Stocking Thoughts? Nano Tank

[Bluesandtwo]

Kuhli loaches and shrimp. It's fun to watch them battle it out over food.

Well I've found a local place doing a great deal on them. I'm so tempted to pick up 3-6 of them next weekend. However..

A) I'm worried they'll prey on the baby shrimp that I've already grown to love
B) I'm now looking for something to fill up the open area of the tank.. such as galaxy rasbora or ember tetra - so don't want the khuli loach bioload detracting from getting a decent size school

 

[The Masked Shadow]

I think you should get 3 Kuhli Loaches. Your filter is very strong. You could end up getting a large school of Rasbora's or Tetra's either way. Now for praying on shrimp, idk.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Right everyone... important decision to make now. On Friday I either collect 10 pygmy/pea puffers or 20 pygmy/dwarf corydoras. I'm allowing for a 10% fatality rate on acclimatisation but believe even if all survive I believe the numbers are good given the volume, turnover and cover/plants in the case of the puffers. (I've just added more plants).

So, what do you think would be better, puffer or cory species tank?? Opinions?

 

[Deadeye]

What about a mix of the two?

 

[Bluesandtwo]

What about a mix of the two?

Think they would get along? What numbers of each would you suggest?

 

[Deadeye]

With enough space and hiding spots it should be fine. Especially if you get all female puffers, they tend to be more passive.
Maybe five puffers and 10catfish? The cats would help to play clean up with the puffers. I’ve never mixed the two, but kept puffers with otos and Rosy reds without the puffers being too hostile. That was in a 5.

 

[TheWolfman]

This is my opinion on the matter, If you want the shrimp to thrive then don't mix them with fish. The puffers will snack on the shrimp, and the corys will likely out compete the shrimp for food. Don't get me wrong pleople mix shrimp and fish all the time but in my experience, If your looking to breed the cherrys they really need to be kept alone. If your looking to have the full tank look then by all means go for it.

 

[twentyleagues]

I have a 30ish gallon like yours.
10 pea puffers 2m 8f (lucky)
12 brigette rasboras
Mix of cherry and bloody Mary shrimp.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

I've decided on 10 pea puffers, which fingers crossed I'll have midday friday and update you all. As for the shrimp, I'm happy to take the gamble and see how they go. I'm hopefully that just some shrimplets become snacks and the adults prosper.. but I guess time will tell!

 

[Deadeye]

Look forward to seeing them!