Stocking A 6.6 Gal Tall Tank

[LoachLover!]

I will upgrade at some point, but with lots of other commitments demanding lots of money, this is all I can go for right now, particularly as it was a freebie  
 
Anyway, it's taller than it is long, which I appreciate makes it harder as there is less of a surface area and less swimming area.  
 
I want something interesting (i.e I don't just want shrimp in my only tank) but equally something appropriate size wise.  
 
I like the microrasboras and ember tetras, and I like bettas, and I like sparkling gouramis (of course not together!).  I do like the idea of shrimp in addition to some small fish, which is where I think the betta may be a bad idea! (Excuse for an extra tank ) Anyway, I want something centerpiece ish, and a small group of something pretty, with maybe a few shrimp.  I am thinking ottos may be a little too big/sensitive...after experiences I had in my previous much larger tank and getting them to eat anything shop bought!!! 
 
The tank is currently filtered appropriately for its size, but it is my intention to add another small filter to increase the capacity of it a little.  There will be plenty of cover and live plants.  
 
Any suggestions based on what I like? 

 

[BettaBettas]

pic would be nice
 for a top swimmer I suggest silver hatchetfish, mid water neon tetras, then bottom I suggest some shrimp, cherry shrimp or some other bright

 

[LoachLover!]

pic would be nice
 for a top swimmer I suggest silver hatchetfish, mid water neon tetras, then bottom I suggest some shrimp, cherry shrimp or some other bright

 
I find neons boring

and Hatchets have never appealed to me haha.  I think i've narrowed down my main group, assuming it's appropriate for the size, but looking more at numbers

 
And which small 'centrepiece' would work best

 
It's one of these, I believe, to give you an idea...very basic! But will do for now  
 
http/www.portonaquapet.co.uk/-M54669?gclid=CjwKEAjw3Nq9BRCw8OD6s4eI5HASJABsfCIa2_iUe_vzuoMt8xYtaVx1-nMODif0ahWcctaxBfYI5RoChOjw_wcB

 

[AshleyNZ]

Ember Tetra would be awesome in a lovely planted tank! Good luck

 

[LoachLover!]

Ember Tetra would be awesome in a lovely planted tank! Good luck

 
 
They never appealed but they actually look lovely! How many would you say? 8..10? Or would that be stretching it? 
 
And could I add something else with them? i.e the betta/gourami? 

 

[AshleyNZ]

Join the chat? I'll try looking it up for ya! 

 

[BettaBettas]

that tank looks neat, good for a center piece yea

 

[AshleyNZ]

that tank looks neat, good for a center piece yea

Absolutely agree!

 

[LoachLover!]

Join the chat? I'll try looking it up for ya! 

The chat?

that tank looks neat, good for a center piece yea

that tank looks neat, good for a center piece yea

Absolutely agree!

Betta or sparking gourami? Which are safer with shrimp? Or neither haha?

 

[ginaekdal]

By the species you list I assume you have soft water. Is that correct?
 
I also see the tank dimensions are 40x20x46.5 cm holding 25 litres. With those dimensions a Betta is really the only sensible choice IMO. That said I have a Betta in a 63 litre and would personally not want one in a significantly smaller tank; opinions might differ. SeriouslyFish, always useful, will tell you the minimum dimensions recommended for the species you were thinking about and this tank falls short.

 

[BettaBettas]

neither

 

[squidneh]

Personally I wouldn't be looking to 'stock' such a small tank. I just don't think there are any fish that are perfectly suitable for such a small space, especially given that it is taller than it is wide. I would focus on aquascaping - do something really cool, unique, etc. There are so many amazing ideas if you google/look on youtube. Plant it heavily, get some rock and driftwood, then purchase a fancy showy betta (maybe look online versus a regular LFS) and a whole mess of cherry shrimp (or whatever shrimp suits your liking/water). With a heavily planted tank the betta will be in paradise and the shrimp should be able to avoid being eaten. A few snails would be fun of course, too. 
 
I think planted, well scaped betta tanks are severely underrated. 

 

[BettaBettas]

up that comment ^ also i highly recommend paradise bettas for a planted (mostly green color) tank, really stand out. but do as you like that's just a suggestion! =)

 

[LoachLover!]

Yes, you're right! Found a lovely dumbo beta online! Shame I haven't got it set up just yet!

Shall go and find a nice shrimp species. My LFS has quite a range so lots of choice!

Miss having the choice I had in my old 200 litre. Takes some getting used to

Might pass on the snails though