Looking for fish for 20g aquarium

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Ruturaj

Ruturaj

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2011
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Seattle, WA
I recently bought a 20g aquarium, 24 x 16.5 x 12.5 inches.

Previously I had a flowerhorn which I loved before moving to the US. I will get a bigger tank in future and get other flowerhorn but meanwhile, I am looking for fish for my 20g aquarium.

I am looking for something that will live in a bare bottom tank (I don't like substrate), will be playful and have bright colors.

I am considering a single angle (not sure if it's a good idea to get one given my tank size) or betta fish. Please do chime in.

Thank you.
 
For a tank that small and for something bright I'd probably go with something along the lines of an apistogramma. Lots of options in the US, they're brightly colored and reasonably hardy.

Or maybe something like a Brazillian or other freshwater puffer?
 
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Angel will get too large, and I don't think an apistogramma would appreciate bare tank. Majority of cichlids won't like that much, they are mostly diggers by nature, and without proper cover or some décor most will be shy. The flowerhorns seem to be so removed from nature and unusually aggressive that they don't give a crap about the bottom.

I would say the betta would be good, or a dwarf gourami. They have some character and can live forever in a 20.
 
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So just an empty 20 gal?

Betta i guess. Theres a lot of fish you could keep in there but i think youve at least gotta have some kind of scape. A branch or a rock or something and at least a thin layer of sand.

I wouldnt put an angel in it. Too small and once again the scaping.
 
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Betta in a planted tank. Live plants really make this guy stand out imo. This particular plant needs substrate but you can go bare bottom with anubias or java fern on driftwood.
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Thank you, guys.

I am okay with having few rocks, hiding spot or plants in small clay pots (I have 2 tiny ones from home depot) or driftwood (I would love to have one of those actually).

I was planning to get a betta when I bought that aquarium, hence the size but I had to move after that. Now I would be settled a little better for a while.

I will look more into dwarf gourami but seems like betta is the best option right now.

Thank you again for your great inputs.
 
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Without substrate, many colorful fish won't show colors, because many fish change to match and blend into habitat, bare bottom reflective glass, usually means washed out colors to me.
And a tiny tank limits your choices.
Some killifish would fit well, as would some of the wild type betters.
gularis killi

Betta albimarginatta
 
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