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I was hoping to get some opinions on whether the following would be overstock for a 20-gallon tank:

6 Head and Tail Light Tetras
4 Emerald Cories
1 or 2 Keyhole Cichlids

Right now there are four tetras in there cycling the tank, but I'd like to plan for the future!

I'm not specifically partial to H&TL tetras, just these four. I picked out the emerald cories because they were the most active cories at the LFS, and the keyhole because it's one of the few cichlids that isn't considered aggressive.

Breeding is not a factor and is not particularly desirable at this stage.

I expect to plant the tank once it's established and running, but I don't mind doing it earlier if it produces a healthier tank.

Anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Should I make changes or is this a good plan?

No, I don't think it's overstocked. In fact I'd bring the cory numbers up to 6.

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6 Head and Tail Light Tetras
6 Emerald Cories
1 Keyhole Cichlids



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Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

Only keep one key hole, and YES bring the number of cories up to 6.

Even if you're not partial to the tetras you should go with the 6, that's a good sized school for them.

Same with increasing your cories to 6.

I'm not that familiar with keyholes, although they are supposed to be peaceful and somewhat timid. I am wondering though why the above two replies suggested only 1 as opposed to a pair.

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Because it's only a 20g tank. There isn't enough room for 2.

If the emerald cories are brochis splendens I would only get 3-4 for a 20 gal. because of their size and activity level, but if it's C.aeneus then 6.