What to stock 15g with?

Hi everyone!

Ive been looking into getting a 15 gallon fluval flex but I’m not sure what to stock it with. I want it to be a planted tank and the fish have to be ok with a pH of 8-8.2 . I’d prefer the fish to be somewhat cheap. Im considering doing some sort of cichlid set up but I’m not sure if it’s ok to keep a group of cichlids in that small a tank. Any suggestions on what fish I could get?

 

I think the only cichlids that can go in a 15 gallon are shell dwellers. There might be more I am not a cichlid expert.

 

I think the only cichlids that can go in a 15 gallon are shell dwellers. There might be more I am not a cichlid expert.

Those were the only type I could think of, only thing is I already have some. Although a different type would be really interesting!

 

Those were the only type I could think of, only thing is I already have some. Although a different type would be really interesting!

Ya I think there are multiple types. This website talks about a few. https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/meet-the-shell-dwellers/

 

Shelldwellers is the main thing that comes to mind. You could get a solo German Blue Ram or maybe some other ram cichlid. But if you want a group shell dwellers may be your only option in a tank of that size.

 

Shelldwellers is the main thing that comes to mind. You could get a solo German Blue Ram or maybe some other ram cichlid. But if you want a group shell dwellers may be your only option in a tank of that size.

How many shell dwellers could I have and what species would you recommend? I already have neolamprologus caudopunctatus but I haven’t kept any of the other shell dweller species.

 

Shelldwellers is the main thing that comes to mind. You could get a solo German Blue Ram or maybe some other ram cichlid. But if you want a group shell dwellers may be your only option in a tank of that size.

Isn't that pH pretty high for German Blue Rams?

 

What about a 20 gallon high? I can’t find any 15 gallons for sale near me and I just checked and the place I was going to buy the fluval flex from didnt have it on sale anymore. I was looking at this kit
https://www.amazon.com/Marina-Aquarium-Kit-gallon-Fish/dp/B0173I55Q0/ref=sr_1_26?dchild=1&keywords=15+gallon+aquarium&qid=1606599741&sr=8-26&th=1

Edit: I might just get all the things separately instead of in a kit. It’d still be a 20 high though so there wouldn’t be a difference.

 

What about a 20 gallon high? I can’t find any 15 gallons for sale near me and I just checked and the place I was going to buy the fluval flex from didnt have it on sale anymore. I was looking at this kit
https://www.amazon.com/Marina-Aquarium-Kit-gallon-Fish/dp/B0173I55Q0/ref=sr_1_26?dchild=1&keywords=15+gallon+aquarium&qid=1606599741&sr=8-26&th=1

A 20 gallon is enough for Appistos I think. I think they like it it a bit softer than you have it now though. I think they prefer around 7 ph.

 

A 20 gallon is enough for Appistos I think. I think they like it it a bit softer than you have it now though. I think they prefer around 7 ph.

I don’t think I’m going to try to change the pH so I’ll stick to shell dwellers. How many neolamprologus multifasciatus could I have in a 20 high?

 

Maybe 10-13? Aqadvisor lists 13 as 80% but I know that Aqadvisor tends to overstock.

 

Maybe 10-13? Aqadvisor lists 13 as 80% but I know that Aqadvisor tends to overstock.

Bioload wise my guess is it could work? Although, I want these fish to feel comfortable enough to breed so I was thinking maybe 5? I understand these guys are easy to breed so I want to have room for them to raise fry.

 

Oh, I didn't know you wanted to breed them. I think that should work fine.

 

Oh, I didn't know you wanted to breed them. I think that should work fine.

Great! I’m not going to do anything particular to encourage them to breed (like feeding live food or something) but I want them to have enough space to feel comfortable breeding and raising fry.

 

Nice and good luck with the breeding!