Getting A New Tank... And Other Things.

[fyrefaerye]

I'm about to go get a new 36 gal tank. It comes with an aqueon quiet flow 30, which I'm pretty sure isn't going to be sufficient for the community tank I want to set up. I'm thinking I need to get a secondary filter. I know the quiet flows come with the carbon filled filter cartridges. Should I modify the filter and use a different medium? I've done some research to that end, but would like some additional input. Currently in a 10 gal tank I have 2 dalmatian mollies, 2 small silver dollars, and a rainbow shark. I also have a betta in a small 2.5 gal tank.
 
This is what I would like to do. I want to put the betta in the 10 gal, possibly moving the mollies and shark to the 36 gal when it's cycled. What other small fish would be compatible with a betta? Are the silver dollars? I was told they would be by a girl at the LFS. Also what else would be okay with the dalmatian mollies and shark? 
 
Also if any of these configurations are wrong please let me know. I'm trying to do plenty of research but most of the time I feel like I have more questions than answers. 

 

[TallTree01]

Silver dollars I would not put with a betta. I don't think that a 36 gallon would be big enough for the silver dollars and the shark.

 

[fyrefaerye]

But currently the silver dollars are in with the rainbow shark and they seem to get along quite well. The shark tends to keep to himself inside the helicopter decoration we have in there. 

 

[Mikey1]

silver dollars are shoaling fish, they should be kept in a group of 6-8+.....
 
they get fairly large and this would require a 75+ gallon tank by themselves,
 
even two silver dollars should be in a bigger tank than 36 gallons, even if kept alone,
 
i guess what im trying to say is, a 36 gallon tank is too small for silver dollars

 

[fyrefaerye]

Interesting. My roommate picked them out based on info given at the LFS. I'll have to figure out something to do with them. Any suggestions then on what to put with the others? I'm particularly concerned about the betta and the rainbow shark. 

 

[Shelster]

Depends on the temperament of the betta really.

If he is pretty easy going, something on the bottom like pygmy cories (ensure pygmy though as its a 10 gallon) you'll need 6.

Shrimp potentially - however you may have a shrimp eater - many like bettas like shrimp.

If you wanted something that would occupy more of the tank maybe neon green rasboras? - Slightly larger than the chillis, and quick swimmers if the betta is a bit feisty. Again you would need 6

I think you should decide bottom feeders or middle fish - you wouldn't have room for both.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Interesting. My roommate picked them out based on info given at the LFS. I'll have to figure out something to do with them. Any suggestions then on what to put with the others? I'm particularly concerned about the betta and the rainbow shark. 

Many LFS give very poor advice as they are just looking to make a sale, not all certainly, but plenty.