How Many Fish In A 10 Gallon Tank?

[Wansui]

Hello, I have a well established 10 gallon tank with only two black neon tetras within. The aquarium is planted (Hygrophila polysperma, Vallisneria spiralis red, Java Moss).
I plan on getting 4 more black neon tetras, a few corydorases, and maybe 4 platies? (3 female 1 male). Is this too many fish for the tank? Thanks for reading, and advise would be appreciated. 
 

 

[RRaquariums]

First off welcome to TFF
As for the 10 gallon it's not a big tank so I wouldn't put any platies in it as they are very dirty fish and the corydoras need to be in schools of about 6 so again not really a good choice in a 10 gallon if I was you I'd get 4 more of the black neons like you said and that's it maybe some shrimp but other then that I wouldn't put anything else in a 10 gallon.

 

[Freedom]

I agree with RRaquariums.  Just add the black tetras.
 
What you can also add for some diversity:  a mystery snail or 2; a nerite snail  both of these come in different varieties / colors.  The nerite is low bioload and helps clean the tank.  Mystery snails poo a LOT, and don't clean up nearly as much algae as the nerites.  Read up on nerites, as I think they lay lots of eggs (I have ONE horned nerite).  If you have one horned and one not, that may work.
 
Red cherry shrimp also good.

 

[508]

You should be OK with 5 or 6 black neon tetras and 5 or 6 dwarf cories. That'll most likely be it, although you could probably add a couple shrimps.

 

[Meeresstille]

If you were to go with the inch per gallon rule (which is only to be used as a quick guide, best to go less than that), you could only add 10 inches of fish. The 6 Neons plus a snail or some shrimp would fill that!!! 
 
Nerite Snails do not reproduce in Freshwater tanks, they need a brackish environment for that. For snails it is important that you have lots of dissolved minerals in the water. If your city's water is rather on the soft side you may need to add crushed coral or specific additives to the tank so the snails can maintain their shells.

 

[Freedom]

Nerite Snails do not reproduce in Freshwater tanks, they need a brackish environment for that. For snails it is important that you have lots of dissolved minerals in the water. If your city's water is rather on the soft side you may need to add crushed coral or specific additives to the tank so the snails can maintain their shells.

They drop eggs, lots and lots of eggs.  But the eggs are not fertile, unless you have the brackish water conditions.  So you do have to keep up with the mess the eggs create.
 
I didn't state it correctly, sorry.

 

[Meeresstille]

 

Nerite Snails do not reproduce in Freshwater tanks, they need a brackish environment for that. For snails it is important that you have lots of dissolved minerals in the water. If your city's water is rather on the soft side you may need to add crushed coral or specific additives to the tank so the snails can maintain their shells.

They drop eggs, lots and lots of eggs.  But the eggs are not fertile, unless you have the brackish water conditions.  So you do have to keep up with the mess the eggs create.
 
I didn't state it correctly, sorry.
 

Huh, that's weird. Years ago I had a Nerite Snail in my tank, it never laid any eggs at all!?

 

[KirkyArcher]

Yes, Nerite snails are prolific egg layers especially if well fed and water conditions are favourable (relatively low nitrates and even in fresh water) they are hermaphrodites and can lay eggs and also fertilize eggs (in brackish conditions)of other snails but not their own eggs!

 

[Wansui]

Ok guys, I'll just get the 4 black neons and maybe a few shrimp. I understand that a 10 gallon tank is too small, and i will be upgrading to a much larger tank in the near future. Untill that time the fish in my care will be well looked after. I was thinking a 50 gallon tank would be a good size? also, how many shrimp would you guys suggest, if any at all. On another note, Do you think it's cruel to keep tropical fish? I have a rule in my house, no caged animals. But am I being a hypocrite in saying this if I'm keeping fish locked up in a glass box? I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I'm really torn on the subject. What do you guys think?

 

[sawickib]

Nerites are asexual reproducers, and lay fertile eggs that only hatch in brackish to marine conditions i believe.
 
I dont really mind the eggs myself. I dont believe its cruel to keep animal in enclosures as long as they are kept properly, thats the big thing, giving them a large enough tank and proper care. 

 

[Freedom]

 On another note, Do you think it's cruel to keep tropical fish? I have a rule in my house, no caged animals. But am I being a hypocrite in saying this if I'm keeping fish locked up in a glass box? I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I'm really torn on the subject. What do you guys think?

As long as the fish are in a proper size tank and being well cared for I think it is fine.  You are obviously making sure they are in a proper size tank, by limiting how many fish you put in the 10 gallon.
 
I have a dog.  My dog roams free in the house.  My dog does NOT go outside except in the fenced in back yard.  So I manage the situation to keep my dog safe, and well cared for.  My cat also has free range in the house.  When I take her out (vet, to visit my Dad at the nursing home) she is either in a cat carrier (vet) or she has her harness on (nursing home).  So even though we don't keep caged animals, we DO manage their environment to keep them safe.
 
Clearly you are not going to let the fish roam free in the house! 

   Many fish in the wild spend all their lives in a specified area.  Sure some migrate, but they do this to be safe.  I don't think many / any of the tropical fish we keep in this hobby are migratory, but admit I don't know a lot about that.  In any event if they DO migrate, it is to be safe from changing temperatures, storms, etc. 
 
Hope this helps!