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Hi everyone, I just got my first fish tank last week. I am currently cycling it (fishless) and I have been spending a lot of time researching what types of fish to put in it and what type of decor that can go there. I am leaning towards getting a few different barbs, which leads to my first question :
Since barbs are schooling fish I have found that you should get 5 or 6 of them at a time. I was thinking of maybe getting a couple of tiger barbs and then a couple of panda barbs, like 2 or 3 of each. Is it ok to mix different species in one group?
I also wanted to get a couple of cichlids, either on their own or mix them with barbs. I have seen some people put them in 10 gallons but I am not sure if they will be happy and have enough room in there. Also, I am not sure if they could get along with barbs. I haven't checked out if they need the same water conditions either. This leads me to my second question,
Would it be possible to mix a cichlid or two with about 5 or 6 barbs and have them a) get along and B) not be overcrowded in my tank?
I have also taken into account that I will need an algae eater. I am not getting a pleco because I know that they can get very large and also create more waste than they clean up. I was thinking about getting an oto or two, but are there any other types of algae eaters besides plecos and catfish types? I don't care for catfish all that much. I am also not sure about putting inverts in my tank.
My final question is that I know I need to get some more plants and/or rocks or driftwood for my aquarium. I'd like to have enough room for my fish to be able to swim freely, but I know that they also need places to hide. What would be some good choices for decor?
Thanks for your time! *c/p* I appreciate any feedback.
Since barbs are schooling fish I have found that you should get 5 or 6 of them at a time. I was thinking of maybe getting a couple of tiger barbs and then a couple of panda barbs, like 2 or 3 of each. Is it ok to mix different species in one group?
I also wanted to get a couple of cichlids, either on their own or mix them with barbs. I have seen some people put them in 10 gallons but I am not sure if they will be happy and have enough room in there. Also, I am not sure if they could get along with barbs. I haven't checked out if they need the same water conditions either. This leads me to my second question,
Would it be possible to mix a cichlid or two with about 5 or 6 barbs and have them a) get along and B) not be overcrowded in my tank?
I have also taken into account that I will need an algae eater. I am not getting a pleco because I know that they can get very large and also create more waste than they clean up. I was thinking about getting an oto or two, but are there any other types of algae eaters besides plecos and catfish types? I don't care for catfish all that much. I am also not sure about putting inverts in my tank.
My final question is that I know I need to get some more plants and/or rocks or driftwood for my aquarium. I'd like to have enough room for my fish to be able to swim freely, but I know that they also need places to hide. What would be some good choices for decor?
Thanks for your time! *c/p* I appreciate any feedback.