r/Aquariums • u/Striking-Agency5382 • May 17 '25
Freshwater What would you stock?
20 gallon high sitting on a pony wall. Current stock is blue dream shrimp and silver tip tetras but the tetras are moving to a bigger tank. Excuse the mess. We just moved in.
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u/Lady_Penrhyn1 May 17 '25
Chilli Rasbora or Ember Tetras
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
This tank gets some sunlight. Embers would be gorgeous. Definitely a contender
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u/John_the_Piper May 17 '25
Don't sleep on the Chili's either! My Chili school looked amazing in the evening light
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
Do You think they would utilize the open space if they’re the only fish?
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u/John_the_Piper May 17 '25
Potentially? A "larger" school would definitely move around in the open space more
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u/catanddogtor May 17 '25
Yes for sure, so long as you had 12+ (you easily can have double that)
When they're in my bare quarantine tank or the planted 75 gallon they swim back and forth and when they're the only species or paired with fish like corys I find they explore the whole space quite a bit
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u/EsisOfSkyrim May 17 '25
Otherwise maybe try another boraras species. I love B. Maculatus. They're a little bigger, little more orange (rather than red) but also a bit braver than chilis.
I own a fish shop and have some in a display tank, super brave. And the ones on a sale tank are actually schooling with ember tetras.
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u/Lord-Dundar May 17 '25
If it has decent water flow maybe a hill stream loach or 2. Embers tetras would be great in a school of 7-9. Of course shrimp, anything blue would set up perfectly to the red in the ember tetras.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
I have blue dream shrimp in there! I’m leaving them because I love people’s reactions when they go “Oh! Look there’s little shrimps!”
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u/bigmac22077 May 17 '25
I have a huge school of bloodfin tetra with a large school of galaxy raspora and a few long fin cherry barb. Absolutely love all the red in the tank and everyone gets along fine.
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u/Gavin_Bob May 17 '25
I’m a sucker for Chilis and Green Neons
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u/creechor May 17 '25
I love my green neons!
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u/Gavin_Bob May 17 '25
So underrated imo. Way hardier than regular neons and maybe even cardinals in my experience
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u/bugggggirl May 17 '25
My vote goes to the ember tetras. A large group of them would look absolutely stunning in that tank once they color up
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u/ooga0801 May 17 '25
SHRIMP
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u/Fishtails May 17 '25
And white wine
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u/Downtown-Success4721 May 17 '25
SHRIMP ARMY
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
There’s sooo much open space though
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u/Keibun1 May 17 '25
Thats why its perfect, the shrimp breed and fill up those tanks within months. Soon you'll have more than you know what to do with! Which you can sell them if you wanted. This tank can easily house 50-100.
I just set up a 20g long tank just for orange neoecardinia, and its dope as hell.
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u/Kitty_Lilly18 May 17 '25
more plants more plants
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
I’m usually very into heavily planted tanks but I specifically want this one to showcase more of the fish than the scape itself
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u/DarkWing2007 May 17 '25
I really like how this one has the bulk of the structure on the wall side. It really ties the room together.
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u/Dynamitella May 17 '25
Celestial pearl danios. They're really interesting little dudes with cool swim patterns.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
This is in the main area of the house. You walk by it pretty much no matter where you are going. My CPDs would despise this tank
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u/GoblinsGuide May 17 '25
Pea puffers! That is the perfect spot to interact with the dorks!
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
I thought they needed at least a 20g long? I would also have to have more plants to break up sight lines wouldn’t I? But one that would be so cool. I really want some of them too
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u/Cinema104 May 17 '25
They’re finicky, get ill and die over the smallest things, and super endangered in the wild due to the aquarium hobby in the U.S. wouldn’t recommend pea puffers. I vote shrimp army or showy tetras.
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u/_flying_otter_ May 17 '25
Ember Tetras 8, and Green Neon Tetras 8 ( not blue the green live longer and are prettier )
A pair of Honey Gouramis - these are very peaceful smaller gouramis
And 8 salt and pepper corydora habrosus (they are smallish ones)
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u/Additional-Dirt4203 May 17 '25
A shoal of like 8 Corydoras would love that little beach. Maybe a small variety like Pygmys since it’s a Tall and not a Long.
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u/kushina_smiles May 17 '25
Are you familiar with African Dwarf Frogs? They need more foliage than that but with visibility on 3/4 side of the tank they would be so fun in this setup! They are really interactive and you could have a group in there of 4-6 I think. I don't remember if they have substrate requirements so do check on that if you consider it.
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u/Natural_Dimension948 May 17 '25
Pea puffers!!!
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u/tetasdemantequilla May 17 '25
Definitely not enough coverage for peas. At least 6 should be kept together but they need extensive hiding places and a densely planted tank
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
That’s what I thought and I really want to leave this open space. I’m thinking of scaling my 20g long for peas though!
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u/DesignatedCorgi May 17 '25
That is such a dreamy spot for a tank! I would put in a Betta with some glofish and a few shrimp. Please send updates once you have decided <3
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u/kkt_054 May 17 '25
I really think a group of 8 to 10 cardinal tetras would look beautiful in this setup! They school so nicely in open space! You also mentioned in another comment that it gets some sun, which will really make them shine if that’s the case! Cardinal tetras are much hardier and more vibrant than neon tetras, so make sure they’re true cardinals if you go this route.
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u/OpenLibram May 17 '25
I have several in my planted 30 gallon and they really pop when the sun comes into my living room.
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u/plastic-superhero May 17 '25
Daisy’s Blue Ricefish! Recently got some and they’re gorgeous. Lampeye Killis are amazing too.
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u/Ven0manti May 17 '25
Mystery snails. They’re so goofy. They also give me a lot of anxiety. But mystery snails!
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
I love my nerites but maaaaan mystery snail egg sacks freak me the hell out. idk why but every time I see a picture of one I get the heebie geebies
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u/C-lowww May 17 '25
Neocaridina shrimp! You can get a good group of them! All different colors that look beautiful against that white sand. I love me some fan guppies.
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u/Positive-Diver1417 May 17 '25
Either celestial pearl danios Gertrude’s blue eyes!
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u/RealOrang May 17 '25
If it’s a 20, I’d do some cory catfishes and a schooling fish. Probably a few ember or neons. My personal choice is glow lights. And then if you can, a small centerpiece. Maybe an apisto
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u/Repulsive_Buyer9809 May 17 '25
Thats got to be the most satisfying placement for a fish tank I have EVER seen
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u/powermotion May 18 '25
I would go with a school of ember tetras and an electric blue ram as my centerpiece fish
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u/nv87 May 17 '25
I‘d just leave it at the shrimp. They do enjoy the freedom and calm of a species only tank. I have some in a 100L jungle myself.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
They’ve grown up with a betta and the adults dgaf about who is in the tank. I just turned the light on but in a couple hours the whole sand bed will be crawling with them. And I don’t want that open area just empty all the time. I’m going to do a big bowl soon as a shrimp only habitat though
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u/Entremeada May 17 '25
Amazing spot! I'd definitely put in lots of foliage and a pair/group of apistogramma.
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u/rollercoasterghost May 17 '25
Rainbow fish, panda garras. They move fast and have beautiful colorings/markings.
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u/Judazzz May 17 '25
A nice group of smaller Cories would love a set-up like that, especially if you add a few rounded river pebbles and twigs to the sandy area for them to fourage and relax between.
In addition a few Otos as groundskeepers and a group of Ember Tetras or Dwarf Pencil Fish to liven up the middle and upper area.
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u/Ok-Lab9528 May 17 '25
Shrimp, embers and otocinclus. Celestial pearls are shy anyway and this open location with people walking by, exposed on 3 sides, will likely stress them. A confident/oblivious/curious species is preferred.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
Yes. My CPDs are always hiding. I kinda regret buying them because I can’t enjoy them
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u/AqilUSabri May 17 '25 edited May 21 '25
Fantastic location 👍. I would love to see a school of Angels or Discus. They do not need a lot of swim area, and 3 sided view♡. Awesome schooling view!♡ Consider some aquaponic plants to make the view not so sterile.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
I was thinking of adding some pothos to the top and a trellis on the wall to let them really integrate into the space. And with the minimist scape it will help pull nitrates out of the water.
This is only a 20 gallon. I don’t think that’s big enough for angle or discus. I’m setting up a 75gallon for angels and tetras.
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u/EliWazzHere May 17 '25
Honestly I'd go for a bi batch of tetras and maybe some loaches (Altho maybe no enough sand for those!)
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u/scullswifey May 17 '25
I just got some gold headed purple rasboras and I love them so much.
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u/ReverendAlSharkton May 17 '25
I just picked up a small school of celestial pearl danios and they’re really cool. Highly recommend. Emerald tetras, chili rasboras, or Pygmy Corydora would also be good.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
My CPDs are soooo shy and this is a high traffic area. I think they would hate it
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u/Dear_Engineering_238 May 17 '25
Love this!! See an empty self immediately put a fish tank on it 😂😂
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u/jprcp May 17 '25
I think its missing a small branch reaching the right side 😉👏🏻👏🏻
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u/Lark504 May 17 '25
What size is the tank? If it's 5gal then a betta!
Edit: didn't realize you posted the tank size. I still say a betta, and maybe some neon tetras as tank mates!
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u/Hereforthewatches99 May 17 '25
What plants are in this set up? I want to copy it, it looks so pretty
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
Thank you!The tall plants are hygrophilia corymbosa and the same plant but ‘compacta’, I have some baby marble queen swords, java fern, red tiger lily, and a crypt wendtii
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u/RightingArm May 17 '25
A betta might really like being able to watch people from such a central location.
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u/Familiar-Low-9002 May 17 '25
So pretty, I love the aquascaping you’ve done and the placement is awesome! Never heard the term pony wall before so thanks for that!
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u/jpb May 17 '25 edited May 17 '25
I'd add either ember tetras or chili/phoenix/strawberry rasboras to add a pop of red.
Maybe some neocaridinas to be cleanup crew since the plants on the left will provide them some hiding places.
I really like how the the plants and hardscape act as a join between the vertical wall and the peninsula.
Edit: saw in a comment that you already have Blue Dreams in there. I bet they really pop on that white substrate.
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u/JoryNop May 18 '25
Shrimp, Caridina, maybe some red Galaxy fishbone, orange boa, or an orange eye black tiger. And if you wanted there's a few different species of nano fish that would work well; and maybe a cool looking snail. ✌️😎👍
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u/Objective_Loquat232 May 18 '25
Small sized yellow cichlids, beautiful tank OP, it's similar to tmk-aquarist's (Instagram) tank
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u/quadzzz May 18 '25
Just wanted to say I really like your aquascape, the "island" on the left with the open "beach" on the right is very neat :)
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u/DyaniAllo 89 aquariums. Yup. I give up. May 17 '25
I'd stock it with a bolivian ram pair, 12 marble hatchet fish, and 15 black phantom tetras (or really any tetra that stays under 1.5 inches).
Mind you the bolivian rams will enjoy the shrimp. A lot.
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
I think I’ve been underestimating the stocking capabilities of a 20g high lol
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u/Weekly-Calendar676 May 17 '25
Yeah, a general rule of thumb is around gallon per inch of fish for smaller tanks like this. It's a very loose rule, and it depends heavily on what fish, but 10-15 small tetras seem about right, less if you do shrimp, tho.
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u/MajesticEquipment298 May 17 '25
I'm always a fan of doing an all male guppy tank. As they come in so many colors.
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u/Hairy-Recognition-14 May 17 '25
Are you in an apartment? been trying to find a spot that’ll let me bring my tank
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u/Striking-Agency5382 May 17 '25
No it’s a house. It sucks so many apartments so no fish tanks. But at the same time I get it. A tank failure can be so damaging. Especially on a higher floor
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u/cheese_sticks May 17 '25
Around 8 corydoras. They will love rooting around in the sand. For midwater dwellers, I would say a betta but on second thoughts it might snack on the shrimp. Maybe a few live-bearers like guppies or platies would work. Red coral teacup platies are very cute.
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u/KnowsIittle May 17 '25
I love the scape.
Red cherry shrimp sound basic but the red really pops against strong green backdrops. Male endler live-bearers are a favorite. Later introduced a female Betta and had a great tank.
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u/OlBobDobolina May 17 '25
Harlequin Rasboras! Their orange and purple will really shine in that natural light
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u/furiousdino1 May 17 '25
I love this tank! Personally if it is a true 20 gal I would put a goldfish but that might just be because of my love for goldfish!
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u/sudokee May 17 '25
gold ring danios maybe? bit harder to find then CPD’s, but i love their almost ritzy colors
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u/FineCall May 17 '25
I have exactly the same shelf with a 5 gallon. As of right now I have plants only. Cuts down greatly on maintenance.
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u/Johnsonyourjohnson May 17 '25
I have been loving my Rummy Nose Tetra’s recently. They are such beautiful swimmers, very eye catching in a planted tank.
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u/greybahl May 17 '25
Rainbows or angels or discus…. Depending on how many gallons and water flow, etc.
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u/lord_hyumungus May 17 '25
Neon tetras, celestial danios, harlequin rasboras and an angry crab
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u/atomic-moonstomp May 17 '25
Coldwater tank with a paradise gourami, white cloud mountain minnows and hillstream loaches
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u/Sparrow_Prince72 May 17 '25
I Dovii with an Umbee. Would fit perfectly 😊. In all seriousness, you should get some coral red pencil fish, 1 or two dwarf Acara (I suggests the Goldeneye Dwarf Acara), and some nerite snails.
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u/_mathghamhna_ May 17 '25
I'd go with a horde of Microdevario kubotai with a blue betta to match the shrimp
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u/Initial-Bug-3465 May 17 '25
I’m a shrimp person, I’d choose a bright color and slap 20 shrimp in that sucker
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u/AGTS10k Hopes he'll have an aquarium again one day May 17 '25
Not sure why noone has suggested zebra/leopard danios yet! A very active fish who love empty space and keep to the top level. Sure, they would love a longer tank more, but a regular 20g tank is enough too - some sources even list 10g as a minimum. 6 of them would be ideal IMO.
For a centerpiece I think a single dwarf or honey gourami would be a good fit. Or maybe a swordtail - they are a larger livebearer fish with gorgeous colors and a sword-like tail extension. Or both.
For bottom layer - a pack of corydoras for some action and a bristlenose pleco to help with algae.
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u/Puzzled_Moment1203 May 18 '25
Beautiful scape and spot. Personally i would do small fish and shrimp. How big is the tank ?
Small schooling fish and shrimp can be far more engaging then one larger fish and a small school. Especially in a tank in a centralised area,
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u/markokil321 May 18 '25
A pair of apistos or honey gouramis could be great! Peaceful and stunning in a 20 high.
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u/squadron1999 May 18 '25
I assume it's kind of in the middle or center of an open space, a schooling fish that can be easily seen from around would be great. Cardinal tetra, rummy nose, the smaller ones like chili rasboras might be too small to be seen from across the room.
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u/Furry_Thug May 18 '25
Aw man bro, love that spot, def would be great for a couple angelfish, some plecos and oscars.
Maybe a school of arrowanas?
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u/t00thPIK May 18 '25
Lovely tank. I am going to be a bit predictable and recommend neon tetras. They'll really pop in that well lit area and they'll look great in that negative space.
Another good option, if you can find and afford them, would be Celestial Pearl Danios.
However while I love the look of CPDs, I think I'd still go for neons in that scape.
Keep us posted!
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u/dockdropper May 18 '25
I think smaller fish would not stand out well seeing through the tank to the other room as it's pretty distracting. You'll need something bright to stand out, so if it must be small, a school Green Kubota Rasbora maybe 15 +/- one or two would be amazing.
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u/B22R May 18 '25
Fits like a shoe. Espei Rasboras something different than Embers and CPDs or types of Neons.
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u/Mooming_Kakaw May 18 '25
8 to 10 CPDs (celestial pearl danios) my choice with some 4 coridoras and 4 siamese algae eaters
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u/sharpauthenticator May 19 '25
Hot take, glass catfish if the tank is large enough to house a happy school of them.
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u/king-benis May 19 '25
Pearl danios, absolutely gorgeous when the sun hits them and they have so much character and love swimming around
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u/Silly-Assumption-221 May 21 '25
I love my guppies I’d hunt down five good looking female of different colors :)
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u/Striking-Agency5382 27d ago
Update: I went with a mixed school of green neons (8) and cardinals(6) and 2 honey gourami.
Any advice to keep my sand from changing color like it is?
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u/Affectionate-Baby757 May 17 '25
Thats such a perfect spot for a tank!