Companion fish for a lonely uni student?

[EwwThatsIchthy]

Hello!
I'm going off to collage in the fall, and My dorm allows aquariums up to 10 gallons, and palladiums up to 30.
because I might only have one, 10 gallon tank, I'm trying to come up with a fish that will keep me company while studying, I'm thinking of a betta with Amano shrimp in a heavily aquascaped tank, gut does anyone have thoughts on a more personable fish as an aquatic friend?
If I ever get the palladium set up, would puffers be an acceptable choice?
I've bred rainbow fish before, and kept spiny eels, plecos and wild bettas with success.
thanks!

 

[MisterSnuffles]

The betta and Amano plan sounds good. I ha e a similar setup and they get along fine mostly since the betta has a hard time seeing him. Just be on the lookout for aggressive behavior.

 

[cichlidL]

Bettas make fantastic small companion fish. Drogon and Phobos got me through many a hard day at college. I find that bettas are incredibly personable, especially for their size.

 

[Azedenkae]

I would suggest a single convict cichlid in the 10gal. It is a bit small, but not so small that it is impossible for a single convict.

Convict cichlids are extremely personable, far more than a betta. You can get the smallest one you can find at a LFS, and watch as it grows over time. They grow pretty quickly, so that is exciting as well.

 

[ProudPapa]

I've recently become a big fan of pea puffers. They're small, but a lot of fun to watch. If your tank is at least moderately planted I think you'd be okay with two, and if heavily planted maybe three.

 

[WagglePets]

Out of all my fish my favorite is my betta spark, he’s my little buddy all my other fish are just my finned children LOL

 

[Rose of Sharon]

Bettas do have huge personailites....as long as you pick a healthy-looking one, I think he/she will be fine, along with the shrimp.

 

[LadfromLondon]

Only me and JettsPapa coming with the Puffer love! Definitely go for a Puffer! They’re cute, intelligent, inquisitive and more!

 

[peachsonas]

I second the betta/amano idea. Just stock the tank with the shrimp first to minimize the chance of…mishaps.
Also, lucky that your college allows 10 gallons to a dorm! My college apartment says:
“Freshwater fish must be kept in a 1 gallon tank with proper care.” I’m taking my 5.5 with me to ensure proper care.

 

[Azedenkae]

Only me and JettsPapa coming with the Puffer love! Definitely go for a Puffer! They’re cute, intelligent, inquisitive and more!

Hey at least you got a partner in crime. I'm here all alone in the cichlid camp lol. XD

 

[TClare]

Hey at least you got a partner in crime. I'm here all alone in the cichlid camp lol. XD

I would normally recommend cichlids as companion fish, but I think 10 gallons is too small.

 

[Azedenkae]

I would normally recommend cichlids as companion fish, but I think 10 gallons is too small.

Yeah it is pretty small, but should be barely enough for a single convict cichlid. *Barely* haha.