Newbie Fish Keeper ... How Am I Doing?

[MrsEspoNYC7]

Hi everyone, I'm new here this is my very first post. I just got my very first tank. It's a 27 gallon cube.
I did my fish-less cycle and my levels are great.
I have my tank stocked with:
- 6 black skirt tetras
- 5 long fin zebra danios
- 1 blue dwarf gourami

Everyone seems to be getting along great so far and I would just like some opinions on the compatability of the stock I chose.

More importantly I was wondering if there is any room for a bottom feeder. I fell in love with a blue lobster (crayfish really) and would like to know if anyone here has one or recommends putting them with what's in my tankView attachment 69973View attachment 69973

 

[TallTree01]

I don't think that's too many fish.
One thing I'd think about is the temperature. Zebra danios prefer cold-subtropical climates ( about 15-22 ) and your other fish are tropical so prefer 22-25. ( these are in CELCIUS )

 

[MrsEspoNYC7]

Thanks for the fast reply. My tank is at 78*F I opted for the danios to go with the black skirts because the were tankmates at my Lfs I thought it was a little odd since the danios are so active and the tetras aren't.

 

[TallTree01]

The danios come from streams in India or somewhere near there from very fast flowing streams. The tetras come from south America which is still fast flowing but just not as fast as the Indian streams the danios live in.
That's why the danios are more active, some people go as far as to say that zebra danios are the most active fish in the hobby.

 

[MrsEspoNYC7]

So how about any suggestions to a bottom feeder that would fit in with my other fish.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

A definite NO to a crayfish. They need their own 10 gallon + tank as they can and will nip the fishes fins.
If you want a bottom dweller then you could have some cory's, if you got a dwarf species then that may be better for your tank. You would need a sand substrate though or very fine gravel.

 

[MrsEspoNYC7]

I was betting the crayfish would be a no go...couldn't hurt to ask lol. I have regular standard rock type gravel. Which bf would be ok with that. How about some kind of shrimp, or would I be better off staying to mainly fish

If I did decide to get a separate tank would the crayfish be happy all alone or does he need another tankmate? Also do they prefer sand or gravel
Also... I read that Cory's are happier in groups... I'm concerned that if I put any more than 1 more 2" fish ill be overpopulated
Thanks again for everyone's great input. This site is awesome for the new tank owner.

 

[TallTree01]

For a bottom feeder you could do 5-6 dwarf variety of Cory. They only get about an inch if I remember right.
Shimp would be ok. I'm not sure about whether the gourami would munch him or not.

 

[the_lock_man]

The gravel may not be suitable for cories, as sharp edges would wear away their barbels, and leave them open to infection, the same is true with other types of catfish really. Larger shrimp, such as amano or ghost, would be fine with a gourami, cherries might not, could go either way.
 
Blondie is right about the blue lobster, IMO.

 

[MrsEspoNYC7]

Thanks so much for all the help. So I guess it's safe to say that pretty much all scavenger types of fish are out. If anyone does come up with a different fish that would mix I would love to hear your suggestions

 

[Blondielovesfish]

You could have some cardinal tetra's, they mainly hang around towards the bottom of the tank (if I remember correctly).
If you changed to sand (or fine gravel) then you could have some bottom dwellers.
If you wanted something to clean the tank, you could get a Bristlenose Pleco or some Otto's, they need some wood in their tank to munch on though, so you would need to get some bogwood if you were to go with them.

 

[MrsEspoNYC7]

So I decided to go with 3 Amano? ( I'm pretty sure that's the name lol) shrimp... They are so freakin' adorable. They are like little cleanup robots and are a lot of fun to watch... I'm happy i got them instead of the cories since I feel they add some diversity to the tank and they kinda remind me of that crayfish I wanted except they won't snack on my fish lol...