potter

So, I am thinking of setting up another tank probably a 20 gallon? I am thinking of either getting:-

1) A School of Tiger Barbs (6 or 7)

OR

2) A School of Rummy Nose Tetra & Cardinal Tetras

Which would you pick if it were you and why? Also, I am kinda new to keeping fish and I have heard that Rummy Nose Tetras are very difficult for beginners?

I will appreciate any input. Thanks.

harpua2002

I'd pick the rummynose and cardinal tetras, just because I think the tigers need more room, plus tigers give you fewer options for compatible tank mates. Rummynose and cardinal tetras both have a reputation for being touchy, and this is true to an extent. If you can find a store that stocks tank raised specimens, they tend to acclimate much more readily and fare better over time.

AquaSplash6201

I agree, I would also add some Dwarf Cichlids, they are a great addition to any tank,

ABCDemily

The minumum you can generally keep a Dwarf Cichlid is is 20 Gal, so even then you;d only had room for one, I'd stick with the tetras for now, they're really good fish.

Angela_96

Apistos do good in a 20g (like the triple reds). Just one pair and no other fish.
cichlid-forum's cookie cutter has a list of the fish to keep in a 20g long tank.

AquaSplash6201

I have Dwarf Cichlids in my 30 gallon, so they should be fine in a 20 gallon.

ABCDemily

Not necessarily no. That's only two thirds of the space, the filter may not be as powerful, the tank foot print may not be suited. There are a lot of reasons why the probably won't 'be fine'

It;s like saying "I have a shoal of eight silver dollars in a 100 gal. Therefore they'll be fine in a 66. When in reality, they probably wouldn't be.

Angela_96

Have you ever kept dwarf cichlids? A pair is recomended for a 10g, a 20g is giving them a lot more room. The floor print for a 20g is the same as a floor print for a 29g. They are both 30 inches long, its just taller. Cichlids are bottom dwelling fish, so a 20g is plenty for a pair of dwarf cichlids.

Go to the cookie cutter on cichlid forums website. Right now I have 6 Pelvachromis Tainetus (nigerian reds) in my 29g. As soon as they "pair off" I am selling all b ut one pair and getting a pair of apistos to go with them.
They have plenty room, they don't get longer than 2 inches, and the inch per gallon rule does not apply to cichlids.

harpua2002

I never follow the inch per gallon rule, and I'd never keep a pair of dwarf cichlids in a 10 gallon (although I know some people do, and that's fine), but I'd definitely keep them in a 20 gallon, especially a 20 long. I agree the inch per gallon guideline does not ever apply for cichlids.

Angela_96

Yea Id def not put them in a 10g, the only thing I keep in my 10g is a trio of guppies and some cherry shrimp. I feel like that is maxing the tank out.
I use 20 longs as fry tanks for my mbuna. Thats why the "floor print" is so easy to remember, plus my lights are interchanging between the 20g, 29g, and 36g bowfront.

harpua2002

LOL I hear you there, I worked for a friend that owns a LFS for a couple years and I've sold so many tanks I can give the dimensions of almost all the standard sizes off the top of my head.

20L sounds perfect for mbuna fry; really easy to maintain and clean.