Want Help Deciding On My First Aquarium's Fish

I had a post a little while ago asking about if my tank's stocking looked good. A received a lot of responses and I learned a lot though your help. There is still one problem I have though, I still can't decide on what to stock. I've never had an aquarium before and I don't know what would look good. I'm torn and I would like input on the fish. Also I would appreciate if anyone finds any flaws with my stocking (Compatibility, overstocking, over crowding an area, etc.) as well as if anyone has any suggestions on what fish to stock that aren't on the list.

30 gallon
1 Betta Imbellis
12 Cardinal -OR- Rummynose Tetra
10 SterbaI Corys -OR- KuhlI Loaches
1 Bristlenose Pleco -OR- 8 Otocinclus

The reasons for my choices were that I wanted an eye catching school of Tetra that compliment a Betta as the centre piece. Next I wanted a bottom feeder, originally I wanted KuhlI Loaches because they are cool but I recently saw the Corys and they were really cute. I also wanted an algae eater. I've always liked Plecos but the Otocinclus has grown on me. Any and all feedback on my first tank is appreciated!

 

I would choose the otos over the pleco. If you go with a pleco then a clown pleco would be better as they have more temperature overlap with the rest of the stock. They don't eat alage but you could add some nerite snails to do that.

 

Do you know the risks with the betta? I would go with the oto’s

 

I've kept bettas with neon tetras, among other fish, and didn't have any issue, but I seem to have always been lucky to have a chill betta. I think with the cardinals/ rummynose, you should think about what kind of school you would like. The bright blue/ reds are eye catching, but they tend to loosely mill about, where the rummys will typically form a tighter pack and move as a unit. You can search on Youtube for aquarium videos just to get a sense of what you may be going for.

I would also prefer oto's to plecos, but you may feel that your bottom area has a lot of activity when you add the cories. With the fish size of the rest of your stock, any pleco may look like a beast in comparison when it fully matures. Do you want the focal point to be your betta or the pleco? Will the cories and oto's feel crowded? Nerite snails and possibly even shrimp may be an interesting choice for a clean up crew and provide a bit of diversity in interest without upstaging anyone.

 

I've kept bettas with neon tetras, among other fish, and didn't have any issue, but I seem to have always been lucky to have a chill betta. I think with the cardinals/ rummynose, you should think about what kind of school you would like. The bright blue/ reds are eye catching, but they tend to loosely mill about, where the rummys will typically form a tighter pack and move as a unit. You can search on Youtube for aquarium videos just to get a sense of what you may be going for.

I would also prefer oto's to plecos, but you may feel that your bottom area has a lot of activity when you add the cories. With the fish size of the rest of your stock, any pleco may look like a beast in comparison when it fully matures. Do you want the focal point to be your betta or the pleco? Will the cories and oto's feel crowded? Nerite snails and possibly even shrimp may be an interesting choice for a clean up crew and provide a bit of diversity in interest without upstaging anyone.

I would like the betta to be the focal point, I'm also leaning towards Cardinal Tetra because they're so vibrant. I'm still completely torn on the bottom feeders.

 

I would like the betta to be the focal point, I'm also leaning towards Cardinal Tetra because they're so vibrant. I'm still completely torn on the bottom feeders.

Try watching some videos. I feel like you may like the activity/ personality of the cories best. You can always add oto's later (and they should be last after the tank is well established), and a few nerite snails won't put a dent in your bioload if you do.

 

Do you plan on a lot of plants or any driftwood?

 

Do you plan on a lot of plants or any driftwood?

Kind of undecided, I know Plecos need drift wood so if I get one I'll definitely get some. I don't plan on any live plants but probably some plastic ones and a few hiding places.

 

Kind of undecided, I know Plecos need drift wood so if I get one I'll definitely get some. I don't plan on any live plants but probably some plastic ones and a few hiding places.

Sorry, just got back to this, I replied in your other thread. I prefer Otocinclus to Pleco but Otocinclus are a little tricky and really need a well established tank with live plants to do their best. I honestly don't know much about Plecos though. I have never kept them because they are big, creepy looking poop factories. I think they need/enjoy driftwood though. You don't necessarily need to have a algae eater right now, or at all unless you really want them.

Personally I would start with easy stuff like the Tetra, Cories or KuhlI Loaches. Rummy Nose often tend to school tighter than Cardinals. The only Betta I have kept are Betta Splendins and only by themselves because, well they are kinda jerks (most of the time).

You may want to consider live plants down the road too. Most fish really benefit from them and they help filter your tank. If you do Cories or Kuhlis, use sand for your substrate.