number of neons?

 

[Trollfest]

I did think about shrimps, how do you factor them in when calculating stocking levels?

 

[Honeythorn]

You can add a significant number of shrimp and not bother adding them on your stocking level as they are very low waste producers and won't make much difference to your water parameters.

 

[Trollfest]

You can add a significant number of shrimp and not bother adding them on your stocking level as they are very low waste producers and won't make much difference to your water parameters.

Fab Shrimp it is I think

 

[ian]

get 5 albino cory's, they are great to watch!

http/aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php

^^also try this programme to sort ya stocking levels.

 

[Trollfest]

get 5 albino cory's, they are great to watch!

http/aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php

^^also try this programme to sort ya stocking levels.

Are they ok with gravel though?

 

[ian]

as above, if the gravels not sharp, then they may OK. Have you thought of adding some sand?

 

[Trollfest]

as above, if the gravels not sharp, then they may OK. Have you thought of adding some sand?

I have but would I have to remove all the gravel first or is it possible to put a layer of sand over the gravel? I've only had the tank set up for about 2 months, it's cycled (fishlessly), but I'm concerned about disturbing the bacteria in the gravel - do I need to be?

Also the gravel was bought from Pets at home, it's not like real stone or anything and doesn't feel very sharp to the touch. It almost feels like it's made of resin or something although it was v heavy.