Heavily Planted 10G

[LadfromLondon]

My tank currently houses 1 Betta Male and 2/3 Nerite Snails and is quite new, I only stocked it 2 weeks ago.

I am planning to add 6 Ember Tetras

I’m not too worried about the compatibility of these guys with my Betta, as he’s shown no signs of aggression towards my Nerites. I also plan to change 25% of the water each week.

How would this impact my bioload?
Is there anything I should know/be wary of before purchasing? (Will be an online order)

I appreciate any advice!

 

[SouthAmericanCichlids]

I think you can keep them. Also have you cycled the tank.

If you haven't wait a little while longer to add them maybe 2-3 weeks.

 

[LadfromLondon]

I think you can keep them. Also have you cycled the tank.

Yes it’s been cycled for some weeks, thank you!

 

[mattgirl]

As you know I am a stickler when it comes to fresh clean water being the very best thing we can give our water pets. Since this is only 10 gallons I would be more comfortable with bigger water changes each week. If at all possible I would change out no less than 40% each week and then once a month change out even more. As long as we don't have a problem with our source water such as ammonia or nitrates and we both temp match and dechlorinate, bigger water changes can only help.

As always just my humble opinion.

 

[LadfromLondon]

As you know I am a stickler when it comes to fresh clean water being the very best thing we can give our water pets. Since this is only 10 gallons I would be more comfortable with bigger water changes each week. If at all possible I would change out no less than 40% each week and then once a month change out even more. As long as we don't have a problem with our source water such as ammonia or nitrates and we both temp match and dechlorinate, bigger water changes can only help.

As always just my humble opinion.

Thank you for your insight, hope you are keeping both busy and well! Bigger water changes shouldn’t be too much of an issue for me to do. How many would you say I could safely stock without pushing the bioload/HOB/Betta too much?

Thank you as always!

 

[mattgirl]

Thank you for your insight, hope you are keeping both busy and well! Bigger water changes shouldn’t be too much of an issue for me to do. How many would you say I could safely stock without pushing the bioload/HOB/Betta too much?

Thank you as always!

Since these little guys stay tiny I personally wouldn't hesitate to end up with at least 10 tiny tetras. You may want to start with fewer though and keep a close eye on your Betta. He may accept snails but we can't know how he is going a react to little fish. Since you are going to have to order online and pay shipping charges you may want to consider going ahead and ordering at least 10 though. Feed them very lightly every other day to prevent a spike in ammonia as the bacteria catches up with the higher bio-load.

If you find that he is having a hard time accepting them you may need to remove him for a little while and rearrange the decor/plants a bit. Once done put him back in there. By doing this it will seem to him that he is the newcomer instead of them and he may accept them easier.

 

[LadfromLondon]

Since these little guys stay tiny I personally wouldn't hesitate to end up with at least 10 tiny tetras. You may want to start with fewer though and keep a close eye on your Betta. He may accept snails but we can't know how he is going a react to little fish. Since you are going to have to order online and pay shipping charges you may want to consider going ahead and ordering at least 10 though. Feed them very lightly every other day to prevent a spike in ammonia as the bacteria catches up with the higher bio-load.

If you find that he is having a hard time accepting them you may need to remove him for a little while and rearrange the decor/plants a bit. Once done put him back in there. By doing this it will seem to him that he is the newcomer instead of them and he may accept them easier.

Thank you! I think I’ll feel more comfortable starting with around 8 of them, in terms of feeding/behaviour etc, it’ll probably be best for me and the little guys! Is there anything specifically you recommend for Ember Tetras or Tetras in general?

Would 8 Embers and 1 Kuhli be overstocking the tank?

 

[mattgirl]

Thank you! I think I’ll feel more comfortable starting with around 8 of them, in terms of feeding/behaviour etc, it’ll probably be best for me and the little guys! Is there anything specifically you recommend for Ember Tetras or Tetras in general?

Would 8 Embers and 1 Kuhli be overstocking the tank?

You are so very welcome. I am not sure I would add a Kuhli. I am thinking they do better with several of their own kind and I'm not sure 10 gallons is big enough for Betta, small school of tetras, snails and a school of kuhli's.

I don't have embers but do have neons, black skirts and now bloodfin tetras. I feed them Tetramin tropical crisps , granules and flakes with an occasional treat of blood or tubifex worms. Not all at the same time of course

 

[LadfromLondon]

You are so very welcome. I am not sure I would add a Kuhli. I am thinking they do better with several of their own kind and I'm not sure 10 gallons is big enough for Betta, small school of tetras, snails and a school of kuhli's.

I don't have embers but do have neons, black skirts and now bloodfin tetras. I feed them Tetramin tropical crisps , granules and flakes with an occasional treat of blood or tubifex worms. Not all at the same time of course

Thank you! I’ll stay away from Kuhli’s! I keep my water level roughly 1.5 inches away from the top of the tank, for my Betta. Should I increase the water level for the tetras or won’t they mind? I have read they tend to stay towards the middle level of the water.

 

[mattgirl]

I don't think the lower water level will be a problem for the little tetras. Most of mine stay toward the mid level and thankfully none of them are jumpers.

 

[LadfromLondon]

I don't think the lower water level will be a problem for the little tetras. Most of mine stay toward the mid level and thankfully none of them are jumpers.

Thank you!

 

[LadfromLondon]

Since these little guys stay tiny I personally wouldn't hesitate to end up with at least 10 tiny tetras. You may want to start with fewer though and keep a close eye on your Betta. He may accept snails but we can't know how he is going a react to little fish. Since you are going to have to order online and pay shipping charges you may want to consider going ahead and ordering at least 10 though. Feed them very lightly every other day to prevent a spike in ammonia as the bacteria catches up with the higher bio-load.

If you find that he is having a hard time accepting them you may need to remove him for a little while and rearrange the decor/plants a bit. Once done put him back in there. By doing this it will seem to him that he is the newcomer instead of them and he may accept them easier.

How often do you recommend I feed the new tetras? And how long should I sustain this until I start feeding regularly? Thanks again!

 

[mattgirl]

How often do you recommend I feed the new tetras? And how long should I sustain this until I start feeding regularly? Thanks again!

Bacteria replicates itself fairly quick so I would start regular feeding in about a week.

 

[LadfromLondon]

I’m struggling to think of a nano schooling fish which will be both compatible and complimentary to my tank’s size, current stock and scape.

So far, I’ve come up with-
Harlequin Rasboras
Ember Tetras
Lambchop Rasboras
Neon Tetras(I think there is a colour clash?)
Bloodfin Tetras
Chili Rasboras
Lemon Tetras

Does anyone have any ideas on anything I may have missed?

Cheers

 

[flyinGourami]

IMO chili rasboras and ember tetras will be the most appropriate out of the list. The rest are incompatible in some way, I'm not too sure about bloodfin tetras.

 

[Fisheye]

Maybe not Harlequins in a 10.

Are you just picking one species?

 

[LadfromLondon]

IMO chili rasboras and ember tetras will be the most appropriate out of the list. The rest are incompatible in some way, I'm not too sure about bloodfin tetras.

Thank you, is there any other ideas which spring to mind?

Maybe not Harlequins in a 10.

Are you just picking one species?

Yes!

 

[flyinGourami]

Maybe not Harlequins in a 10.

Are you just picking one species?

Op is adding to his 10 gallon tank with a male betta.

I’m struggling to think of a nano schooling fish which will be both compatible and complimentary to my tank’s size, current stock and scape.

So far, I’ve come up with-
Harlequin Rasboras
Ember Tetras
Lambchop Rasboras
Neon Tetras(I think there is a colour clash?)
Bloodfin Tetras
Chili Rasboras
Lemon Tetras

Does anyone have any ideas on anything I may have missed?

Cheers

Harlequins are too active for a 10 gallon, I've never kept them but thats what people who have tell me.
I'm not sure about bloodfins and lambchop rasboras.
Neons are a bit too active and do better in lower temps anyway.
Lemon tetras are too big and too active for a 10.

 

[LadfromLondon]

I was thinking maybe Penguin Tetras?

 

[Axemanagement]

I have had good luck using this chart

 

[flyinGourami]

I was thinking maybe Penguin Tetras?

I don't think they would work in a 10 gallon, the minimum is around 30 gallons?

 

[LadfromLondon]

I don't think they would work in a 10 gallon, the minimum is around 30 gallons?

I honestly have no clue, I’m starting with a list by size and then going by their tank size requirements temp etc...

 

[flyinGourami]

I honestly have no clue, I’m starting with a list by size and then going by their tank size requirements temp etc...

I saw conflicting info, the minimums i saw was 10-30 gallons. However, after seeing a video of them I would say at least 20 long -29 gallons.

 

[Fisheye]

Op is adding to his 10 gallon tank with a male betta.

It is helpful to read from the beginning of the thread afterall...

Harlequins are too active for a 10 gallon, I've never kept them but thats what people who have tell me.
[/QUOTE]

I find Harlequins just sort of hang out. Mine have never been what I call "active".

Since this is with a Betta (thanks bgntoc), I say...no other fish. How unpopular!

 

[LadfromLondon]

It is helpful to read from the beginning of the thread afterall...

Harlequins are too active for a 10 gallon, I've never kept them but thats what people who have tell me.

I find Harlequins just sort of hang out. Mine have never been what I call "active".

Since this is with a Betta (thanks bgntoc), I say...no other fish. How unpopular!
[/QUOTE]
Maaaaybeee a little school of something, seeing how things go haha!

 

[Rev]

So since you already have a male betta. If you want to add more fish I would not get anything too flashy. Ember tetras or chili rasboras are a good pick. Schools of 6-10, could do a bit more if you're willing to do water changes. One important question is does your betta have long fins, or is he a plakat. Also I'm assuming he isn't a wild type. But contrary to popular belief bettas can be great community fish if you handle things correctly. If you go check out videos they put a betta in most of their tanks with other fish in the store. Now what I'm about to say is from personal experience, other members experiences and information from other forums I've found researching this.

So what you're going to need to do to make this happen safely. First things first you need a backup tank in the event things go south and you have a very aggressive male. Now since you already have the betta and he's in the tank, any new fish are seen as intruders and even more docile bettas can react aggressively since they're territorial. To fix that take the betta out and put him in another tank. Then rescape your tank. Plants, decorations, put them all in different spots. Doesn't have to be anything crazy but it does have to be noticeably different so it feels like a new environment to the betta to kind of give them a reset. Then you'll put your schooling fish in first, the betta stays out. Give them a day or two to get used to their surroundings, where cover is, etc. make sure you have plenty of ways the fish can break line of sight. Then add the betta in. Keep a close eye on the tank for at least a week. Make sure your betta isn't trying to stalk the other fish, that's usually the precursor to attacks. If it is you should move him, especially if your betta is a plakat, those guys are like rockets. The long fin bettas are all a bit slower and will have a hard time catching the other fish, so it gives you a bit more cushion. But if you play your cards right it's very doable. But I wouldn't do it unless you have a backup tank available.

Sorry that was long.

 

[LadfromLondon]

So since you already have a male betta. If you want to add more fish I would not get anything too flashy. Ember tetras or chili rasboras are a good pick. Schools of 6-10, could do a bit more if you're willing to do water changes. One important question is does your betta have long fins, or is he a plakat. Also I'm assuming he isn't a wild type. But contrary to popular belief bettas can be great community fish if you handle things correctly. If you go check out some videos they put a betta in most of their tanks with other fish in the store. Now what I'm about to say is from personal experience, other members experiences and information from other forums I've found researching this.

So what you're going to need to do to make this happen safely. First things first you need a backup tank in the event things go south and you have a very aggressive male. Now since you already have the betta and he's in the tank, any new fish are seen as intruders and even more docile bettas can react aggressively since they're territorial. To fix that take the betta out and put him in another tank. Then rescape your tank. Plants, decorations, put them all in different spots. Doesn't have to be anything crazy but it does have to be noticeably different so it feels like a new environment to the betta to kind of give them a reset. Then you'll put your schooling fish in first, the betta stays out. Give them a day or two to get used to their surroundings, where cover is, etc. make sure you have plenty of ways the fish can break line of sight. Then add the betta in. Keep a close eye on the tank for at least a week. Make sure your betta isn't trying to stalk the other fish, that's usually the precursor to attacks. If it is you should move him, especially if your betta is a plakat, those guys are like rockets. The long fin bettas are all a bit slower and will have a hard time catching the other fish, so it gives you a bit more cushion. But if you play your cards right it's very doable. But I wouldn't do it unless you have a backup tank available.

Sorry that was long.

Thank you! He’s a Spade-Tail Mahachai, so a wild Betta. Does this make a difference?

 

[Rev]

Thank you! He’s a Spade-Tail Mahachai, so a wild Betta. Does this make a difference?

It absolutely does! Your commercial betta splendens are usually wayyyyy more aggressive than wild types because they've been bred for it. Wild types tend to be a lot more chill, in some cases you can even keep two males in the same tank. I think Mahachai are one of the more peaceful wild types? I don't know a lot about any of the wild bettas though so I'll leave that up to someone else. But that being said wild type bettas to tend to be way better community fish. I know when my LFS gets wild bettas in they go straight into community tanks every time.

 

[LadfromLondon]

It absolutely does! Your commercial betta splendens are usually wayyyyy more aggressive than wild types because they've been bred for it. Wild types tend to be a lot more chill, in some cases you can even keep two males in the same tank. I think Mahachai are one of the more peaceful wild types? I don't know a lot about any of the wild bettas though so I'll leave that up to someone else. But that being said wild type bettas to tend to be way better community fish. I know when my LFS gets wild bettas in they go straight into community tanks every time.

My little guy was housed in with other fish, and I’m inclined to say it was also Betta’s! My Mahachai does seem pretty chill, leaves the snails to it and only flares when I get him to!

 

[Rev]

My little guy was housed in with other fish, and I’m inclined to say it was also Betta’s! My Mahachai does seem pretty chill, leaves the snails to it and only flares when I get him to!

If he was with fish before like you said and had no problems then totally go for it! From your list some will work better than others, some need more tank space, but you've definitely got options. Kind of comes down to what color fish do you want your school to be.

 

[LadfromLondon]

If he was with fish before like you said and had no problems then totally go for it! From your list some will work better than others, some need more tank space, but you've definitely got options. Kind of comes down to what color fish do you want your school to be.

Cheers! I’m honestly at a crossroads, because I’ve got RCS on their way so I’m trying to not get anything to clash colour wise. I’ve had a look at Glowlight Tetras and they don’t seem bad but I need to do more research...

 

[Rev]

Cheers! I’m honestly at a crossroads, because I’ve got RCS on their way so I’m trying to not get anything to clash colour wise. I’ve had a look at Glowlight Tetras and they don’t seem bad but I need to do more research...

Most tetras tend to need more than 10g. Ember tetras and the likes are totally fine for a 10g. I think glowlights generally are 20g? Someone can correct me on that. There's quite a lot of different tetras out there. Some more suited for the warmer tank bettas prefer.

 

[LadfromLondon]

Most tetras tend to need more than 10g. Ember tetras and the likes are totally fine for a 10g. I think glowlights generally are 20g? Someone can correct me on that. There's quite a lot of different tetras out there. Some more suited for the warmer tank bettas prefer.

Do you think Chili’s will clash/take away from the RCS?

 

[flyinGourami]

Do you think Chili’s will clash/take away from the RCS?

No.

Most tetras tend to need more than 10g. Ember tetras and the likes are totally fine for a 10g. I think glowlights generally are 20g? Someone can correct me on that. There's quite a lot of different tetras out there. Some more suited for the warmer tank bettas prefer.

I agree, embers are fine for a 10 but I believe glowlights would do better in a 20. I've never kept them though.

 

[LadfromLondon]

No.

I agree, embers are fine for a 10 but I believe glowlights would do better in a 20. I've never kept them though.

How many Chili’s would you suggest? I figured 10 could school well.

 

[flyinGourami]

How many Chili’s would you suggest? I figured 10 could school well.

I haven't kept them but I assume you can put 8-10 comfortably?

 

[LadfromLondon]

I haven't kept them but I assume you can put 8-10 comfortably?

Thanks for all your help! In terms of this thread and my other one you’re helping me with, how does this change the frequency of my water changes? I know this will be seen by testing, but I’m sure a biweekly 25% change would be a good benchmark to hit every time.

 

[flyinGourami]

Thanks for all your help! In terms of this thread and my other one you’re helping me with, how does this change the frequency of my water changes? I know this will be seen by testing, but I’m sure a biweekly 25% change would be a good benchmark to hit every time.

I'm not sure what you are asking, so I might get this wrong lol. Adding the chilis shouldn't make too big of a difference. They are tiny and have small bio-loads, it probably won't make too much of a difference.

 

[Rev]

Yeah you can probably easily do 10 or more chilis. I'm not great at bioload estimations though. If you order them online let me know where (assuming you're in the US), I've been trying to get some and doesn't look like my LFS will reopen anytime soon.

 

[LadfromLondon]

Yeah you can probably easily do 10 or more chilis. I'm not great at bioload estimations though. If you order them online let me know where (assuming you're in the US), I've been trying to get some and doesn't look like my LFS will reopen anytime soon.

Thank you! At what number would it be considered overstocking? Unfortunately, I’m UK-based!