I have a blue phantom and he does pretty well in my tanks. I don't keep strict parameters. I do weekly water changes and that is it. I have carnivores species and he likes cleaning up after them. If I could do it over I would have chosen the green phantom....I think they have better colors. I posted some pics of my blue and I don't think they look all that good. I would like a gold nugget next, have you considered those....I think they stay under 12".