First Freshwater Tank

I'll be getting my first tank soon and it'll be my first time keeping fish. I want to make sure I do it right and the fish are happy so I would like some feedback on my stocking options so far.

30 gallon tank
1 Betta
12 Cardinal Tetra
8 SterbaI Corys
8 Otocinclus

I heard Otos are hard for beginners so I might get a Clown Pleco instead. I've also been told to make my substrate sand. Any input or things I should change going forward?

 

Is the tank 30" or 36" long?

 

Is the tank 30" or 36" long?

36" long, 12" deep, 16" high. Or at least the one I plan on getting.

 

I'd definitely switch out the otos for the clown pleco. Otos need cooler water than the betta. The rest of the stock looks fine. I'd keep the temp at 78-80F.

And definitely make your substrate sand because that is what cories prefer.

And if you can, you could heavily plant the tank. This lowers the chance of the betta attacking any of the tankmates.

 

You do have some water temperature issues with your stocking list. Betta like higher temperatures. As far as the substrate goes sand is much better for the cories. Oto's can be hard to keep, one of the biggest mistakes with keeping Oto's is have sufficient algae in the tank or feeding them some blanched zucchini. They are a shy fish to begin with and stress out easily.

 

I'd definitely switch out the otos for the clown pleco. Otos need cooler water than the betta. The rest of the stock looks fine. I'd keep the temp at 78-80F.

And definitely make your substrate sand because that is what cories prefer.

And if you can, you could heavily plant the tank. This lowers the chance of the betta attacking any of the tankmates.

Would plastic plants work?

 

Plastic plants would work for the breaking up of the line of sight for the betta. Go with live plants, plants like Java Fern are very easy to take care of, and don't require a fancy expensive light to grow.

 

Would plastic plants work?

Yes, those would work.

 

Dont you already have a thread on this?
Wondering About My First Set Up

30 Gallon Tank - Want Help Deciding On My First Aquarium's Fish