creative ideas for a bottom dweller

[fishcatch22]

i'm restocking my 10G after a mysterious nitrite spike killed off my oto and I gave my BN pleco (who was beggining to get too big for my tank IMO) to a new home, so my bottoms open. now I want creative ideas, don't just all say corys or something. i'm all ears to new ideas for fish as long as it plays well with my rasboras and shrimp and doesn't grow over 4-5".

[HarleyK]

Acanthophthalmus kuhlii

[fishcatch22]

Acanthophthalmus kuhliidon't they need shoals?

[HarleyK]

don't they need shoals?
It's not really a schooling fish, but they do well in small groups. You could get 3-4 for a 10 gal. That won't be too crowded.

I personally love them :D

[HiGhTiMeZ]

zebra kuhlii loaches. yeah theyre cute!

[fishcatch22]

don't they get about 4" long? i' ve always been told 20G minimum. i'm also not a fan of wild caught fish so i'd prefer captive bred animals.

[fishcatch22]

anyone else? how about dwarf chain loaches? clown plecos? hara hara?

[sclabman]

get some dwarf puffers and an otto

[fishcatch22]

get some dwarf puffers and an ottoummm... won't they tear my rasboras to shreds and munch my snail?

[fishcatch22]

SIGH.... I though you guys would have some good suggestions of odd and rare fish for my tank. I don't want just another khuli or oto, I want an oddball fish.

[santoury]

I don't know why everyone else is suggesting something that will bother your other fish - a Puffer, c'mon guys. I've tried the teeny dwarfs, and they were NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.

Loaches (Botia) will chase your other fish endlessly.
Hara hara will end up eating your other fish and shrimp.



I know you said no cory cats - but there are A LOT of new weird, interesting cory's out there.

You won't see much of a kuhli loach - so probably not what you had in mind.

My own personal recommendation? A bamboo shrimp. They are really awesome!

[Lupin]

don't they get about 4" long? i' ve always been told 20G minimum. i'm also not a fan of wild caught fish so i'd prefer captive bred animals.
Kuhlis are fine in your 20 gallons. Just think of them as 2 inches tetras.;) IMO, 6 would be ideal.
SIGH.... I though you guys would have some good suggestions of odd and rare fish for my tank. I don't want just another khuli or oto, I want an oddball fish.
The only oddball fish even for a cyprinid that comes to my mind is a hillstream loach.;) So many names were given to it-->Borneo sucker, algae eater, butterfly pleco, stingray pleco, etc.

In short, the truth is they are not plecos at all. Neither are they catfish.

On the side note, they like currents.:)
ummm... won't they tear my rasboras to shreds and munch my snail?
They will.:)
anyone else? how about dwarf chain loaches? clown plecos? hara hara?
None of them are quite the oddball types you wanted.:)

[Gr8KarmaSF]

how about a snowball pleco?

[santoury]

I do not recommend ANY pleco for a 10 gallon

[Lupin]

I don't know why everyone else is suggesting something that will bother your other fish - a Puffer, c'mon guys. I've tried the teeny dwarfs, and they were NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.
Oh indeedy do.;) But from my understanding, the one who suggested it may have meant to say to replace the current tankmates with puffers and otos instead.:)
You won't see much of a kuhli loach - so probably not what you had in mind.
This is where I disagree.:) Fish will adapt in captivity. Kuhlis will go out frequently if kept in large numbers. A small number simply will not make them bold enough to come out a lot. Being nocturnal fish, they do come mainly at night but if kept in more than just 6, they have a tendency to show up a lot. Try feeding them during the day and most of them will come out to feed.;)

[fishcatch22]

how about a snowball pleco?those look cool. I was thinking about one of the smaller fancy plecos. any info on the requirements, size, diet, ect.?

and I know they aren't exactly oddballs, but they are somewhat uncommon and not really of the "normal" stock. I also though haras didn't get over 3" and were safe with small fsih and shrimp.

[fishcatch22]

bumpathumbpump

[elbeatch]

if you have a community tank I found I was most entertained by a few dozen cheapo ghost shrimp, they get right into the gravel to clean with their little arms, I found them entertaining to watch, if you have a dozen or so there's always something happening

[elbeatch]

also twigcats (Farlowella) are pretty cool looking anyways, semi active and they dont get too big, 7" but being in a 10 they're alright. they eat algae, wafers and even some veggies like cucumber, peeled peas.

[HarleyK]

Peckolita vittata?

With your restriction regarding tank size, aversion to wild-caught fish as well as oddball request you aint gonna get much further ... Fact is: most loaches and oddball plecos are wild-caught, probably also the Peckolita. Other catfish get too big. You could try a goby...

HarleyK

[MrFisher]

i like panda cory's mostly because they are not seen often

[fishcatch22]

Peckolita vittata?

With your restriction regarding tank size, aversion to wild-caught fish as well as oddball request you aint gonna get much further ... Fact is: most loaches and oddball plecos are wild-caught, probably also the Peckolita. Other catfish get too big. You could try a goby...

HarleyKi'm not totally opposed to wild caught, I only prefer captive bred specimens if possible. but you're right... it's nopt easy find small AND weird fish... all the good small ones are already taken and common....

I could keep a farlowella in a 10G?

[HarleyK]

I could keep a farlowella in a 10G?

:headshake

[cichlaguapote]

I know you mentioned something about it but maybe a Clown pleco? or Bulldog pleco?

[reziztor]

It's a loaded question because you have shrimp and such a tiny aquarium.

And by the way, Otto's need to be in large groups to stay happy and healthy.

My suggestions:

A Filter Feeding shrimp (like the giant Atya gabonensis)

[fishcatch22]

It's a loaded question because you have shrimp and such a tiny aquarium.

And by the way, Otto's need to be in large groups to stay happy and healthy.

My suggestions:

A Filter Feeding shrimp (like the giant Atya gabonensis)hmmmm? I have done research and found oddballs like the eleotrid Mogurnda neoslepis, and most catfish of the genus hara and peckoltia to be compatable. I wanted the opinions of the bonafide weird fish experts here before I made a final decision on what to get, since you guys really know your stuff and I respect most of the people here as great experts on this subject matter. the oto I kept was part of an experiment to see if otos needed large groups. the one did fine alone, and was very active day and night, especially after he was moved to my 10G. he died early due to an odd nitrite spike that I still don't fully understand, as my aquarium has been cycled for 7 months.

those filter feeding shrimp are awesome, but only one species is avalible at my LFS. I might get one in addition to a small bottom dweller.

:headshakeI though so.

[reziztor]

No offense, but your 'experiment' on the Oto didn't seem to work out. The nitrite spike kill the other fish? I can keep a goldfish alive in brackish water for a long time, doesn't mean anyone should make it a practice. Otocinclus die easy when kept alone or even in tiny groups. The research has already been done for you and it's out on the net.

I would give you a warning about Hara Hara: These also prosper in a group. To make them comfortable, you need sand and many hiding places and driftwood. Are you capable of providing that in your 10 gallon? Did you know that Hara Hara are cool water fish? They dont like high temps at all. They get diseased and sickly. See: http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/hara_hara.htm

Most Gudgeons are schooling fish, and/or inhabit fast moving streams. However, I don't know about the yellowbelly.

[fishcatch22]

No offense, but your 'experiment' on the Oto didn't seem to work out. The nitrite spike kill the other fish? I can keep a goldfish alive in brackish water for a long time, doesn't mean anyone should make it a practice. Otocinclus die easy when kept alone or even in tiny groups. The research has already been done for you and it's out on the net.

I would give you a warning about Hara Hara: These also prosper in a group. To make them comfortable, you need sand and many hiding places and driftwood. Are you capable of providing that in your 10 gallon? Did you know that Hara Hara are cool water fish? They dont like high temps at all. They get diseased and sickly. See: http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/hara_hara.htm

Most Gudgeons are schooling fish, and/or inhabit fast moving streams. However, I don't know about the yellowbelly.well I certianly got conflicting opinions on the matter, that's why I got a single oto first. I was going to get more eventually, and no, the rasboras, shrimp, and snail made through it fine. it was only about 0.50 PPM, but I guess that was enough to kill the oto.

I already know all that, I NEVER purchase a fish without researching it. I keep my water around 72 degrees. it has a fine gravel bottom and a large piece of driftwood, with a thick cover of moss on the bottom. I will buy a single specimen and then later buy more, as again I want to see for myself how they react differently to being kept alone or in groups.

the goo obo gudegeon or yellowbelly is not one that needs groups according to my research, at least I haven't seen anything to say they do.

[guppy]

Redo the tank completely and go for 3-4 dwarf mudskippers.

[santoury]

Love Guppy's idea - Mudskippers are great, just make sure you know how to keep them happy before getting them. Otherwise they can be a headache. They don't recover well if they get sick.

[fishcatch22]

sorry, I want to keep my current fish. i'm sure they're awesome, but I love my little Dolly Partons too much (my rasboras, like Dolly, are all female, overly flashy, and as smart as a pogo stick).

[neonmadness]

how bout some catfish from the genus dianema? though their not completely bottom dwellers(theyll swim all over the tank from my experience with them, but thats what i like about them theyr very active) one would still make a good addition to your tank. theyr in the family calicathydae and they dont need groups, are commonly available and many stay small(under 5"). some cool species that would work would be the porthole catfish(dianema longibarbus), and the apollo catfish(sorry dont know the scientific name).

[Headrush]

I had a pair of these in a 15 but F*ed it up when my heater died. Got cold and killed them both. Very cool tho. Can see their heart beating as they stick to the glass. Not sure how well they'll clean for you tho.

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_hillstream.php

[Lupin]

I had a pair of these in a 15 but F*ed it up when my heater died. Got cold and killed them both. Very cool tho. Can see their heart beating as they stick to the glass. Not sure how well they'll clean for you tho.

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_hillstream.php
I don't understand this, Headrush. You said the temp became cold because the heater died?:confused: What is the temperature? Hillstream loaches should be able to cope the cold temperature although not below 20 degrees Celsius.

[J11MTP]

How bout Synodontis Robertsi
or one of my favourites Mystus Bimaculatus

[guppy]

I don't know where you would find them in the US but how about just about any of the Stiphodon gobies, very small and peaceful, many eat algae, here are the S. percnopterygionus and the S. atropurpureus, both of which are sold in Taiwan. They are often sold under the name of freshwater neon gobies and the different species come in a range of colors.

[Headrush]

I don't understand this, Headrush. You said the temp became cold because the heater died?:confused: What is the temperature? Hillstream loaches should be able to cope the cold temperature although not below 20 degrees Celsius.

Yeah, VERY GOOD question...I don't know the answer to that. All I know is that they were both dead when I came home and the heater was toast. They were in my bedroom upstairs and it can get kinda cool in there with the AC on in the summer. Maybe that did it...but its my only explanation...tho it might be a poor one. All the other fish were fine

[fishcatch22]

I don't know where you would find them in the US but how about just about any of the Stiphodon gobies, very small and peaceful, many eat algae, here are the S. percnopterygionus and the S. atropurpureus, both of which are sold in Taiwan. They are often sold under the name of freshwater neon gobies and the different species come in a range of colors.holy cow! those look fantastic! I don't think my LFS could even special order them for me, though.

How bout Synodontis Robertsi
or one of my favourites Mystus Bimaculatusinfo?

how bout some catfish from the genus dianema? though their not completely bottom dwellers(theyll swim all over the tank from my experience with them, but thats what i like about them theyr very active) one would still make a good addition to your tank. theyr in the family calicathydae and they dont need groups, are commonly available and many stay small(under 5"). some cool species that would work would be the porthole catfish(dianema longibarbus), and the apollo catfish(sorry dont know the scientific name).hmmm... i'll look into those.

[guppy]

Hmmm, okay,
how about a hummingbird tetra (also called darter characins) Characidium fasciatum, and 4-5 each of the tiny salt and pepper cories (Corydoras habrosus), and black diamond pygmy cories (Corydoras hastatus).
All these together will run you a little under $27 (not counting shipping) from here, http://www.azgardens.com/shippinginfo.php
They have a minimum live goods order requirement of $35 so you might want to check out their plants as well or add a pair of these, Galaxy rasboras (Microrasbora sp. galaxy) which would bring you to just under $37.

[fishcatch22]

Hmmm, okay,
how about a hummingbird tetra (also called darter characins) Characidium fasciatum, and 4-5 each of the tiny salt and pepper cories (Corydoras habrosus), and black diamond pygmy cories (Corydoras hastatus).
All these together will run you a little under $27 (not counting shipping) from here, http://www.azgardens.com/shippinginfo.php
They have a minimum live goods order requirement of $35 so you might want to check out their plants as well or add a pair of these, Galaxy rasboras (Microrasbora sp. galaxy) which would bring you to just under $37.don't really got that kind of dough on me... I probably won't want to spend more than $20 on fish.

[guppy]

Okay, but this has me thinking,
I will have a new 10g to set up soon so I will probably do the humming bird tetra, and 5 each of the little cories, the galaxy rasboras, blue tetras, pygmy hatchets, and 5-10 glass shrimp.