10 G: need layout advice

This is my only tank. I have 4 priscilla tetras, 4 white clouds, 1 chinese algae eater, and 1 comet goldfish (it doesn't really bother the others).

The plant in the middle is supposed to be amazon sword (live) and the left one is plastic.

Those are rocks on the bottom, I was thinking of taking a few out since some food gets caught behind them where the current doesn't reach.

What do you guys think about the layout?

 

I think it looks amazing. Good job!

 

The comet will need a bigger tank. At least 20 gallon on it alone.
They get BIG.

 

The comet will need a bigger tank. At least 20 gallon on it alone.
They get BIG.

Very true. I have 6 in a 75 gallon tank.
They're my favorites!

 

The layout looks good . Nice tank. You might want to reduce the amount you are feeding if there is a lot of leftover food.

If you don't mind though...I have to comment on your stocking. Comet goldfish get up to a foot or so...if they don't, essentially, you are stunting their growth. Although they won't grow to full size in such a small tank, their organs keeping growing, resulting in premature death. They are also pretty dirty and create a huge amount of waste, which can result in problems with your tank. They really do the best in ponds.

The Chinese Algae Eater is also bad news for most aquariums. They get up to 6inches, they will definitely suck the slime coat off your goldfish, and they've been known to snack on smaller fish (nasty little fish IMO). If I were you I'd consider finding a new home for those two, and maybe get something like a bristlenose pleco to help with the algae (they only get about 4").

Good luck!

 

I've had it for about 3 years and its been stuck at its current size. I suppose its stunted because there is no room for it to get bigger in the current tank.
I have thought of selling/giving it away to a store but its my longest living fish so I want to keep it.

 

I have thought of selling/giving it away to a store but its my longest living fish so I want to keep it.

If taken care of properly, they can live for up to 30 years.

 

The Chinese Algae Eater is also bad news for most aquariums. They get up to 6inches, they will definitely suck the slime coat off your goldfish, and they've been known to snack on smaller fish (nasty little fish IMO). If I were you I'd consider finding a new home for those two, and maybe get something like a bristlenose pleco to help with the algae (they only get about 4").

Good luck!

Thanks. If the CAE dies, I will get a pleco. I have read that CAE grows and becomes nasty but mine hasn't grown much since I bought it a month ago. It mostly sits on top of a rock and breathes (not sucking algae from anywhere). I also haven't noticed it attaching to any of the fish to eat their slime coats.

 

A Pleco wouldn't fit in a 10 gallon tank. An oto would be better.

 

Aren't otos the same as algae eaters? What about a cory?

 

Otos are more docile than CAEs and are good at what they do. Cories are cute, but are merely bottom feeders. They don't specialize in algae eating like Otos do.

 

Oh, I forgot to tell you one other thing.. If that plant is an Amazon Sword plant, be careful. It will make short work of taking over a 10 gal tank. I had one in my 20 and it took over the tank. I trimmed it back multiple times before I took it out and put it in my 75 gal. When I took it out of the 20, it almost took the whole bottom of the tank with it. Those plants are aggressive!

 

is your tank cycled? if not you need to read up on the nitrogen cycle. also, if you have stunted your goldfish, here is what will happen to it: its organs will continue to grow while its body does not, leading to a slow and very painful death. there are plenty of fish that should be able to live at least 3 years in your 10 gallon tank, and a comet goldfish is not one of them. also goldfish like cold water, while some of your others may be happier with a higher water temperature. comets are active and grow very large, and are not suited to a 10 gallon tank. but the layout looks great!

 

If that plant is an Amazon Sword plant, be careful. It will make short work of taking over a 10 gal tank.

I will try to separate it so that I have 2 plants. Do I divide it at the roots? or does one of the leafs make its own roots if you cut it off?

is your tank cycled?

Yup its cycled. It's a feeder goldfish. Its still active and always hungry. I think the water is pretty cold (around 68-70). My heater cracked and I didnt risk continue using it. I will eventually do something with the goldfish (how much will stores pay for it?).

 

hI xev, welcome to fishlore. some of your fish are tropical, I think, and ould like a warmer home.

your tank looks very nice, but of course I agree with the others about the stocking problems. I hope you are able to sort it out.

good luck. and yes, move around the decor where the food is becoming trapped.

 

I will try to separate it so that I have 2 plants. Do I divide it at the roots? or does one of the leafs make its own roots if you cut it off?

I don't think you'll want to do that. You'll only double your problem. Just leave it as is for now and see what you get. You've got some time with it, it is still young. Who knows, you may develope MTS and get a bigger tank that it will fit into. ;D
That will solve your goldfish problem, and the Amazon Sword issue in one shot!

 

I think I already have developed MTS, but there is just no place to put a larger tank. I have a limited space on the night stand where the current tank is. I could go higher (only with a custom tank [too expensive]).
If anyone know of a tank that is 20x14 at the base and at least 20G, I might seriously consider it.