Setting up - fish, quarantine

I'm looking to set up a 10 gallon tank and I have a few beginner questions.

1. Are 6 panda cories, 6 glowlight tetras, and a betta alright together?said it was fine, but I'd like a second opinion.

2. Will the tetras steal the betta food? And is there specific tetra food I need? I know I need sinking things for cories.

3. How do I quarantine schooling fish? I have a 2.5g, would that be alright once cycled and everything?

4. Are there any 10 gallon tanks you recommend?

I already own API aquarium salt, Tetra SafeStart, API tap water conditioner, a net, and TetraBetta food, if that helps any. Nothing has been set up yet, either. I also plan for it to be planted.

 

1. No. Particularly not in that size tank. Panda cories require something larger, glowlight tetras should really be in a 15 gallon IMO, as they are very active little dudes. And a betta would not do well with tetras as tankmates. Particularly if this is your first betta, he needs to be in a tank all by himself. A ten gallon would be fine for him, you could go as low as a 2.5 if you want. If you decide you must have a schooling fish in this tank, CPDs, microrasbora, and ember tetras are better choices.

2. Since they will not be in a tank together, it won't matter. But yes, food will be taken from both sides if you do attempt it. Then the tetras will nip at the betta and he'll try to eat them.

3. I wouldn't worry too much about cycling it for new fish. A 5 gallon plastic tub would work better than your 2.5 though, just do daily water changes and feed sparingly. It'll give you a chance to keep an eye on everyone.

4. A ten gallon tank is a ten gallon tank. They're all pretty much the same, made from the same stuff. You can get a glass tank at petco right now for $10.00

I would switch out the tetra fish food for something that has actual nutrition in it. Other than that, you're going to need substrate (plants will determine what kind), a filter, heater, and hardscape.

 

Thank you! I will probably get a 10 gallon with just a betta and buy another because of the sale and put something else you suggested in there. I'm also looking at omega one betta food which I've seen recommended, along with bloodworms. Thanks again!

 

I feed my bettas omega one betta food and frozen bloodworms. You have to soak The freeze dried ones or else they will cause bloat.

 

Can't really add anything to what junebug said. She pretty much covered it.