I have a 10 gallon tank need help

[Durbkat]

I have a 10 gallon tank and it has had fish in it for over 3 years but I recently put them all in my long 20 gallon to give them more room. But I am having a problem with my p.h. its 6.8. So my question is will the bacteria stay alive if I'm not able to get the p.h under control? Or should I get some cheap fish like some guppies or platies to keep the bacteria alive until I can fix the p.h and decide on what fish I want in their, oh and I'm open to suggestions on some fish I could put in their. And I would like something different than black tetras, bettas, gouramis.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Your pH is fine. Nothing fish can't adapt too. Playing around with it does more harm than good.

 

[CFC]

What exactly is wrong with the pH? A pH of 6.8 is good for most tropical fish, especially tetras and plecs which come from the soft acidic waters of the Amazon.

 

[Durbkat]

Oh my lps said it needed to be higher. So its ok the way it is? And what kind of fish would you all recommend for it besides black tetras,bettas, and gouramis?

 

[dwarfgourami]

Ph is fine. Your bacteria won't stay alive though without a source of ammonia; they die off really quickly so the tank will need to cycle again once you put fish in there. Though you can always seed it from your larger tank.
May I asked what you had planned to do with the "really cheap fish" once the tank is under control?

 

[Durbkat]

I heard some people say that they flush em once they get the fish they want. Never mind about the getting cheap fish part. All right can someone reccomend some fish soon so maybe I can get some more fish for it soon. And anything besides black tetras, bettas, and gouramis.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Theres lots of things. Do a search, theres been lots of people asking about 10g stocking.

 

[Durbkat]

Could I put 5 or 6 tiger barbs and a bristlenose pleco? Or 4 corys and a betta?

 

[OohFeeshy]

I thought you said not a betta No to the tiger barbs, they're too active, the corys and betta would work though if you have a mellow betta.

 

[Durbkat]

What would it matter if it they were active? And I thought all bettas were compatible with corys. And how do you know if you have a mellow betta. And well I'll post on the betta forum about compatible fish for bettas. Unless you know what fish are good with bettas.

 

[OohFeeshy]

I would matter if they're active becasue active fish don't do well in small tanks. Imagine a group of very hyper children in a very small room. And all the children have pointy sticks. Not the best situation Not all bettas work with corys, several of mine can't abide other fish. Generally its a case of make sure theres plenty of hiding spots for the corys and be prepared in case the betta does turn nasty.

 

[Durbkat]

Ok thanks oohfeshy. I'll just go to my lps and see what they have and what can fit in their.

 

[lljdma06]

Lucky dog, a pH of 6.8 is fine. Don't mess with it, you'll cause more trouble that way. Mine's between 7.4, and I still don't mess with it.

If you've got a spare 10g, since your back into bettas again, divide it three ways and house 3 males. It makes for a very pretty setup. The males I have in my divided 10 are large CT bettas, and the tank doesn't look empty. I like the look, actually, and dividers can either be homemade or readily purchased at the LFS. But you have to put a lot of plants in there, because the bettas need a break from each other once in a while. Constant flaring is not great for them, it can damage their gill plates. But a little stimulation is a nice thing and they build bubble nests, and I find that their color is more intense then when I keep bettas by themselves.

With this setup you don't have to worry about finding tank mates that are compatible, and you definitely won't be overstocking your tank. In fact, if you observe the 1 inch per gallon and the average betta is 2.5 inches (excluding fins), you are understocked at 7.5, and there is color and beauty. Don't add anymore fish, it isn't necessary. They also have a goodly amount of space in their compartments, a little over 3 gallons a piece, which is not too shabby.

This is just my two cents on what you should do with your spare 10g. If you have any additional questions, you may PM me.