Newbie Just Starting Out

[Cossie1111]

Hi everyone.

I recently went out and got myself a brand new, roughly 77 litre (17 gallon) 2ft tank.
I am planning to use a combination of an undergravel filter and a regular filter for filtration.

After doing some research, i have planned to put the following fish: dwarf gouramis, peppered corydoras and neon tetras, although i have no idea how many of each to put in.

I would like to know what people think of what i have said so far, as well as general advice on starting a new tank (i know about the cycling process though)

Thanks.

 

[ZoddyZod]

in that size tank you really only want 1 dwarf gourami. Two males might fight to the death and any females in with a male might be constantly harrassed, possibly to death as well.

the neons and corys will need to be in groups of 6+, but six of each and a DG should be fine.

Some people will say that neons need a 'mature' tank that has been running for 6 or more months. What this really means is that they should not be introduced into a tank where the ammonia and nitrite levels are still fluctuating and settling down. They are notoriously fragile due to the commercial levels of breeding that the majority are produced from.

 

[fluttermoth]

I'd forget about the UG filtration and have a sand substrate if you want corys.

 

[Cossie1111]

Thanks for advice guys.

What do you guys think of throwing emporer tetras and/or harlequins into the mix?

 

[fluttermoth]

In a tank that size I think you should pick either neons or harlequins and have a larger group. As your tank is new, I'd suggest you have the harlequins.

Emperor tetra are too big and fast swimming for a two foot.

 

[Cossie1111]

@fluttermoth
What are the benefits in using sand when keeping corys?

Also, to clarify, my tank is custom made, and as such is more like 2.5/2.75 foot. Is this appropriate for emporer tetras, or should i stick to harlequins?

 

[fluttermoth]

Just that what cories evolved to do was dibble about in sand, like this; http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgcE1s9rYZg&feature=related

Every one of the dimples in that sand has been made by a cory sticking its little nose in; they just can't do that on gravel; instead their barbels get sore (even worn away in some cases) and they can pick up infections from where bits of fish poo and food get stuck down in the gravel; even if you keep it really, really clean.

Of course, people can and do keep cories on gravel; I did myself for years, but I think we should aim to keep them on sand only; it makes them happy

You're right on the boderline of tank size for the Emperors, so it's a bit of a judgement call. I wouldn't put them in a tank less than four feet personally; they dash along my four foot at a great rate of knots.

A larger shoal of harlequins would look better IMO.