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I've read some questions about stocking 10 gallon tanks, so I thought I'd post my own. I am about a week into startup of the 10 (it's up and running with 4 "feeders" and will be looking to stock it in a couple of weeks, provided the water tests out okay.

A few years ago in grad school, my roommate had a really nice tank, about 20 gallons, I think. Anyway, we had some nice fish including some cichlids, a shark and some others. I really liked that tank and those fish. From what I've read hear, that tank was way too small for them, and I don't want to make that mistake.

So, I am really attentive to my fish and am willing to do the work to get a great 10 gallon tank going. I might step up in size if I can work out the details . . . eventually.

I was wondering if I could get a small catfish, an algae-eater, some active, colorful fish and a cichlid? I've noticed that some cichlids are territorial but can be kept with other fish. Is 10 gallons just too small? Any and all suggestions would be welcomed.

Thank you very much.

I wouldn't recommend a Cichlid unless you make it a species only tank, and then something quite small, like shellies. How about substituting a dwarf gourami for the cichlid (1 male), use dwarf or pygmy cories for the catfish (about 6), go with ghost or amano shrimp for your algae eaters (about 6-10), and 3 or 4 male cherry barbs for some more color?

Thank you for your suggestion. I was unaware that so many fish could fit in a 10 gallon tank. I'm very pleasantly surprised. I'm going to go check out the fish you've mentioned. I live in a city of about 200,000 with two fish stores (one is pretty good, not sure about selection though). Is there a "tried and true" or recommended way to get these (or any) fish, other than hoping that the local fish store people will carry them? Thanks again for your post.

Admittedly I'm pushing it on stocking, so it'll be important to keep up with water and filter changes. Do a fishless cycle, and add the fish a few at a time. The shrimp are small and very little bioload, so it doesn't hurt to have them in there. Most of these should be fairly easy to obtain, except possibly the pygmy cories. You may have to go online to find them. I'm sure others will have other possibilities, so research your choices, and go with your preferences, and what is realistic to you. Welcome to fishprofiles!

Thanks, Fishey Joe. Do you have any recommendations on the order of stocking? Once I get the four "feeders" out of there and the tank has cycled, I'll be eager to start. Also, I appreciate the welcome.

Sorry, Joe Fishy. I didn't mean to get your name wrong (I often wonder if I have some sort of transpositional disorder). Anyway, thanks. Also, anyone else who wants to weigh in is welcome. My girlfriend also gets a say in this process, so all options/suggestions are welcome. I really appreciate the well-thought-out responses I seem to see on this forum.

Stocking order- if your going with joe fishies stocking plan ( which sounds really good, and colorful)
id add the barbs first, then the cories, then the gourami, waiting 2 weeks, bewtween each addition, or when your water parameters are good.
cherry barbs, dwarf gouarmis and shrimp are everywhere, you shouldnt have any trouble finding them.

Thank you very much. You are most helpful. I love communicating with people who are passionate about a hobby in which I'm developing an interest; it's really nice.

You can use the search feature to find lots of ideas, just enter 10g* or 10 gal*

That aside, I'd recommend ghost shrimp for the bottom.

You could have a pair or trio of cherry barbs and a male or female betta, they're available in so many nice colors. Or instead of the betta have a dwarf gourami.

Another thought would be a male-only guppy or platy tank if you didn't want to deal with potential fry. Many varieties of platies available and even more of male guppies.

edit: you could also have an ADF in the tank, they wouldn't have any problems with the above mentioned fish

[span class="edited"][Edited by Theresa_M 2004-08-27 18:02][/span]

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