I have a 15 gal tank, 24 x 12 x 12. Hagen Fluval Plus 3 filter, heater not sure of the wattage. I beleive it's around 100w. 3 bunches of real plants that I've distributed around the tank a but more to give the natural appearance. There is a very large hollow wooden log, a terricotta (I beleive it's moulded plastic rather than real terracotta) 2 small orniments that came with the tank which is 2nd hand. I seeded the filter with used filter media also used gravel from another established tank.
Currently there are 4 neon tetras in there. It's been running for around 4 weeks. I have a testing kit. So far so good, my Nitrite levels are nearing perfect now (I water change daily 25% and I add filter start and water conditioner) Unfortunately, I got the fish and plants from pets at home so they were infested with snails. One of which I'm quite in love with, he's a tadpole snail but there are a few little baby snails I beleive are Ramshorn. I've decided not to use a chemical to kill them and to just cut feeding down a bit and if they do become a problem I'll try the cucumber trick. I thought the copper I give the tetra's for White spot would have wiped them out but it didn't effect them at all.
I want to add a Male Betta, 3 more tetras to bring the group up to the ideal size and I would love 3 or 4 ottos. Not sure of the size group they should be kept it so if anyone can shed some light? Does this sound ok stocking? I've done a lot of research on compatability and according to the calculators and tables etc they are all ok to live together but I would like some advice off someone who has either successfully got this set up or similar or of course, unsuccessfully had this.
Thankyou :) Sorry for so much detail I just want to make sure that people can answer me without having to ask for more details :)
Otos tend to be happiest in groups of 5. :) I definitely wouldn't add them until all the other fish are in and the tank has been cycled for a good 6 months, as otos are pretty delicate. They also need plenty of algae, as they can be hard to get eating algae wafers etc.
Whether it will work depends largely on the temperament of the betta. Some hate companions, others go well with them. Most bettas will tolerate innocuous little things like otos. :)
Thank you for your reply. I can wait if we do decide on ottos. We also like Corys are the same as ottos in the way they are delicate? And would they require that size group too? Also, will bettas eat the smaller snails? My other half was thinking of squishing the tiny ones and feeding them to the fish. One of the tetras has already tried to eat the tiny one but her mouth isn't big enough lol.
Cories are generally much hardier than otos. Otos are pretty delicate as they are wild-caught using cyanide. Cories are much easier to breed in tanks so there is a large supply in the aquarium industry. :) No evil methods to catch them.
Cories like groups with a minimum of 4, preferably 6. I would suggest 6 panda cories for you, due to your tank size. Out of all the common cories, they are most delicate, but nowhere near the same way as otos. Travelling is the biggest stressor for them (when under stress they release a toxin, that builds up in their small travelling bags). However, when I transported mine by care they were generally fine (don't try it on a motorbike).
Pygmy cories (pygmaeus, hastatus or habrosus) are also an option. :)
If your tank has a good footprint, then you could consider the larger species, like peppered, bronze, julii, sterbai etc. :)
Sorry to sound like a Ditz but what's a footprint? I like cat fish in general much more than loaches or plecs, they're just too big. My mum had a plec that grew to 8 inches and lived for 7 years! I want something with personality and my tetras are all very entertaining. If I get another tank I would love to have a species tank of just tetras. I don't think the other half is keen on me having 3 tanks though :( he isn't as into fish as me. I'll have to look what my lfs stocks. They have recently been increasing their stock to more uncommon fish, they had pygmys last time i went but my tank wasn't ready then.
A 24 inch tank could take the larger ones no problem, so you are a lot less limited than someone like me, whose 16 gallon has a footprint of 14.5 inches in each direction. :)
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