Add tetras or barbs to extablished tank help on choosing

[anne1]

I have a 20 gal. tank that has been established for about 1 1/2 years. Currently have two dwarf african cichlids = 3in. full size, a zebra danio and zebra loach in the tank. They all get along fine, but except for the danio hide much of the time. I was considering adding several tetras or barbs to the tank. I would like fish that swim around actively for the family to see. What would be a good choice for this?

[Chrona]

I have a 20 gal. tank that has been established for about 1 1/2 years. Currently have two dwarf african cichlids = 3in. full size, a zebra danio and zebra loach in the tank. They all get along fine, but except for the danio hide much of the time. I was considering adding several tetras or barbs to the tank. I would like fish that swim around actively for the family to see. What would be a good choice for this?

Rummynose tetras would be cool. They are a bit picky when it comes to clean water though, and acclimation should be verrry slow.

[anne1]

I really like the look of the rumynose tetra and asked about them at a local pet store just this morning. They said they would need to special order them and that they are pretty delicate. Any other suggestions of active fish to watch that will not hide. In the store both the tetras and barbs look pretty active. From others experience is one type more active and less likely to hid than the other? Also is any variety a favorite and why?

[Lady Hobbs]

Why not keep it at a cichlid tank to avoid further problems and just get more of them?

[anne1]

I would really rather put another type of fish in there instead of getting any more cichlids. The two dwarf ones that I have do not bother the zebra danio or loach that is in there at all, so will hopefully not go after new fish either. Are either barbs or tetra's apt. to hide when people are close to the tank? I am looking for something that will not do that and will be fun for kids to watch. Thank you for your comment so far.

[cocoa_pleco]

bloodfin tetras are cool. I have four and theyre constantly on the run

[Gelo_USA]

I like the pristela tetras... they are always active in my tank even when I get close to it they never hide..... and tiger barbs are very active too but I m having a problem with them THEY BOTHER EVERYONE in the tank...
do u have any bottom feeder? I think u could get 3 corydora catfish they are pretty small and they are always active in my tank... I like watching them... I m just not sure if it will be alright with ur cichlids but if its fine with the danios I guess it wont bother the fish u add.......