15 Gallon Tank Can I house 20 cardinal tetras in my 15 g?

[ToOthleSS04]

I just have 8 coryodroas and 8 otocinclus, I was wondering if 20 cardinal tetras can be housed in it. But I fear they might overstock the tank, is there any other schooling fish that I can use?

 

[Ghelfaire]

You should go with a smaller schooling fish or a couple of male endler livebearers. Are the corydoras a dwarf species? You might be fully stocked as is if not.

 

[ToOthleSS04]

You should go with a smaller schooling fish or a couple of male endler livebearers. Are the corydoras a dwarf species? You might be fully stocked as is if not.

They are panda cories
Idk I just want an interesting schooling species

 

[kansas]

That's not nearly big enough for that many fish.

 

[ToOthleSS04]

That's not nearly big enough for that many fish.

What should I go for, then?
Maybe if I go for 12?

 

[kansas]

It's not only will the fish survive but will the tank fit their behavour? Cardinals need a longer tank than a 15 with more space to move around.

Stocking a small tank is hard because your choices are limited. I think you are already heavily stocked so maybe I'm not one to give advice about what you should get. I have a friend who has 20 cardinals in a 75 and it's a sight to see and made me think your tank is too small for them.

Good luck.

 

[Ghelfaire]

You can try something smaller like ember tetras or microrasboras. Fish that stay under an inch.
But keep in mind that otocinclus and corydoras produce a lot of waste so if you're adding fish you need to do larger water changes every week.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

I suggest that you consider upgrading to a 30 gallon for the fish that you already have, or a 40 gallong 48 inch long if you want to add cardinals.

 

[Redshark1]

If you are able to keep the fish you already have healthy in a 15 gallon you are doing well. Corydoras are a characterful shoaling fish and would be enough for me in that tank (call it a species tank). Otocinclus I have found to be less reliable with the odd exception probably as it can be difficult to meet their need for biofilm. Maybe I will try again.

 

[Josh752]

Upgrade or add nothing I definitely agree with what’s been said why not get a 29 gallon. You can find them for dirt cheap everywhere.

 

[Itiwhetu]

I had 30 Cardinals in my 75 plus 2 Discus. Cardinals need space and peace and quiet.

 

[27WHEN]

Just get like 8 neons