Stocking My Tank. Agassiz' Dwarf Cichlid, Betta, And Bottom Feeder

[TimFok]

HI Guys,

Whilst waiting for my tank to complete it's fishless cycle, I'm sizing up what type of fish to put in it.

Firstly what I own....

23L Fluval edge with fluval heater and filter.

I plan to have it heavily planted, covering the back wall and some smaller shrubbery in the foreground.

Due to the size of my tank I'm looking at a small collection of fish, probably two key items then a few community fish to finish it off.

Ideal situation for me would be an one male Agassiz' Dwarf Cichlid, One male Betta, some form of bottom feeder, and a few small community fish (neon tetras perhaps?)

I've been doing research into Agassiz' Dwarf Cichlids. I've found consistent information regarding they're required PH level, temperature and habitat (sounds like they like extra plants). But I've only found information on keeping them in small schools (e.g one male per 3-4 female). Is this required to keep them? Or can I just have one male with some community fish? I can't find this information online.

Secondly, would one male Cichlid get on with a male Betta in a tank of this size? A tank of around PH 6.5, with a temperature around 27C would suit both of them from research I've found. But unsure of the cichlid's territorial habits whether it would get on with the fighter?

Should one always consider a bottom feeder? e.g loach to keep things clean? If so, what would you guys recommend for a small 23L tank with the above fish? taking into account the plantation.

Lastly, what community fish would you recommend? Neon tetras seem to fit the bill providing I keep the temperature on the cooler side, but I'm conscious of space.

Thanks in advance!

 

[KuronoEnyo]

Ummmm I wouldn't suggest both agassizi cichlid and betta together in the same tank there both very colorful and could cause them to fight.

The ph is perfect shouldn't do any harm to the fish and the original species of Betta macro actually prefers a ph around that.

With the bottom feeder, don't always need them seeing as some tend to poop a lot and don't really eat there... yeah but could always do a biotope of the cichlid and some cories, they have the same requirements on temp and ph that makes them thrive. Could set up some nice drift wood and a bit of sand. ALso the tetra's would do fine as well in this type of set up since there all from the same general area.

BUT This all above would only be suitable if you get a larger aquarium, 6 gallons is pretty small for the ideas you got i'd highly recommend at minimum a 20gallon. If you want to do the idea of agassizi cichlid/small bottom feeders/mid level fish.

I mean some on this site have no issue with sticking fish into 5 gallon aquariums but I tend to believe any single digit gallon sized aquarium would not be best for a fish.

That's just me not looking for conflict with mods... Anyways hope you the best of luck on getting more advice on your endeavors to owning fish

*Ps Jealous if you get the agassizi cichlid I plan to set up a 40-50 gallon biotope for them one day plan on lots of root wood, dark tannins in color ph of 6.5-6.8 1 male 3 females.

 

[JenJ]

Sorry, but a 23 L tank is too small for neon tetras, and most fish for that matter.

A betta and shrimp would be ok.

Bottom feeders not necessary, it's your job to clean the tank, not a fish. I have a tank full of mostly cories - they make the mess, not get rid of it!

 

[TimFok]

Thanks for the responses.

Looks like ill have to downsize my plans a little for this one then!

I think the Agassiz' dwarf cichlid is close to top priority. So the most important question from the above would be are they suitable to keep alone (male)?

 

[KuronoEnyo]

Thanks for the responses.

Looks like ill have to downsize my plans a little for this one then!

I think the Agassiz' dwarf cichlid is close to top priority. So the most important question from the above would be are they suitable to keep alone (male)?

Imma drop out of this after this comment

Most people recommend that you keep dwarf agassiz cichlids with at least 3 females, to do so you'd need to upgrade your aquarium size, If you would prefer to make the betta your main concentration I believe you'll have a higher success rate of keeping it alive. This is just my opinion not something telling you what to do nobody can force you to listen to anyones advice on here

 

[SombreroBanana]

If you want something colorful that can live in that tank, try and find some scarlet badis. They top off at around an inch, they look a lot like cichlids, they have great personality, and they're peaceful. You could put one or two of those and a colony of red cherry shrimp in that tank. It'd be pretty awesome.

 

[TimFok]

Most people recommend that you keep dwarf agassiz cichlids with at least 3 females, to do so you'd need to upgrade your aquarium size, If you would prefer to make the betta your main concentration I believe you'll have a higher success rate of keeping it alive. This is just my opinion not something telling you what to do nobody can force you to listen to anyones advice on here

That's what I needed to know, thanks.

I wouldn't dream of keeping fish that I can't provide the correct living space for. I was just struggling to find information on the minimum size and quantity for Agassiz'.

So the dwarfs are out of the equation.

If you want something colorful that can live in that tank, try and find some scarlet badis. They top off at around an inch, they look a lot like cichlids, they have great personality, and they're peaceful. You could put one or two of those and a colony of red cherry shrimp in that tank. It'd be pretty awesome.

Just had a look into the Badis', they look great! Small, peaceful, good looking fish. Would they get on with a Betta?

I also love the look of the red cherry shrimps, thanks.

My only reservations with the Badis is that two males don't get on in small tanks. And the females sound trickier to get hold of and don't look so attractive. Are there any similar fish (size and appearance) that I could get two of, that would get on with a cherry red and a Betta?

Thanks

 

[sebn]

Personally i think you need to get the idea of a Betta + another type of fish off the board unless you plan on getting a larger aquarium. 23l before displacement from substrate, plants and ornaments makes it a rather small body of water. I would say, if you are set on a betta, get a one and maybe a few shrimp/nice snail and leave it as that. It is too small in my opinion to risk adding a shoal of fish aswell. If that betta doesnt like it, it will get stressed or just kill the other inhabitants.

Those Badis' look pretty awesome, i would imagine you could have an amazing looking tank if you were able to get hold of a male and a couple of females, set it up as a biotope with no other fish, with lots of native plants with, maybe add a few shrimp, would look pretty nice!

 

[the_lock_man]

I wouldn't risk a male Betta and a male Badis, I personally think that the Badis looks too much like a very small Betta, especially with those elongated pectorals, I think the Betta would get confused. I must point out that I have no experience with this, it's just my gut instinct.

The only other option, potentially, would be some male Endlers.

 

[SombreroBanana]

Just had a look into the Badis', they look great! Small, peaceful, good looking fish. Would they get on with a Betta?

I also love the look of the red cherry shrimps, thanks.

My only reservations with the Badis is that two males don't get on in small tanks. And the females sound trickier to get hold of and don't look so attractive. Are there any similar fish (size and appearance) that I could get two of, that would get on with a cherry red and a Betta?

Thanks

I know a guy who has two male Badis in a 5 gallon, and if you provide some thick plants or driftwood to break up their line of site, they shouldn't bother each other. However, I'm sure this also depends on the fish, but they are generally peaceful towards each other unless they have to look at each other all the time.

 

[TekFish]

I'm not sure if they would fit but if you heavily planted the tank, then a trio of Sparkling Gouramis (Trichopsis Pumila) may fit? I'm not sure if they would fit. But that would be pretty much stocked, I would say

TekFish

 

[TimFok]

Thanks for the replies

Personally i think you need to get the idea of a Betta + another type of fish off the board unless you plan on getting a larger aquarium.

I think your right. The more I look into it, the more I'm coming to terms with just how small my tank is! Which leaves me currently with a Betta and shrimp.

Another question, how will a Betta get on with a Fluval edge 23L tank? The glass roof top leaves a small window of surface, but is right where the filter flows. I've heard Bettas like as little amount of flow as possible?

 

[the_lock_man]

Don't fully fill the tank, so there is a small amount of air bove all areas of the surface.