Down in the dumps and I need advice :(

So my RCS arrived and have almost all been demolished by my Betta, and while I knew this was always a risk, I was sure I had done enough provisions for it to be safe, or at least what would be a sad experiment My Betta seemed quite relaxed, he’s wild caught and there’s a lot of hiding places since it is heavily planted. I honestly feel awful, and while I know I should have a QT/back up tank, I simply can’t because my parents do not approve. I’ve never worried about spending more on a QT if I’d be allowed one, especially since I’ve spent around £6/700 on this 10G anyway.

Prior to this, I had started to feel my tank was seeming a bit dull with just me Betta and some snails in there, and had already started to feel like a change might be needed. Fast forward to today, I’m pretty much convinced I want to rehome my little guy, so I can bring more of the fish I want, and he can be enjoyed by another loving owner. I genuinely have done my best by him, buying and doing whatever I think he’d like, from floating plants to IAL’s, and I’m sure I’ll find someone who will appreciate him just as much as I have.

Now, I’m thinking of new stocking ideas for my 10G, and I’m pretty sure I’ve hit the nail on the head this time. I’m trying to keep it a low bioload, busy-looking tank with-
Ember Tetras/Chili Rasboras
Blue Cherry Shrimp
Is there any other fish anyone recommends?
What do you guys think in regards to the number of each?^

Sorry for the long read, just needed to get this out there

 

Stocking List for 10 Gallons | 207629 | Aquarium Stocking Questions

 

Chilis would be a great choice. I keep CPD (celestial pearl danios) with shrimp. CPDs are a little more pricey.

I will always hesitate in recommending types of fish to others as preferences can greatly vary even within the same species of fish. I always recommend making a priority list of inhabitants for potential tanks first, then cater to the needs of those fish that you actually want to keep, jettisoning any inhabitants/décor/equipment that wouldn't coincide with your priority fish.

I would research nano fish and find a few that look interesting to you. Then research the requirements of each, making a mental (or tangible) checklist of what would work in your interests and in conjunction with the shrimp.

If you find a couple fish that catch your eye, there are numerous knowledgable individuals here in the forums that can provide more in depth information if needed.

Good luck!

 

Aww I’m sorry about your shrimp!! But the Betta had a great time I’m sure... being limited on tank space myself i get it. I sometimes regret putting 8 danios in because it left me tightly stocked once I found all the other cool fish available that I didn’t consider before! In honesty, I am a tad overstocked myself but fortunately the tank set up is stable and there are tons of hiding spots for everyone! I commend you for wanting to rehome your lil guy so that everyone is happy. Not an easy choice I’m sure! Parents wouldn’t consider a pretty planted 2.5 gal?

 

I currently have a 10 gallon with 2 male endlers and a big colony of blue cherry shrimp. There's always lots of activity in the tank! The endlers spend the day showing off to each other, and the shrimp do their shrimp thing. They don't bother each other at all. If the endlers are eating the odd baby shrimp, it's not enough to put a dent in their population. (Others may have different experiences).
The only warning I would give with the endlers is that they will bug each other a lot - so a group of 3 may not work well (2 might team up on the third, as was in my experience). A group of 5 or 7 might work well. I've seemed to find a balance with my 2, they seem happy to just have each other to annoy

I did have chilis in that tank, but they didn't last very long -maybe 7 months or so. I wouldn't get them again, they are pretty, but so so tiny that they got kind of lost in the plants. I didn't really get to enjoy observing them as much as I had expected to.

Also I should say that you are being a thoughtful and responsible fishkeeper - there's nothing wrong in wanting to rehome your betta.

sorry just re-reading your post and you said Embers, not Endlers - oops! I still recommend them tho

 

Chilis would be a great choice. I keep CPD (celestial pearl danios) with shrimp. CPDs are a little more pricey.

I will always hesitate in recommending types of fish to others as preferences can greatly vary even within the same species of fish. I always recommend making a priority list of inhabitants for potential tanks first, then cater to the needs of those fish that you actually want to keep, jettisoning any inhabitants/décor/equipment that wouldn't coincide with your priority fish.

I would research nano fish and find a few that look interesting to you. Then research the requirements of each, making a mental (or tangible) checklist of what would work in your interests and in conjunction with the shrimp.

If you find a couple fish that catch your eye, there are numerous knowledgable individuals here in the forums that can provide more in depth information if needed.

Good luck!

How do you find CPD’s? I’ve heard they are quite shy, and I’m trying to avoid that if possible...Thank you!

 

Aww I’m sorry about your shrimp!! But the Betta had a great time I’m sure... being limited on tank space myself i get it. I sometimes regret putting 8 danios in because it left me tightly stocked once I found all the other cool fish available that I didn’t consider before! In honesty, I am a tad overstocked myself but fortunately the tank set up is stable and there are tons of hiding spots for everyone! I commend you for wanting to rehome your lil guy so that everyone is happy. Not an easy choice I’m sure! Parents wouldn’t consider a pretty planted 2.5 gal?

Yeah believe me I didn’t think I’d be ever rehoming him-Especially since he’s quite rare To be honest, I’m not sure about a 2.5, because I don’t know if I would say it’s enough space, but also because I don’t even know where I’d put it. My 10G’s in my room, and there is not enough space/sockets available as I also have a big tv in my room. Maybe I’ll see how that talk goes tonight though...

Cheers

 

I currently have a 10 gallon with 2 male endlers and a big colony of blue cherry shrimp. There's always lots of activity in the tank! The endlers spend the day showing off to each other, and the shrimp do their shrimp thing. They don't bother each other at all. If the endlers are eating the odd baby shrimp, it's not enough to put a dent in their population. (Others may have different experiences).
The only warning I would give with the endlers is that they will bug each other a lot - so a group of 3 may not work well (2 might team up on the third, as was in my experience). A group of 5 or 7 might work well. I've seemed to find a balance with my 2, they seem happy to just have each other to annoy

I did have chilis in that tank, but they didn't last very long -maybe 7 months or so. I wouldn't get them again, they are pretty, but so so tiny that they got kind of lost in the plants. I didn't really get to enjoy observing them as much as I had expected to.

Also I should say that you are being a thoughtful and responsible fishkeeper - there's nothing wrong in wanting to rehome your betta.

sorry just re-reading your post and you said Embers, not Endlers - oops! I still recommend them tho

Thank you for the reassurance! Yes I also had a feeling that Chili’s may seem a bit too small to notice all their colour/patterns, hence I was thinking Ember Tetras but they do sound a bit boring-Eek! I’m sure they’re not, but Chili/Mosquito Rasboras do have a certain ring! I will look into endler’s

 

Yeah believe me I didn’t think I’d be ever rehoming him-Especially since he’s quite rare To be honest, I’m not sure about a 2.5, because I don’t know if I would say it’s enough space, but also because I don’t even know where I’d put it. My 10G’s in my room, and there is not enough space/sockets available as I also have a big tv in my room. Maybe I’ll see how that talk goes tonight though...

Cheers

Good luck with that talk!! I have a 3.5g that we are setting up as shrimp only. It’s a decent size that has housed bettas in the past - it’s a top fin enchant mini bow but it’s compact enough to fit on a shelf. It looks smaller than it actually is!

 

Good luck with that talk!! I have a 3.5g that we are setting up as shrimp only. It’s a decent size that has housed bettas in the past - it’s a top fin enchant mini bow but it’s compact enough to fit on a shelf. It looks smaller than it actually is! View attachment 699020

Hopefully it goes down well I’m pretty sure the reason they are against it is because of running costs mainly, as I pay for everything else, including RO Water. I think I may be able to persuade them for a 2.5G but I don’t know if that is too small...

 

How do you find CPD’s? I’ve heard they are quite shy, and I’m trying to avoid that if possible...Thank you!

As with all fish species, you can't really categorically define fish with conclusive behavior. My CPDs are very outgoing and very present. (mainly because they are proverbial pigs) Show me bettas that destroy all shrimp present and I can show you the same number that are completely fine with any shrimp. It all comes down to the fish's deposition and the environment.

I am unsure regarding the intentions of the statement: "how do you find CPDs"; if you mean in the tank: in a 10 gallon you should be able to find them just fine. if you mean to purchase: most local fish stores carry CPDs (might be a little harder to find) and there are also online options.

I'm with you; I would recommend 5 gallon+ for a betta.

Why are you using RO water?(!)

 

See how they feel about a 2.5 if they consider it show them some of the amazing planted nano tanks people do in 5g tanks lol they’re like a show piece lol
Let us know how it goes!

 

As with all fish species, you can't really categorically define fish with conclusive behavior. My CPDs are very outgoing and very present. (mainly because they are proverbial pigs) Show me bettas that destroy all shrimp present and I can show you the same number that are completely fine with any shrimp. It all comes down to the fish's deposition and the environment.

I am unsure regarding the intentions of the statement: "how do you find CPDs"; if you mean in the tank: in a 10 gallon you should be able to find them just fine. if you mean to purchase: most local fish stores carry CPDs (might be a little harder to find) and there are also online options.

I'm with you; I would recommend 5 gallon+ for a betta.

Why are you using RO water?(!)

Thank you for your advice! I use RO because my tap comes out with 0.5 Ammonia and 40PPM Nitrates!

 

See how they feel about a 2.5 if they consider it show them some of the amazing planted nano tanks people do in 5g tanks lol they’re like a show piece lol
Let us know how it goes!

Cheers! I just realised that I have so much spare equipment I had bought for my 10G, that the set up should not cost a lot. I have a spare Air Pump I can use to run as a sponge filter, a spare light and a spare heater so I’d only need to cycle and get gravel, as I can just take some plants out of my 10G!

 

Cheers! I just realised that I have so much spare equipment I had bought for my 10G, that the set up should not cost a lot. I have a spare Air Pump I can use to run as a sponge filter, a spare light and a spare heater so I’d only need to cycle and get gravel, as I can just take some plants out of my 10G!

Good to hear. Saw your post in the other forum regarding this betta. He is amazingly beautiful. Glad you could find a solution.

 

Cheers! I just realised that I have so much spare equipment I had bought for my 10G, that the set up should not cost a lot. I have a spare Air Pump I can use to run as a sponge filter, a spare light and a spare heater so I’d only need to cycle and get gravel, as I can just take some plants out of my 10G!

Throw that sponge into your 10g now to build the BB - we did that from our 36g for the 3.5g, it was an instant cycle. Been checking the parameters daily and we remain at 0/0/20 for parameters. I was shocked!

 

Th

Good to hear. Saw your post in the other forum regarding this betta. He is amazingly beautiful. Glad you could find a solution.

Thank you! He’s my first fish, and it would hurt to see him go!

 

Throw that sponge into your 10g now to build the BB - we did that from our 36g for the 3.5g, it was an instant cycle. Been checking the parameters daily and we remain at 0/0/20 for parameters. I was shocked!

I wish I had the sponge already for the air stone! I Will order it as soon as I can!

 

Update: I’m thinking of just buying a 2.5G tank without the hassle of asking...

 

Get a power strip off amazon lol no one will ever know!

 

Update: I’m thinking of just buying a 2.5G tank without the hassle of asking...

Haha well, now you are venturing into something outside of the aquarium topics.

Wish you good luck sir; if I see you around the forums at a later date I know that your parents haven't killed you for your impudence. If not, I will remember our interactions here with great fondness and mourning.

 

Update#2 I’ve just ordered a 5.5G rimless...Oops!

 

Now it’s time to start a new thread for a 5.5G low tech set up

 

I have a 5.6 with a betta 3 embers and an otto cat and they get along fine. I did have two smallish guppies in wit him but he was bein a jerk to them so I put them elsewhere

 

I find it disrespectful to your parents to just go and buy a new tank after they have already said no you cant. Until you own your own house you have to follow other peoples rules be it you landlord or your parents. I would be extremely disappointed with my kids if they did something like that and they would honestly probably lose the right to have any fish including the one they already had.

 

I find it disrespectful to your parents to just go and buy a new tank after they have already said no you cant. Until you own your own house you have to follow other peoples rules be it you landlord or your parents. I would be extremely disappointed with my kids if they did something like that and they would honestly probably lose the right to have any fish including the one they already had.

They said no when I asked for a 55 Gallon that I’d fund myself and would be downstairs in the lounge, not in my room. This is extravagant no question. While I didn’t ask, I also didn’t ask for this 10G which was also funded by me. I see your point, but I don’t think it’s that big a deal, especially when I’m paying almost everything to do with the tank. Maybe if you knew me or my family you’d understand, especially since you don’t know the temperament of my parents.

 

I find it disrespectful to your parents to just go and buy a new tank after they have already said no you cant. Until you own your own house you have to follow other peoples rules be it you landlord or your parents. I would be extremely disappointed with my kids if they did something like that and they would honestly probably lose the right to have any fish including the one they already had.

Yeah, but everyone's family dynamics are different. Lets save the judgement to aquarium related topics. (I don't agree or disagree with your statement, just pleading to stay on topic)

I have a 5.6 with a betta 3 embers and an otto cat and they get along fine. I did have two smallish guppies in wit him but he was bein a jerk to them so I put them elsewhere

Otos are great fish and will coexist with basically any fish; however, I would advise against keeping one oto. They are best kept in small packs; their behavior are like night and day from being solo to having companions. And because of this, I would recommend Otos for only larger tanks.

 

Yeah, but everyone's family dynamics are different. Lets save the judgement to aquarium related topics. (I don't agree or disagree with your statement, just pleading to stay on topic)

Otos are great fish and will coexist with basically any fish; however, I would advise against keeping one oto. They are best kept in small packs; their behavior are like night and day from being solo to having companions. And because of this, I would recommend Otos for only larger tanks.

While I don’t totally disagree he is by far my biggest healthiest longest lasting otto.. I know they like groups but I also have just 2 in an 8.8 and a 20 long and another single one in a 10 and they are all doing well.. I’ve had packs of them in my 55 and they didn’t do as well as having them in smaller numbers so I’ll go with what works for me. Not every single thing has to be by the books it’s what works is what I go with. I also have 2 true SAE in my 20 long along with about 40-50 guppies and my 10 has about 20 guppies and the stock in my 55 well let’s just say it trumps all my other tanks 10X over with a variety of fish . But thanks for your concern about my ottos

 

Now it’s time to start a new thread for a 5.5G low tech set up

So what is the new game plan? Are you keeping the betta, and putting him in the 5.5?
He's GORGEOUS, by the way - just stunning.

 

So what is the new game plan? Are you keeping the betta, and putting him in the 5.5?
He's GORGEOUS, by the way - just stunning.

Thank you! Yes! He’ll be in the 5.5 with my Nerite, and I’m trying to cater the tank to his colours

 

While I don’t totally disagree he is by far my biggest healthiest longest lasting otto.. I know they like groups but I also have just 2 in an 8.8 and a 20 long and another single one in a 10 and they are all doing well.. I’ve had packs of them in my 55 and they didn’t do as well as having them in smaller numbers so I’ll go with what works for me. Not every single thing has to be by the books it’s what works is what I go with. I also have 2 true SAE in my 20 long along with about 40-50 guppies and my 10 has about 20 guppies and the stock in my 55 well let’s just say it trumps all my other tanks 10X over with a variety of fish . But thanks for your concern about my ottos

I didn't mean my statement as confrontational, apologies if it was received that way. I just wouldn't recommend it personally, and recognize that many people keep singular Otos with great success. To requote my earlier post:
"As with all fish species, you can't really categorically define fish with conclusive behavior. My CPDs are very outgoing and very present. (mainly because they are proverbial pigs) Show me bettas that destroy all shrimp present and I can show you the same number that are completely fine with any shrimp. It all comes down to the fish's deposition and the environment."

It depends on the fish. I was more just stating the general thought and my experiences. (which in turn is not definitive by any means nor meant to be taken as such)
Sorry for any offence!

 

I didn't mean my statement as confrontational, apologies if it was received that way. I just wouldn't recommend it personally, and recognize that many people keep singular Otos with great success. To requote my earlier post:
"As with all fish species, you can't really categorically define fish with conclusive behavior. My CPDs are very outgoing and very present. (mainly because they are proverbial pigs) Show me bettas that destroy all shrimp present and I can show you the same number that are completely fine with any shrimp. It all comes down to the fish's deposition and the environment."

It depends on the fish. I was more just stating the general thought and my experiences. (which in turn is not definitive by any means nor meant to be taken as such)
Sorry for any offence!

None taken just wanted to voice my experiences as well

 

I thought you all deserved an update on the situation! I moved Skywalker over to the 5.5G today, and I think he’s as happy as I am! He’s gorged himself on a sinking tablet and left the remaining Shrimp alone To my surprise, I netted out 7 RCS, meaning he ate and killed 3. Fast forward, he doesn’t give them aggro and both get along and eat together in the tank (For now). I’m hoping my little guys make it while I cycle the 10G for them and some Chili’s, especially because he keeps eating their food too! I saw him eat a decent amount of an algae wafer which surprised me. I was thinking now they do seem compatible, maybe the second tank wasn’t needed. Still, no one complained about adding one more tank to their game...Funnily enough, nor did my parents!

Here’s a picture, and Skywalker showing off a flare I’d like to use this to say a big thank you to all those that helped and supported me through it

 

He's so uniquely beautiful. I'm glad things are looking up!

Love the Millenium Falcon too!

 

He's so uniquely beautiful. I'm glad things are looking up!

Love the Millenium Falcon too!

Thank you my friend!