Tank stock for a 20 gallon

Taratron · Post by **Taratron** » 03 Dec 2003, 04:16

Okay, so my friend who so wanted the angelfish for her 20 gallon has decided not to go that route. She still has the bristlenose, however, and 5 bronze cories. The tank is planted with hornwort and java moss--soon to add an algae ball/moss ball.

Here is what she'd like to add:
7-8 cardinal tetras
4-5 black phantom tetras
1 male betta
1 spotted raphael catfish

What do you all think?

At least she's off her angel kick......

MackIntheBox · Post by **MackIntheBox** » 03 Dec 2003, 16:42

the spotted Raphael gets to be about 5 inches long, he may eventually take to eating the smaller fish in the tank ;) he may not be advisable, but I also have not had one myself, anyone else have experience with them?

Sid Guppy · Post by **Sid Guppy** » 03 Dec 2003, 17:41

Spotted Raphaels are very docile.

They MIGHT be able to tackle small fish, but rarely do.
Pectorale has several Dorads, and in his smaller tank (a 250 liter tank) there's 1 Spotted Raphael (Agamyxis pectinifrons) about 10 cm or so, and also a whole colony of Limia nigrofasciata, that's rapidly multiplying......

So it seems even newborn livebearers are left in peace. I'd say, pretty safe.

However it's an ungainly swimmer, and can disrupt small plants and unwantingly scratch some fish while bulldozing it's way through dense undergrowth.
They're very, very peaceful, but also very, very spiny. And strong too.....

IMO a bit too bulky for a 20G.
You might think about Banjo-cats if you like to add and "oddball-catfish".

Taratron · Post by **Taratron** » 03 Dec 2003, 20:28

Darn, there's no banjos in the area....the spotted raphs look so nice too!

MackIntheBox · Post by **MackIntheBox** » 03 Dec 2003, 22:23

Taratron wrote:Darn, there's no banjos in the area....the spotted raphs look so nice too!

get a 40+ gallon then ;) then they dont have to worry about not getting the one they want

tiffnseve · Post by **tiffnseve** » 05 Dec 2003, 00:19

Has your friend thought about some of the mellower Gouramis like the Dwarf Honey? I had some and they got along good with my plecos and betta.

flyinmike · Post by **flyinmike** » 06 Dec 2003, 15:11

Taratron wrote: She still has the bristlenose, however, and 5 bronze cories.

Here is what she'd like to add:
7-8 cardinal tetras
4-5 black phantom tetras
1 male betta
1 spotted raphael catfish

What do you all think? At least she's off her angel kick......

IMO- This seems like a pretty heavy load for a 20gal tank. You're going to end up with about 40" worth of fish..

Tank stock for a 20 gallon

Tank stock for a 20 gallon

Re: Tank stock for a 20 gallon