ChelseaB

We just started our tank which is a 26 gal. We have not put any fish in it yet- waiting for the cycle. We are looking at ultimately having 6 neon tetras and a bottom feeder. I really like silver dollars, and would like 2 or 3, however, after reading some posts this may not be appropriate. Would you recommend us getting the 2 or 3 silver dollars, or finding another fish compatible with the 6 neon tetras and bottom feeder? They are beautiful fish and I would love to have them, but if they won't work with what we have, please offer an alternative so we can have a happy tropical community.

Nick Goody

Hi Chelsea. Welcome to Fishlore! I would stick with the Neons if I were you. A 26gal is a good sized tank for a community, and you could add more than the Neons and bottom feeder. Silver Dollars get fairly large and are also notorious for destroying plants. Maybe you could consider something like a Gourami or some Dwarf Cichlids, as well as the Neons. What sort of bottom feeder were you thinking of?

ChelseaB

Hi Nick, thanks for the response. My husband is from New Zealand- Wellsford (north of Auckland). I'm not too sure what type of bottom feeder yet, but I know we want to stay away from the chinese algae eater. Do you have a suggestion?
I wish we were able to accomodate silver dollars. I'm not concerned about their love for plants, and I know they are are "spooked" easily, espeically in smaller groups. I will check into the Gourami or Dwarf Cichlids. We aren't planning on adding any fish to our tank until next weekend if it's ready, and then, it will just be two neons, so we have plenty of time to decide future additions. So, silver dollars really are out of the question for us with this size tank?

ChelseaB

Here's my set up.

Nick Goody

Silver Dollars like to be kept in groups, and really need a larger tank than a 26gal. You could possibly keep one or two in a tank that size but personally I wouldn't, they can reach 6 or 7 inchs. Bristlenose Pleco's, Oto's or Corydora Catfish woul all be a great choice for a bottom feeder, BN Plecs reach around 5-6 inchs, and one would be fine in your tank, Oto's and Corys both stay small and like to be kept in groups of 3 or more. As for adding fish, personally I wouldn't add the Neons first, as they tend to do better in an established tank. I'd also add all 6 at once if possible when you do get them, as they are a schooling fish, and will feel far more secure in a group than if there are only 2 of them.

ChelseaB

Thanks for the input- my concern is if I add that many at one time, won't it affect the tank's chemistry?

So if I should at the bottom feeder (or feeders) first, wait a week or two, and then add the neos?

Would there be a better fish to add with the feeder (or feeders)? I read the gourami is good, but needs to be single and not with another (agressive?), and the dwarf cichlids are difficult to find unless you go through a specialty store.

Nick Goody

Your tank looks great! No it won't harm the cycle as Neons have such a small bioload that 6 of them at once would just be the same as adding a larger fish such as a small Cichlid. With most of the smaller schooling fish it is generally considered better to add 6 at one time rather than adding them 1 at a time. This will cause them less stress.

ChelseaB

It's difficult getting started! I appreciate your help.
From what I've read, the oto's need to be in an established tank, so that might not be the best bet for me? However, if I went with the bristlenose pleco's (1), or 3 of the corydora catfish, waited a week, added a small cichlid (just 1?) or a single gourami, again, waited some more for levels to adjust, and then added my neos (hubby wants 'em) would that be a good order to go in, and an appropriate amount of fish?

Nick Goody

Thats probably the order I'd go for. In a 26gal you could comfortably keep 1 BN Plec, 3 or 4 Corys, 6 Neons and a Gourami or Cichlid. I'd probably go with a Gourami as this would balance the tank nicely, ( gouramis tending to stay near the top, neons the middle and corys the bottom). On the Fishlore homepage there is a list of tropical fish with pictures and descriptions, have a look and see what you like the look of!

ChelseaB

Awesome, I'll continue doing my research, thank you very much for your help.