15 gallon stocking questions

[Rye1]

Hello, I just recently got into fishkeeping, and was thinking to start a 15 gallon aquarium. So far, the stocking choices I’ve come up with are some kind of Corydora, green neon or ember tetras, and some kind of Apisto or ram for a centerpiece fish. My ph is 7.5 to 8, and my water is moderately hard. I’m hoping I can get fish with personalities that look nice. The questions I have are:

1: I know that rams and apistos like softer water with a lower ph, so would I be able to use catappa leaves to lower these?

2: Could I have a pair of rams or apistos in this tank or should I just stick with one?

3: Are there any kinds of rams or apistos that I could choose that do better in a community tank/ do better in higher ph and water hardness?

4: What experiences have people had with these two types of cichlids? I have heard that because they’re cichlids, they have a lot more personality than other fish.

5: Should I choose green neon or ember tetras?

6: what type of Cory would be best?

And 7: Is there anything that these fish need to make them do better? (floating plants, sand, tannins, etc)


I would appreciate any feedback. All responses help.

 

[BlueRaccoon]

I think it's unlikely you will lower the pH much with the leaves. Usually the best thing to do is leave the pH alone. Some fish can handle being outside of their ideal pH. Someone else will have to tell you if those cichlids can handle it.

I think you are pushing your stocking limits. 6 small fish like the green neons or ember tetras, and 6 small corydoras like pygmy's or hasbrosus may work. I say 6 each because these fish prefer groups. They will be much happier and less stressed in that group size. Maybe one of the cichlids. But your pushing the limits. You could want it to be well planted with all these fish. And Cory's are much better off with sand.

 

[Sewerrat]

Apistos and rams both perfer bottom of the tank which is where the cories would be. Would either do a single centerpiece or cories in a tank that size. My waters on soft side so can't speak for ph compatibility.

 

[Rye1]

I think it's unlikely you will lower the pH much with the leaves. Usually the best thing to do is leave the pH alone. Some fish can handle being outside of their ideal pH. Someone else will have to tell you if those cichlids can handle it.

I think you are pushing your stocking limits. 6 small fish like the green neons or ember tetras, and 6 small corydoras like pygmy's or hasbrosus may work. I say 6 each because these fish prefer groups. They will be much happier and less stressed in that group size. Maybe one of the cichlids. But your pushing the limits. You could want it to be well planted with all these fish. And Cory's are much better off with sand.

I’m planning on putting a lot of plants in it. Are you sure it would be overstocked? I put it into AqAdvisor, a fish stocking website, and it said my tank would be 70% stocked. Not saying I don’t believe you, it’s just different than what I’ve heard online.

Apistos and rams both perfer bottom of the tank which is where the cories would be. Would either do a single centerpiece or cories in a tank that size. My waters on soft side so can't speak for ph compatibility.

Do you think it would work if I did Pygmy Corydoras because they’re more of a mid dweller?

 

[Sewerrat]

No experience with pygmies. Should be fine Bioload wise.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

All 4 species is overstocked, and Aquaadviso can not be trusted.
I Would get one school of fish, the embers or the cories, an Get 9 or 10, and then choose one non schooling species. It sounds like you want Apistos, I would not add appistos and cories. If you get appistos, no other bottom feeders in that size tank.

 

[FishDin]

If you want bottom fish (rams, apistos or corys) I would upgrade to a 20 long, but only one of those 3 as Noroomforshoe said.

I kept cacatuoides in my pH 7.5 water (KH 4 GH 5) and they bred constantly.

EDIT: Keeping fish that prefer your water parameters is another way to approach it. As said, if you have hard water, leaves and wood are not going to lower the pH.

 

[Rye1]

I’m thinking of doing a school of green neon or ember tetras and either a Bolivian ram or an Apisto (probably cacatuoides). Are there any kinds of apistos that do better than others in community tanks? Also, do you guys think I could do a pair of the cichlids because there wouldn’t be any other bottom dwellers, or just play it safe with one? Also, could I put a couple of amano shrimp in to clean up? Thanks for your advice!

 

[Noroomforshoe]

Unless you have another tank for the fry and a plan for the fry, no, you do not want a pair of fish. Breeding fish are often stressed. You do not need added stress in your nano tank.

Sorry I don't know much about shrimp, But I would not purchase any animal for the purpose of cleaning up. Any animal requires more food and it all comes out the other end in the form of more work for you.

 

[kansas]

I’m thinking of doing a school of green neon or ember tetras and either a Bolivian ram or an Apisto (probably cacatuoides). Are there any kinds of apistos that do better than others in community tanks? Also, do you guys think I could do a pair of the cichlids because there wouldn’t be any other bottom dwellers, or just play it safe with one? Also, could I put a couple of amano shrimp in to clean up? Thanks for your advice!

A couple amanos will eat algae unless the cichlid kills them. It would best to let the tank run a few months so they have plenty to eat.

 

[Rye1]

Are there any algae eaters that would be fine with apistos. I’ve heard Apisto borellis are peaceful and don’t harm tankmates. Can anyone confirm that?