Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Sean on June 28, 2013, 10:49:00 PM

Title: Is this okay?
Post by: Sean on June 28, 2013, 10:49:00 PM
Another post spiked the idea in my head to have a planted tank with a school of neon tetras or cardinals and some kind of ram. I will be doing it in probably a 10 or 15 gallon tank. Is it ok to add all of the teas at once? Or will it spike my ammonia levels? Thanks
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: linuxrulesusa on June 28, 2013, 10:55:56 PM
IMO, you need a 20 long if you want tetras + ram.  Maybe a 15 long would work with just a pair of rams (german blue/gold/electric blue, not Bolivian - they need a 3' tank minimum).

Probably 5-7 neon tetras max...are you trying for a pair of rams or a single?  A pair might be risky.  A single male would be quite colorful and probably ok.

Black neons work well with rams and angels in a 3' or larger tank. 

As far ammonia, add some extra bacteria from your main tank or try the bacteria in a bottle and you shouldn't have to worry about a spike.  Tetras (especially small bodied ones like neons) don't add much to the bioload compared to adding, say, 3-4 plecos.
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: Sean on June 28, 2013, 11:08:43 PM
Ok, was just hoping to do a single electric blue as an extra hint of color.
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: linuxrulesusa on June 28, 2013, 11:37:37 PM
Maybe a single would work with some tetras.  But I'd go at least 15 long...20 long if you can fit it.
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on June 28, 2013, 11:58:36 PM
Maybe a single would work with some tetras.  But I'd go at least 15 long...20 long if you can fit it.

I agree
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: Sean on June 29, 2013, 05:04:16 PM
I am picking up a 15 long tomorrow.
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: TrailerParkFishTanks on June 29, 2013, 10:58:12 PM
what kind of plants are you thinking?
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: Kaia on June 29, 2013, 11:44:19 PM
I have 4 sapphire blues. 1 male and 3 females. The male has paired off with one. I will probably be selling off the two females...
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: Sean on June 30, 2013, 08:01:07 PM
Not sure yet on what plants, will look and see what I can find. That woul be great Kaia! Ill let you know.
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: TrailerParkFishTanks on June 30, 2013, 11:52:10 PM
a 15 long isnt going to be very tall so i wouldnt go putting an amazon sword in there or anything. java fern, dwarf sag, wisteria and ludwigia  i think would all be a good fit. there are many variations of plants and im glad to see some other people doing planted tanks.
Title: Re: Is this okay?
Post by: Sean on June 30, 2013, 11:59:10 PM
Okay. The store I work at has a pretty good selection if plants to choose from. We should have some of those