Stocking List

[Egmel]

Sorry for the double post, it was only when I couldn't find the thread that I realised I'd posted in the wrong section (tropical chit chat) last time

Ok my current ideas for stocking a 20G tank are as follows

Name.................................".....qty..total "...Temp Range
Dwarf Gourmai..................2.0...1...2.0......22-28°C
Guppy...............................1.2...2...2.4......25.5°C
Small Pleco(eg)..................2.4...1...2.4......24-28°C
'Cory' Cat(eg)....................2.2...3...6.5......24-27°C
Three-Banded Pencilfish...1.5...3...4.5......24-28°C
Black Phantom Tetra........1.6...3...4.7......22-28°C

inches....fish
22.4.......13

So I'm looking at a temp of 25°C, I know it's slightly overstocked according to the "/G rule but it is just a rough idea as I'm going to be slightly dictated to by what the LFS has in stock. (Unless anyone can recommend a moral and reliable online fish shop)

So what I want to know is can anybody spot any potential problems? I've tried to go for peaceful fish while also having 'strong character' Would I be better off with less species and grouping up more on some of the species? (eg getting rid of the tetras and having 6 pencil fish instead)

Any feedback gratefully received as I'm a complete novice to this and have desperately been trying to read up on 'everything' over the last few days!

Oh yes the tank will be a sand substrate with Live plants, the filter will be a Eheim 2213 and yes I'm going to do a fishless cycle!

 

[Boxermom]

Guppies and tetras should be in groups of six or more. Dwarf Gourami can be pretty aggressive, depending on the individual fish, with other long-fin fish such as guppies. Not sure what kind of pleco you plan on getting that's only 2.4 inches, as most are larger than that. The only one I can think of that stays that small is the pitbull pleco.

 

[Egmel]

Guppies and tetras should be in groups of six or more. Dwarf Gourami can be pretty aggressive, depending on the individual fish, with other long-fin fish such as guppies. Not sure what kind of pleco you plan on getting that's only 2.4 inches, as most are larger than that. The only one I can think of that stays that small is the pitbull pleco.

Ok, so if I remove the tetras and get extra Guppies instead. I was under the impression that the Dwarf Gourami was a peaceful fish. There are plecs that do stay small, I think the Clown plec is one and I'm sure I've seen others mentioned; this was something I was going to check with my LFS before I bought anything!

 

[Boxermom]

Yes to the tetra/guppy thing. Yes there are some plecos that stay relatively small, but few stay as small as you've listed. Clown plecos get to about 3.5 inches. Dwarf Gourami are relatively peaceful, except where other male gourami and often long-finned fishes are concerned. You could try it but be prepared to return him if he becomes a problem.

 

[Egmel]

Yes to the tetra/guppy thing. Yes there are some plecos that stay relatively small, but few stay as small as you've listed. Clown plecos get to about 3.5 inches. Dwarf Gourami are relatively peaceful, except where other male gourami and often long-finned fishes are concerned. You could try it but be prepared to return him if he becomes a problem.

Ok will definitely rethink the Plec, it's mainly on the list because my b/f has his heart set on 'a sucky fish'

I'm getting really confused about the Dwarf Gourami though; there are loads of sites on the internet that actually suggest guppies as suitable tank mates I take it you've had other experiences.

 

[Ginge]

For a plec you could try a rubbernose plec that would be fine i think.