Via Aqua 380 (10UK/12.5US Gallon tank)

[pk237776]

Hi,

I am newbie to keeping tropical fish and am not sure whether I am posting this in the right place. I have successfuly installed my tank and so far have 3 platy's which seem extremely happy and settled in their new environment (they are very active and all come to the top of the tank every time i walk past expecting food!) I have had these for two weeks now and am now considering what fish to put in next....

1) I really like the look of neon tetras so these are a definite. However, I have been told that these must be kept in a shoal of at least 4 or 5. Is this correct?
2) I also like the idea of having small catfish to liven up the bottom of the tank. Again, I have been told that it is unfair to buy just one catfish as they prefer the company of at least one other. If this is the case, can anyone reccomend a really small catfish that will be suitable for a 10 gallon tank and will definitely not scare or disrupt the harmony of my other small fish?
3) Lastly, I thought about fininshing the tank off with a couple of Guppy's.

So basically I am asking will my 10 gallon tank be overcrowded with the following fish..............

3 x Platy's
5 x Neon Tetras
2 x Small Catfish (not sure which type)
2 x Guppies
12 fish in total

Assuming this was ok, is there any particular order which would be best to put these fish into the tank e.g. catfish first?? etc..

Many Thanks

 

[OohFeeshy]

You can probably get awat with it if you don't get the guppies. They may be colourful, but they aren't very hardy. Most people can't get them to survive very long. For the catfish you want, I'd go with bronze cories. They are better in groups, so I'd change it to 3. They don't eat algae, but will keep the bottom free of leftover food. And yep, 5 neons is minimum. That should bring it up to full stocking. I'd add the cories first, then the neons. Don't forget to quarentine.