New to fish, what to stock?
 

I just bought myself a 10 gallon tank. I was first intent on getting a male betta, but by the time I had gotten the tank the betta I had wanted was sold and the rest I wasn't too keen on. I liked the look of the zebra danios and the male guppies. Being new to the fish world I'm not really sure what to start with. I was told the danios are hardy fish and would be a good bet since I was new, but I liked the colors of the guppies. Are there any fish that could be housed with a betta? Are there any fish that would be a good bet to start off with other then danios?

My only options are bettas, danios, guppies, tetras, platies, mollies, plecos and goldfish.

First off, Goldfish and Common Plecos will NOT fit in a 10g. Some smaller plecos (such as the bristlenose) would be good, though. Most fish will not do well with a betta. Danios are good, but I belieave they are nippy, so you wouldn't be able to have them with guppies. Guppies and platies are really hardy fish, but some tetras are pretty hardy, too.

How about 3 guppies or platies, a school of small tetras (like neons or glowlight), and some bottom feeders like cories or possibly a bristlenose pleco?

sound like a good starter tank.very laid back.

I would say find out your tap water at home..

If it's acidic, then go with some tetras (a school of 6 medium-sized 1 - 1.5 inch fish or 6 neons and 6 ember tetras)

If it's basic, then you could go with some livebearers (guppies, mollies, platies) or danios...

Danios aren't that nippy really (compared to barbs). If you have a school of danios (at least 6) you might be able to throw a couple male guppies in...

Bettas will fight long-finned fish (like guppies) sometimes, but more often than not the activity level of fish will stress the (relatively calm) betta to death...


I would base the decision on your ph and hardness (kh) of your tap water.