Questions about Aquarium

[00mikey03]

Hello everyone, this is my very first post. I have been recently wanting to start an aquarium. My first question is if I should get a 20 or 30 gallon tank? I decided on some fish and am wondering if they will be compatible. I have also sort of decided on the amount of fish. Sorry for such a long explanation, but basically I am wondering if the fish are compatible and if I have too many or too little for a 20 or 30 gallon tank. Heres my list:10 Kerri tetras,1 Dwarf Gourami, 2 Angelfishes, 4 Dwarf Otocinclus Catfish, 8 Red Wag Platy, and 4 Ghost Shrimp.

Thanks,
Michael
P.S. I have done research on their PH levels and they are all in the same range. I also did research on the Temperature that there used to and they are also in the same range.

[Cliff]

I always suggest to get the biggest tank that you can. Larger aquariums tent to be easier to keep than smaller ones when set-up correctly.

30 gallons seams a little too small for a pair of angelfish

[Honey Badger 1]

Get the largest tank you can site and afford to maintain. In my opinion your list is a little too many for the 30g. I have had an angel in a 29 gallon and honestly, I now think that size tank is a bit small for angelfish, but isn't the worst of situations. I suggest getting the 30g and stocking with either the dwarf gourami or 1 angelfish, plus the kerri tetra, and oto's. The shrimp can be added, but keep in mind most of the other fish you are interested in will consider them food. Plant the tank well with many hiding places for them. Have you read about cycling the tank? If not here is a link about how it is done; http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ead.php?t=5640

[genocidex]

if you plant the tank with mosses of some sort you might be interested in red cherry shrimp. they are easy breeders. +1 to the biggest tank you can get. if you had a 55g then a pair of angels would work. but in a 30g only 1. +1 to everything mommy and cliff said

[00mikey03]

I could get rid of the gourami and one angelfish. Would a 40 gallon tank work better? And if I got rid of the shrimp would it work with the 20 gallon?

[genocidex]

40g breeder would work GREAT the measurements for that would be 36x18x18" if i remember right.

the shrimp have a nill bio load. some people even keep them without filters (im not one) the 20g, if its a 20 long would be good without the angels, you can have a gourami. and reduce the plattys a bit maybe like 6

[00mikey03]

Okay thanks

[Honey Badger 1]

The shrimp aren't the issue other than they might be eaten. The main problem is angels and gourami are very territorial and many times they claim more than their fair share of the tank. Personally, I still wouldn't put 2 angels in a 40b, but you should be able to put 1 angel and the dwarf gourami, but wait for someone to confirm that, I've never kept the two species together. If you really want 2 angels I suggest a heavily planted tank no smaller than 65 gallons.

[fishmommie]

Welcome and congrats on getting started.
Everyone has given you good advice. Go with the largest tank you can afford and have room for. You'll never be sorry if you go bigger but you may always regret it if you go small.

A forty could nicely house an angel, a dwarf gourami (I have them together no problems) your tetra, cats and shrimp. It sounds like a really pretty tank.

We can't stress the importance of reading the fishless or fish in cycling threads in the beginners section. You have to cycle your tank or you will not keep your fish alive for long
So do read and ask questions.
If you chose to cycle fishless (which many here suggest because it's the easiest, least labor intensive and best for the fish) it will take about 3 weeks then you can add all of your stock.
If you chose to cycle with fish, you should not include the angel, the cats or the shrimp as they are most sensitive to water conditions during a cycle and you will be dealing with ammonia and nitrites spikes that could harm them. Be prepared also (if you cycle with fish) to do multiple water changes weekly for up to 3 or 4 months as you must keep your ammonia and nitrates below .50 to keep from harming the fish. Once your cycle is complete, then you could add your angel and a couple of weeks later, the gourami and finally the shrimp and the cats.

Before you set up your tank, you'll want to get an API liquid master water test kit so you can test your water perimeters daily during the cycle. It's critical that you know your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings
Good luck and be sure to ask if you have question about filters, heaters and substrate.

[Honey Badger 1]

I have always found angels to be extremely hardy fish, but then again all fish are sensitive to water quality. This is why we try to steer people towards the fish-less cycle, not only is it much less stressful on you, less work, and cheaper, but there is no chance you will kill any fish if you make a mistake.
When you finally get the tank size figured out, figure out what fish to put in it, and get the tank cycled it is usually best to stock them in order of least aggressive to most aggressive. The oto's present a bit of a problem here since they do best when placed in a mature tank. If it were my tank, I would get the tetra first, wait 4 or 5 weeks then get the oto's (not the best for them, but they need to go in before the angel and gourami), wait another 2 weeks and get the angel and gourami at the same time. In my opinion, the last two being similar in temperament should be purchased at the same time so neither has established territory.