Choices Please

**Padams** · 08-08-2009, 05:51 PM

I am getting a school of Zebra Danios.

The question becomes do I get a full 10 and nothing else?

OR

Do I get 6 and another 1-2 compatible?

PLEASE keep in mind its only a 10g and not upgrading in the near (possibly distant) future. I would like a lively tank as this is primarily for the kids (5 & 2). I realize there are a gazillion choices, but I am looking for the heartier species as it is a 1st tank and we have had enough issues to this point.

Thanks for you info and ideas.

**KingFisher** · 08-08-2009, 06:04 PM

A few male guppies would be a colorful addition and will entertain the kids. You can also add some shrimp which they may enjoy watching crawl around the bottom. Just be sure the tank is finished cycling before adding any more fish.

**Lab_Rat** · 08-08-2009, 06:46 PM

Another possibility would be to add a "centerpiece" fish, such as a dwarf gourami. Make sure you research what fish you want to get before going to the fish store. Many fish get too big for a 10g even though the store employees will tell you they're fine.

**Padams** · 08-08-2009, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Lab_Rat

Another possibility would be to add a "centerpiece" fish, such as a dwarf gourami. Make sure you research what fish you want to get before going to the fish store. Many fish get too big for a 10g even though the store employees will tell you they're fine.

This is why I am asking for ideas and advice. I do not want a tank with OVER maintained. nor do I want one over loaded either.

**Padams** · 08-08-2009, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by KingFisher

A few male guppies would be a colorful addition and will entertain the kids. You can also add some shrimp which they may enjoy watching crawl around the bottom. Just be sure the tank is finished cycling before adding any more fish.

Can guppies be in just 2's? I had thought they needed 4 (1m 3F)?

**KingFisher** · 08-08-2009, 07:42 PM

male guppies can be kept in any number. It is when you add females that you want the ratio to keep the males from harassing them all the time.

**Padams** · 08-08-2009, 07:52 PM

Once you add females they need to have the higher #s to keep the boyz busy.

**KingFisher** · 08-08-2009, 07:55 PM

Exactly. Guppies are lucky.

**Padams** · 08-08-2009, 08:04 PM

6 Zebras and then 2wks later 2 (max 3) m guppies is acceptable for a 10g w/ proper maintenance.

They pretty much all eat the same correct?

**Jacko** · 08-08-2009, 08:04 PM

I would not put zebra danios in a 10 gallon tank, they are far to active IME for a 20" tank, a 20 gallon (24") is really the minimum for them, especially since they get more active in a larger school. I had a school of 10 in a 75 and they used every inch of the 4'.

For the guppies, either get totally females or totally males, I'd suggest males a.) they are more colorful and b.) females are often gravid when you get them.