delphine Posted February 4, 2022 Share Posted February 4, 2022 I have a 20-long planted aquarium that I am planning to stock with bronze cory cats, neon tetras (and possibly harlequin rasboras–too much?), 2 clown plecos, and a betta. Do I add the betta first or last? Does it matter? Also, any thoughts or suggestions on the stocking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BettaHomesAndGardens Posted February 4, 2022 Share Posted February 4, 2022 I have a 20 long with a similar load. I added the betta first and he didn’t really have any adjustment issues. I planted my tank in a manner to allow for the other fish to hide in case he got moody but it hasn’t been an issue and now he schools with the Corys like a big weirdo lol. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Stewart Posted February 4, 2022 Share Posted February 4, 2022 It really all depends on the personality of your betta. It's usually safest to add the betta last, or at least after some other fish are there, as there's far less chance of territorial aggression. If you don't have the betta yet, I'd plan for last to be safest. if you have him already, and know his demeanor, it's really up to him how well he does 😉 But, for a 20 long, with proper schools, you're probably looking at 8 to 10 harlequins, 10 or more tetras, 6 corys, the 2 plecos, and the betta. Going by the "1 inch of fish per gallon" thing, you'd be a little over stocked. But, with good filtration and water changes you could probably make it work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delphine Posted February 5, 2022 Author Share Posted February 5, 2022 On 2/4/2022 at 5:20 PM, Greg Stewart said: But, for a 20 long, with proper schools, you're probably looking at 8 to 10 harlequins, 10 or more tetras, 6 corys, the 2 plecos, and the betta. Going by the "1 inch of fish per gallon" thing, you'd be a little over stocked. But, with good filtration and water changes you could probably make it work. This is my second tank so am leaning toward not overstocking. So that means either neon tetras or harlequins–that is a touch decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Stewart Posted February 5, 2022 Share Posted February 5, 2022 (edited) @delphineMy harlequins are skittish, untrusting, ungrateful little turds 😉 They're beautiful, but they panic and hide whenever anyone approaches the tank. (What's with that bold font?) My CPDs on the other hand are curious and bold, and the girls come to the front of the tank to see what's up. The males just do their thing chasing each other out of the rock crevices, but the females are pretty personable. My chili rasboras just hide in the back corner most of the time (useless wee bastages). I don't have neons, though. Edited February 5, 2022 by Greg Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delphine Posted February 5, 2022 Author Share Posted February 5, 2022 @Greg StewartGood to know! Guess I am leaning toward neon tetras. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben_RF Posted February 5, 2022 Share Posted February 5, 2022 So bettas are always a gamble in community setup. It is a gamble in my experience that is more favorable than not. Two thoughts and a tip #1 Typically I like to add the betta last to avoid territory issues. #2 Neon tetras may fin nip your betta. TIP: I personally like to use a clear breeder box for 1 to 2 weeks with the betta to give time for the betta to check out the other fish and to allow the other fish to check out them. I think it helps, but not 100% certain 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delphine Posted February 7, 2022 Author Share Posted February 7, 2022 @Ben_RF Thanks! I love the idea of putting the breeder box in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardedbillygoat1975 Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 I would choose a plakat not a long fin to prevent them from being nipped by the tetras. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flumpweesel Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 On 2/5/2022 at 4:40 AM, Greg Stewart said: lphineMy harlequins are skittish, untrusting, ungrateful little turds 😉 They're beautiful, but they panic and hide whenever anyone approaches the tank Wow mine are oblivious to everything they mull about together but unless it's BBS they do not react to anything and they do not are about the outside tank world. Funny how different fish can be for different people 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now