Looking for some stocking advice :)

[jkkgron2]

Hi! So I have a 10 gallon that I divided so my betta can have about 2-2.5 gallons of water to himself but on the other side (about 8g‘s of water) I have no idea, I’m looking for something exotic, not too hard, preferably not a fish but I’m not too picky to go in this tank, if anybody has any ideas on stocking that does or doesn’t fit my list I’d love to hear them
Heres what I’ve been thinking of so far
1. 1x dwarf Mexican crayfish
2. 2-3 african dwarf frogs
3. 4x Pygmy Corys and 3x sparkling Gouramis? There has been some mixed info on the web about whether this would work..or not
I also have a ph of 8.2 so I know that will limit things
Thanks in advance!
Edit: I’m also very interested in galaxy Rasboras

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

3 Sparklers should be fine, with 6/7 Pygmy Corydoras. Try to get a sexed trio as me and MissNoodle have had issues with multiple males.
As for the pH, as long as your water isn't overly hard, say over 300 tds, I recon the Gourami at least would be ok.

 

[jkkgron2]

Thanks! Any ideas about the dwarf cray, like could it have any tankmates? My friend is helping me set up this tank and is really interested in crayfish.

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

No experience with them, doesn't sound like a good idea keeping them with Nano fish but I really know nothing about them

 

[jkkgron2]

Maybe richie.p would know?

 

[MissNoodle]

I have hard water where I live, plus high pH (lowest I can drop it with leaf litter and driftwood is 7.6, but averages 7.8-8 from tap). My sparklers do fine as do many of my other soft water fishes (kuhlis, tetras, cories, farlowella)

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

I have hard water where I live, plus high pH (lowest I can drop it with leaf litter and driftwood is 7.6, but averages 7.8-8 from tap). My sparklers do fine as do many of my other soft water fishes (kuhlis, tetras, cories, farlowella)

Do you know what your tds is? I've been meaning to ask

 

[MissNoodle]

Do you know what your tds is? I've been meaning to ask

No, but I should really pick up one of those tests. But our local water treatment states our water is quite hard and I know hard water species thrive like no tomorrow here. Ill see if I can find a general number

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

No, but I should really pick up one of those tests. But our local water treatment states our water is quite hard and I know hard water species thrive like no tomorrow here. Ill see if I can find a general number

I'd pick up a tds meter, they're fun to play around with

 

[jkkgron2]

Any other cool stocking ideas?? I might just try a crayfish with some cheaper fish or go ahead with what you guys said (if my friend is ok with it) but I want to make sure I’m not missing anything

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Cpds would probably be ok, 2 males and 4 or 5 females.

 

[jkkgron2]

What’s the difference between males and females? Also those are the fish we‘re planning on putting with the Cray

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Males are more colourful and females have a black spot near the anus.

 

[jkkgron2]

Great thanks!

 

[richiep]

Dwarf Mexican crayfish would work with your ph, they are great little characters and quite peaceful

 

[Rev]

Hello just your local goby advocate here. They can be quite the interesting little guys. Just make sure they don't burrow into the betta's section of the tank Absolutely love watching mine scoot around the tank.

 

[jkkgron2]

Dwarf Mexican crayfish would work with your ph, they are great little characters and quite peaceful

great! would I be able to keep just one, keep a couple, or could I keep maybe four Endler with one? I'm definitely leaning towards them now

Hello just your local goby advocate here. They can be quite the interesting little guys. Just make sure they don't burrow into the betta's section of the tank Absolutely love watching mine scoot around the tank.

What goby would you recommend and how many? They do look pretty awesome

 

[richiep]

You can put one or two with endlers but if they breed you can very easily become over run,

 

[jkkgron2]

Ok great! I’m planning on doing this
1x dwarf Mexican crayfish
4-5x male endlers
I'm really excited! Do you think they would eat Fluval bug bites and frozen (I will thaw before feeding them) brine shrimp?

 

[richiep]

They will eat anything and love peas (unshelled) any veg once a week will help with their shell when they're ready to moult, if you find the Endlers eating all the food add the cray food at lights out

 

[jkkgron2]

Perfect!

 

[Rev]

What goby would you recommend and how many? They do look pretty awesome

You could do one or two. Ornate rainbow gobies are absolutely gorgeous. Annie's goby is very colorful but also very small. Don't know much about them. Blue neon goby. Flaming arrow goby. If you go to the wetspots website they have a whole bunch of gobies listed with pictures you can take a look at. Just make sure they stay under 2".

 

[jkkgron2]

Ok so thank you all for your suggestions! I have decided on and gotten the following
5x orange hatchet danios
1x dwarf Mexican crayfish!
The danios are out and about and seem to be doing very well
And The crayfish is currently hiding behind a cichlid cave while exploring his new home
This is how the tank looks right now

 

[jkkgron2]

So an update on them, turns out the divider isn’t completely dividing the tank or one of the danios jumped over....into the killer bettas side. I’m so glad I went down one last time to check on them before going to bed because Sparky (the betta) was already hunting the danio, which after noticing I just netted it out and put him back and then checked the divider (seemed sturdy so I’m guessing it jumped). But, after that incident they all seem to be doing well and EATING!!!!! The danios werent eating at first so I was a bit worried but today they seem to be doing great! I crayfish proofed my tank before adding him and as of now he’s active and moving around the tank

 

[Candace]

I just have to say betta fish should have at least 5 gallons despite what stores may say. Since you already have the fish I would suggest getting a separate tank for your betta if and when possible. The "puddles" they live in, in the wild, can be any where from 5in to 1ft tall and can get quite long, a betta's "natural territory is about three-feet square". While a betta may be able to survive in 2.5gallons, they aren't really living in that small space. (1 betta in 2.5g is at 100% stocking level - AqAdvisor, usually people try not to go above 80% because it can negatively affect the water parameters, which I literally found out a few days ago lol).

Keep an eye on your crayfish with your danios: Danios like most schooling fish are peaceful whereas crayfish can be aggressive. Not saying separate them (because crayfish and bettas definitely do not get along) just keep an eye on them as the crayfish gets older.

I've only been in the hobby for about a year but I did a lot of research on bettas before I got any and found out that stores/sales clerks are very misleading as to what is healthy for a betta fish.

 

[jkkgron2]

I just have to say betta fish should have at least 5 gallons despite what stores may say. Since you already have the fish I would suggest getting a separate tank for your betta if and when possible. The "puddles" they live in, in the wild, can be any where from 5in to 1ft tall and can get quite long, a betta's "natural territory is about three-feet square". While a betta may be able to survive in 2.5gallons, they aren't really living in that small space. (1 betta in 2.5 gallon is at 100% stocking level - AqAdvisor, usually people try not to go above 80% because it can negatively affect the water parameters, which I literally found out a few days ago lol).

Keep an eye on your crayfish with your danios: Danios like most schooling fish are peaceful whereas crayfish can be aggressive. Not saying separate them (because crayfish and bettas definitely do not get along) just keep an eye on them as the crayfish gets older.

I've only been in the hobby for about a year but I did a lot of research on bettas before I got any and found out that stores/sales clerks are very misleading as to what is healthy for a betta fish.

Thank you for your concern but my betta is fine and I’m very aware of the crayfish‘s possible aggression. Also, 2.5 is an estimate, it may be closer to 3 or 4 gallons, I'm not exactly sure. And, I have two separate filters running, do 25-50% water changes twice a week and check water parameters often. I also did a lot of research on bettas and (no offense) am already Aware of there care and requirements. I understand some people are against keeping bettas in 2.5 gallons of water but that is a debate that I really don’t want to get into, so again, thanks for your concern but I understand the care and requirements of bettas
edit: if my betta showed any signs of stress or unhappiness then I would move him but he seems very happy at the moment

 

[Candace]

Thank you for your concern but my betta is fine and I’m very aware of the crayfish‘s possible aggression. Also, 2.5 is an estimate, it may be closer to 3 or 4 gallons, I'm not exactly sure. And, I have two separate filters running, do 25-50% water changes twice a week and check water parameters often. I also did a lot of research on bettas and (no offense) am already Aware of there care and requirements. I understand some people are against keeping bettas in 2.5 gallons of water but that is a debate that I really don’t want to get into, so again, thanks for your concern but I understand the care and requirements of bettas
edit: if my betta showed any signs of stress or unhappiness then I would move him but he seems very happy at the moment

No offense taken. Everyone here is just trying to be helpful which is why I love this site so much . When it comes to bettas I guess it comes down to ethics. That being said, different circumstances different results. What works for one may not work for another lol, totally get it. Sorry if I came across as aggressive (I seem to word things wrong sometimes which puts a negative context on what's supposed to be helpful), I'd figured you had done research based off your starter post. I just personally believe in the 5 gallon rule, but everyone has their own opinions that deserve respect. And I never said in my first post, congrats on your new additions, they're adorable!

 

[jkkgron2]

No offense taken. Everyone here is just trying to be helpful which is why I love this site so much . When it comes to bettas I guess it comes down to ethics. That being said, different circumstances different results. What works for one may not work for another lol, totally get it. Sorry if I came across as aggressive (I seem to word things wrong sometimes which puts a negative context on what's supposed to be helpful), I'd figured you had done research based off your starter post. I just personally believe in the 5 gallon rule, but everyone has their own opinions that deserve respect. And I never said in my first post, congrats on your new additions, they're adorable!

No problem, thanks for making Sure the betta was in good conditions . I’m glad that you like my new pets! So far so good!

 

[jkkgron2]

Ok so an update, I had to move the danios out because they were somehow getting past the divider (I’m suspecting jumpers) and now I just have the crayfish who seems very docile and I’ve even seen him right next to one of the danios! I’m looking for some bigger fish now That shouldn't be able to get past the divider in any way, I’m considering 3 mollies but I’m just not sure if there is enough room.. thoughts? Any suggestions?
p.s. I saw the crayfish had his first molt, yay!

 

[MissNoodle]

10g is too small for mollies, who can get 4-6 inches and have high bioloads.

Platies aren't much better but smaller....

That's a tricky one.

 

[jkkgron2]

10 gallon is too small for mollies, who can get 4-6 inches and have high bioloads.

Platies aren't much better but smaller....

That's a tricky one.

Hmmmm.......trio of honeys?

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Hmmmm.......trio of honeys?

Too small imo, a 15 is a squeeze 20+ would be my recommendation

 

[jkkgron2]

Too small imo, a 15 is a squeeze 20+ would be my recommendation

Any other ideas?? Preferably just 2-3 bigger fish that aren’t schooling and won’t pick on the crayfish

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Some kind of Goby or Gudgeon?

 

[Rev]

Some kind of Goby or Gudgeon?

Josh beating me back to the gobies! They're not gonna be swimming in the water column they hang out on the glass, hardscape, and plants. But super cool little guys.

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Josh beating me back to the gobies! They're not gonna be swimming in the water column they hang out on the glass, hardscape, and plants. But super cool little guys.

I know nothing about them other than names

 

[Rev]

I know nothing about them other than names

Haha take a look at them and get one. I love watching mine scoot around the tank nipping at the algae.

 

[Feohw]

Depending on the goby/gudgeon they would work out great. Certain types such as stiphodon sp really do best in tanks with a lot of flow and oxygen, but there are others that would be suited for more of a betta type tank. Peacock gudgeons would do great.

 

[jkkgron2]

Depending on the goby/gudgeon they would work out great. Certain types such as stiphodon sp really do best in tanks with a lot of flow and oxygen, but there are others that would be suited for more of a betta type tank. Peacock gudgeons would do great.

There is a lot of flow in my tank because I wanted to keep the water quality as good as possible since this was my first time with the Cray...
how many peacocks could I do?? I feel like I read somewhere that they were territorial but I’m not sure

Haha take a look at them and get one. I love watching mine scoot around the tank nipping at the algae.

whats the best type that couldn’t get through a hole that’s a bit smaller than a pencil?

 

[Feohw]

They can be a bit territorial. You could get away with a pair or just one imo.

Bettas and gudgeons don't normally like the flow that a stiphodon does, but if you have good flow then neon blue gobies are a good option. Ime stiphodon do like company (especially the females, males can be lightly territorial with one another) and a 10 gallon is small for more than one or two. A 20 would be preferable imo. A 10 could work if you have some nice algae/biofilm growth

I'd look into the divider though. If the danios were getting through I'd bet other fish such as gobies/gudgeons could too.

 

[jkkgron2]

They can be a bit territorial. You could get away with a pair or just one imo.

Bettas and gudgeons don't normally like the flow that a stiphodon does, but if you have good flow then neon blue gobies are a good option. Ime stiphodon do like company (especially the females, males can be lightly territorial with one another) and a 10 gallon is small for more than one or two. A 20 would be preferable imo. A 10 could work if you have some nice algae/biofilm growth

I'd look into the divider though. If the danios were getting through I'd bet other fish such as gobies/gudgeons could too.

yeah that’s the issue, I’ve checked it over many times and the only thing I can find is a slight gap between the filters and the filters are too close to the glass and divider for any fish to get through (believe me, my betta is an escape artist and can't get through at all, lol he’s tried), the reason I suspect jumpers was because I had the water level pretty high and only about .5-1 of an inch of the divider was not submerged so ya....with the new fish (or whatever I get) I’m gonna lower the water level and see how it goes. Sadly I have nowhere to put my betta other than in the divided tank so i’ll just have to find something that can fit in the 8g instead of looking for something that can fit in a 10g...they do look pretty cool tho!

 

[jkkgron2]

Trio of sparklers?

 

[Rev]

I have a female Stiphodon Semoni. Really curious little fish, eats algae and burrows into the substrate. She dug herself a home under one of the rocks and hasn't dug anywhere else since. So I wouldn't be too worried about a goby going under the divider but it could happen. Not a super pretty goby though, a little bland. Annie's goby is a really cool little one. Deep red, only about an inch long. I don't know much about them though. Scarlet gobies and gold desert gobies are gorgeous too. Could probably get a pair of any of them for 10g.

 

[Feohw]

Trio of sparklers?

Should work imo, male and two females. Really wouldn't want them getting across the divider though. jinjerJOSH22 is a fan of sparklers I believe, his input in relation to them would be best.

 

[jkkgron2]

Should work imo, male and two females. Really wouldn't want them getting across the divider though. jinjerJOSH22 is a fan of sparklers I believe, his input in relation to them would be best.

Thank!

I have a female Stiphodon Semoni. Really curious little fish, eats algae and burrows into the substrate. She dug herself a home under one of the rocks and hasn't dug anywhere else since. So I wouldn't be too worried about a goby going under the divider but it could happen. Not a super pretty goby though, a little bland. Annie's goby is a really cool little one. Deep red, only about an inch long. I don't know much about them though. Scarlet gobies and gold desert gobies are gorgeous too. Could probably get a pair of any of them for 10 gallon.

they all sound pretty cool! Would any of them work in an 8g with the crayfish?

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Trio of sparklers?

Sparklers would be fine
They aren't a good choice with shrimp but I imagine the Cray would be fine.

 

[Rev]

they all sound pretty cool! Would any of them work in an 8g with the crayfish?

I keep forgetting about the crayfish. Maybe not then. The crayfish might kill them.

 

[jkkgron2]

I keep forgetting about the crayfish. Maybe not then. The crayfish might kill them.

Sparklers would be fine
They aren't a good choice with shrimp but I imagine the Cray would be fine.

ok thanks! I think I will get a trio of sparklers, if I accidentally get more than one male would there be a lot of fighting or problems?

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

ok thanks! I think I will get a trio of sparklers, if I accidentally get more than one male would there be a lot of fighting or problems?

MissNoodle choose to rehome one before it got out of hand. As for mine, my dominant male killed his rivals after croaking at them for a few days That was in a 20. They are very hard to tell in shop and the only way really is a blacklight and viewing their organs.

 

[jkkgron2]

MissNoodle choose to rehome one before it got out of hand. As for mine, my dominant male killed his rivals after croaking at them for a few days That was in a 20. They are very hard to tell in shop and the only way really is a blacklight and viewing their organs.

So maybe get 5 and return Any of the extra males if it happens?