Small Colourful Fish

[Essjay27 142]

In the first post, she says it's a fluval edge - and they are 23 litres/6 galls.

 

[MermaidMel]

In the first post, she says it's a fluval edge - and they are 23 litres/6 galls.

Oh I see, didn't even notice, I wouldn't keep guppies in a fluval edge, just a betta really and perhaps some real micro species, like coffee bean rasboras, endlers or ember tetra

 

[Assaye]

Have you looked at Glowfish? They genetically altered danios that don't get too big and because the color is in their genes, you get colored fry. There are red, orange and pink ones. Only thing is is that they are patented or whatever and it's illegal to sell the fry. But from what I've read, they area a very good community fish.

Non-altered danios get to about 2-2.5 inches as adults and would be far too big. Unless the glofish stay about 0.8 inches (which I doubt), they'll get too big and be too active for such a small tank. I wouldn't keep danios in less than 15 gallons, ideally 20+

 

[xamy_valox]

How come I cant keep guppies?
When I first bought the tank I was advised to buy guppies as they are 'an ideal fish for the type of tank' =S
My guppies are doing fine!
Amy.

 

[xamy_valox]

In all honesty, with a betta and 4 guppies you're fully stocked as far as mid-swimming fish go. The most I would recommend is a team of small shrimp.

I feel the fish recommended by MermaidMel (aside from the galaxy rasboras/celestial pearl danios which are the same fish and very small) will get too big. Harlequins and glowlights can grow to 1.5 inches and rummy noses get even bigger. It's not fair to keep active shoaling fish like these in a 23 litre tank, especially with other fish.

Any fish like these - danios, rasboras, harlequins, barbs - need to be in shoals of 6 or more. As I said, with a betta (which is a good 2 inches) and 4 guppies (another 1.5 to 2 inches as adults), you're fully stocked. I really wouldn't push it unless you want to walk into water quality problems and/or stressed fish.

Add 6-10 red cherry shrimp. Very bright, super cute and a lot of fun to watch. They are small and don't add much waste to the tank. Plus, they love on the bottom so don't compete with the other fish for space.

Hmm, I didn't realise I would be fully stocked already, the tank looks bare =\
I don't really like shrimp so I think I might just stick as I am if thats the only option I have.
Wish I had a bigger tank, I want more fishies =[
Thanks, Amy xx

 

[MermaidMel]

How come I cant keep guppies?
When I first bought the tank I was advised to buy guppies as they are 'an ideal fish for the type of tank' =S
My guppies are doing fine!
Amy.

Hi Amy, your guppies are fine, I just personally prefer to give fish like that swim about a lot and quickly, more space. A betta like a smaller enclosed space so they would be very happy. A fish that swims about all day is fine, but like anyone, the space they can have, the better. Just buy a bigger tank! xx

 

[xamy_valox]

How come I cant keep guppies?
When I first bought the tank I was advised to buy guppies as they are 'an ideal fish for the type of tank' =S
My guppies are doing fine!
Amy.

Hi Amy, your guppies are fine, I just personally prefer to give fish like that swim about a lot and quickly, more space. A betta like a smaller enclosed space so they would be very happy. A fish that swims about all day is fine, but like anyone, the space they can have, the better. Just buy a bigger tank! xx

Ahh I see, well there is still quite a bit of room for them, they seem happy enough anyway! I don't think I will add anymore fish if I am already stocked up as I dont want to be cutting down their space.
I wish I could have a bigger tank, but its in my living room and it was a battle with my mom to get this size! She only agreed to the fuval edge because it looks stylish!
Thanks for your help xx

 

[Jamepsss]

How come I cant keep guppies?
When I first bought the tank I was advised to buy guppies as they are 'an ideal fish for the type of tank' =S
My guppies are doing fine!
Amy.

Hi Amy, your guppies are fine, I just personally prefer to give fish like that swim about a lot and quickly, more space. A betta like a smaller enclosed space so they would be very happy. A fish that swims about all day is fine, but like anyone, the space they can have, the better. Just buy a bigger tank! xx

Ahh I see, well there is still quite a bit of room for them, they seem happy enough anyway! I don't think I will add anymore fish if I am already stocked up as I dont want to be cutting down their space.
I wish I could have a bigger tank, but its in my living room and it was a battle with my mom to get this size! She only agreed to the fuval edge because it looks stylish!
Thanks for your help xx

Give it a few weeks and you'll have a bigger tank. It happens to us all