tips and suggestions for a 2-3 gallon fish tank?

unlimitedx

^ oops i just editted the post completely!

Lupin

You can look into the Boraras and Microrasbora species.:) I would prefer to place them in a tank of 10 gallons or more though simply because they prefer to thrive well in a tank where water parameters do not often change. Stable water conditions is your goal to success.:)

unlimitedx

Thanks :D

Another combination I found as I researched those fishes.... how about guppies and ghost shrimps??

Also out of curiosity, how often do guppies produce frys in tanks?

unlimitedx

how come pet stores are able to cram so many fishes into a tank? are the fishes suffering?

unlimitedx

I learned from various websites that a surface area method is a better way to calculate the max capacity of a fish tank as opposed to the 1 inch 1 gallon rule. i noticed mushu mentioned this earlier

What do you guys think of this rule? if calculated out surface area yields a higher fish capacity, is it safe to go with the higher count?

Lupin

That rule was simply used by beginners to avoid overcrowding of their tanks while on their path to learning more about the hobby.

As far as that goes, that rule does not apply to most fish. Who knew the thought of a 10 inches Oscar in a 10 gallons tank can be revolting? Also 5 2-inches cardinals in a 10 gallons is way too understocked. It depends on your options which is why I mentioned it will not apply to most fish as they are regarded to be exceptions from 1 inch per gallon rule. Honestly, I don't find it reliable.

Stick with applying the space on each level. Note which fish will occupy different areas. For example, a 10 gallons alone can fit only a pair of dwarf gouramis. 4 or more may not be recommended as most gouramis are quite aggressive against each other. The gouramis occupy the surface most of the time so that leaves you to settle with the mid and bottom level. If you want neons, you can fit in about 20-30 neons in it. Note that aside from being small, they are least likely to contribute much to the bioload. You may want 8 kuhli loaches on the bottom or simply 6 peppered cories.:)
They are able to do so because fish live with them in short periods before they are bought by customers. I would advise that you buy fish in a tank where there is barely any fish showing signs of diseases. You will find that most pet shops bar the selling of new arrivals. This is a sign of a good lfs as it allows the fish to rest from intervals.

Allow the pet shop to give you a final inspection on the fish you are buying. Trapping them with a net on the front glass will give you a good look of the fish and enable you to check if they are in good health. Another step done is to ask the employee to feed them. Choose those that are able to eat well.:)
That's not a problem. Ghost shrimps attack the fish only if it is weakened by various circumstances.
A single mating allows the female to drop batches of fry for a few months. I had mine drop about 30-40 fry every 2-3 weeks. This is one reason why I've been avoiding livebearers these days.

unlimitedx

Would a combination of these be able to survive in a 6 gallon tank??

I definitely will be introducing a few fish at a time over a long period to the tank and not all at once.

What is a small but showy loner fish (that doesn't need a school of it to be happy) that won't be aggressive to most fishes?

musho3210

6 gallon cuts your choice of fish fast, like blue said 5 2 inch cardinals in a 10 gallon tank is understocked, but 5 2 inch cardinals in 6 gallon tank is stocked if not over.

Filtration plays a huge part in the bio-load of the fish tank, having a 100 gallon canister filter for a 5 gallon tank (apart from giving a whirlpool effect) can fit so many more fish than a normal filter (6 gallon rated filter). Theres no such thing as over-filtration but is such thing as over pumping, a 100gp filter in a 6 gallon tank will whirlpool it so no fish will actually live happily in it. If you are getting a fast current species you can get a large turnover rate (8+) but with low current fish, keep it at 3-8 turnover rate. The higher the turnover rate the more filtration you get though so keep that in mind.

unlimitedx

Darn... I think I'll look in the Eclipse 12 gallon system again!

In terms of fishes who feel comfortable in schools, can I mix varieties of tetras/corys or do they have to be the same type?

Andyandsue

I have this same tank in both the 3 and 12 gallon versions. I have 5 danios, 5 golden white clouds, 3 rasboras, 2 cory cats, a shrimp & a snail. Some would say I am overstocked if you follow the 1 inch of fish rule but this is a fully cycled tank that I keep clean by keeping on top of the water and filter changes. The corydoras, snail and shrimp stay on the bottom, and the others stay mid/top so they are not in each other's way so there is enough swim space. And to answer your question, my danio/rasbora/clouds (minnow family) definitely school together when they are in the mood.

I guess what I am saying is you really need to plan out what to put in a small tank (which you are doing obviously). We also have a 3 gallon, but the Serpae Tetras we have are going to a friend with a huge tank. There just isn't enough room for them to be happy and they are nipping at each other. I'm going to replace them with 3 or 4 of something like guppies, neons, white clouds, danios, etc.

If you are going to get a 2 gallon I recommend nothing but a betta really. They are so easy to take care of that it would be the best choice for a desktop. And VERY showy if you look at a crowntail.