20 gallon tank...need suggestions!

[MoneyFish]

Alright, I have officially become obsessed with aquariums. I started out with a betta in a gallon bowl. Then I found this site....and now I now have a 5 gallon filtered/heated tank for Wentworth and a 10 gallon split filtered/heated tank for Money and new aquabid betta, Sushi (and am considering splitting a third time for a 3rd betta). I have ordered live plants, good quality food, look at what you guys are doing to me!!

My boss at work has a 20 gallon that she is just going to give me. Comes with hood, filter, lights, heater, the works!!! I really don't have room for a 20 gallon, but how can I refuse a free 20 gallon set up?

So as much as I adore my bettas, I want to try some other tropical type of fish as well. I absolutely love the look of loaches, they are too cute! Is a 20 gallon big enough for a few of them? What other type of fish would you recommend for a beginner? Can I mix different type of fish? I know a 20 gallon isn't huge, so I don't want to make a rookie mistake and put too many fish in, or the wrong type of fish with each other. Thanks for the help!

[ConorM]

I would suggest Tetras. Some say they are fin nippers but bettas don't put up with it and they stop. I think like 10 tetras, any kind that fit(personally I like phantoms). Introduce tetras 5 per week, because all at once can hurt your bio-load. If you want to be really safe, do 3-4 per week. I would add the betta in last, so he won't establish/guard territory from the tetras. A weather loach fits in that tank. If you keep pH at 6.2-7.0 all these will work. Tetras can handle lower pH, though. BTW this is the tank the 3rd betta should be in. If you split a 3rd time no one will have enough space. Good luck!

[Myates]

Some of the loaches are fine.. I love clown loaches, etc. I would look up the different types, find one that you like, see the sizes it gets, the temperament, etc and go from there. Here is a list of different types. Unsure what is available in your area though.
Tetras are great, platies, swordtails and mollies are fun and easy as well.

[Myates]

Originally Posted by ConorM

I would suggest Tetras. Some say they are fin nippers but bettas don't put up with it and they stop. I think like 10 tetras, any kind that fit(personally I like phantoms). Introduce tetras 5 per week, because all at once can hurt your bio-load. If you want to be really safe, do 3-4 per week. I would add the betta in last, so he won't establish/guard territory from the tetras. A weather loach fits in that tank. If you keep pH at 6.2-7.0 all these will work. Tetras can handle lower pH, though. BTW this is the tank the 3rd betta should be in. If you split a 3rd time no one will have enough space. Good luck!

A 3 way in a 10 gallon is fine - a little over 3gals per fish is a great amount of space =)