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I won an Eqlipse 12 and I am at a complete loss what to put into it. I have a thriving 15 gallon plant/shrimp tank and want something unusual to go in it, not the normal teras and live bearers. Anyone know of a cool animal that can do well in a smaller tank?

Cherry barbs will do well. They don't need to be in a school so one pair will work nicely. You'll have room for some other fish also.

You could always do a few female bettas and a small panda cory school. Shellies (might) go in there, or a FW puffer of sorts. There are a ton of possibilities that are often overlooked and make a great impression on others.

Inky

Maybe a pair of German Rams. They are very colorful and can do well in that setup.

I always recommend shellies A 12g is a great size for a multi colony. Multies require a minimum amount of substrate; they prefer a very large amount of shells. A thin layer of crushed coral and the shells will help buffer the pH to a level Tangs need.

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Upside down catfish would do well. They are really interesting.

-Eric
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Interesting fish include Dwarf Puffers, Cherry barbs, Shellies, but you could also do some ADF ACF? or albino toads?

I vote for Shellies. I want to eventually try them. They are great for smaller tanks.

*Kristin*

Voted For SHELLIES!

I've not found them in my area (theresa musta grabbed all of them ). But if I ever did and had the tank space for them I'd do them for sure!.

Other ideas I toyed with for that sized tank was a small group of female bettas in a heavily planted tank, and of course the dwarf puffers (they're so cute !).

^_^

theresa musta grabbed all of them

I did not, I had to get mine from far away but it was worth it

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Want something really different?

Look for Neolebias ansorgei.

This is an African Characoid fish (related somewhat to the more familiar Tetras of South America) which is VASTLY underrated and rare in the hobby to boot. Takes patience to get them to show their true colours, and careful attention to their likes and dislikes, but the result? Rainbow coloured little jewels that will make you wonder why on earth more dealers don't stock them, given that they're not especially difficult to maintain and when looked after properly, look drop dead gorgeous.

Here's an image of a juvenile. It'll look MUCH more colourful once it grows older.

Another juvenile specimen

Newly wild caught specimens

Believe me, these pictures don't really do this fish justice. Good specimens are stunning to behold. A small, peaceful shoaling fish that is actually somewhat shy, and appreciates heavy planting for cover, but which comes into its own once acclimatised. Make your 12 gallon a species aquarium for this beauty and who knows, you may even get it to spawn!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

My preferences in order of adoration;

Shellies
Rams

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~