South American 20 gallon long stock

[FreshwaterFins99]

Would this work for a 20 gallon long?

2 Bolivian Rams
8 Skirt Tetras
1 BN Pleco

 

[Byron]

Short answer is no, it is not a good combo. The "Skirt" Tetras are prone to fin nip sedate fish (like rams), and the relatively small space (to the fish) of this tank only increases the likelihood. However, there are a number of other shoaling characin species that would fit in.

If you want similar looking tetras, the Black Phantom (Hyphessobrycon magalopterus) is one, or its red cousin Hyphessobrycon sweglesi the Red Phantom. Some of the other similar species in this "Rosy Tetra" clade also work. However, these spend their time in the lower half of the tank, same as the Rams, so upper level fish are worth considering to spread things out. Hatchetfish are an option, or some of the pencilfish that remain near the surface. We need the water parameters though, as some of these may have issues depending upon the hardness. Do you know the GH and pH of your source water?

On the Rams, while I'm here...do you have these now, or is this just the plan? I ask because in this small a tank, one male will be OK, or a bonded male/female pair. Two males would likely not last long (one of them anyway), and this fish must select its mate.

 

[FreshwaterFins99]

Short answer is no, it is not a good combo. The "Skirt" Tetras are prone to fin nip sedate fish (like rams), and the relatively small space (to the fish) of this tank only increases the likelihood. However, there are a number of other shoaling characin species that would fit in.

If you want similar looking tetras, the Black Phantom (Hyphessobrycon magalopterus) is one, or its red cousin Hyphessobrycon sweglesi the Red Phantom. Some of the other similar species in this "Rosy Tetra" clade also work. However, these spend their time in the lower half of the tank, same as the Rams, so upper level fish are worth considering to spread things out. Hatchetfish are an option, or some of the pencilfish that remain near the surface. We need the water parameters though, as some of these may have issues depending upon the hardness. Do you know the GH and pH of your source water?

On the Rams, while I'm here...do you have these now, or is this just the plan? I ask because in this small a tank, one male will be OK, or a bonded male/female pair. Two males would likely not last long (one of them anyway), and this fish must select its mate.

Thanks for the advice. I do not have any of the fish yet so I am open to suggestions. I am thinking I will stick to the stock on my old thread for now. Once again thanks for the response

 

[FreshwaterFins99]

Short answer is no, it is not a good combo. The "Skirt" Tetras are prone to fin nip sedate fish (like rams), and the relatively small space (to the fish) of this tank only increases the likelihood. However, there are a number of other shoaling characin species that would fit in.

If you want similar looking tetras, the Black Phantom (Hyphessobrycon magalopterus) is one, or its red cousin Hyphessobrycon sweglesi the Red Phantom. Some of the other similar species in this "Rosy Tetra" clade also work. However, these spend their time in the lower half of the tank, same as the Rams, so upper level fish are worth considering to spread things out. Hatchetfish are an option, or some of the pencilfish that remain near the surface. We need the water parameters though, as some of these may have issues depending upon the hardness. Do you know the GH and pH of your source water?

On the Rams, while I'm here...do you have these now, or is this just the plan? I ask because in this small a tank, one male will be OK, or a bonded male/female pair. Two males would likely not last long (one of them anyway), and this fish must select its mate.

Also I dont know the exact numbers but I know I have some pretty hard water. Would one ram, 1 BN, and 10-12 phantom tetras be good?

 

[Byron]

Also I dont know the exact numbers but I know I have some pretty hard water. Would one ram, 1 BN, and 10-12 phantom tetras be good?

In terms of numbers, yes, and compatibility.