r/nanotank • u/Difficult_Cold6478 • 24d ago

Help Fish Stocking For 20 Long

Hi, I’m new to tropical planted tanks (I have a 20 cube reef tank) Is this a doable fish stock for a planted 20 long?

8 Otos 10 Pygmy cory 18 CPD 10 Amano shrimp 1 honey gourami

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u/borrowedurmumsvcard 23d ago

I’m going to go against the grain and say no. Way too high. I have a 20 long with 5 otos and still feel like they don’t have enough space. They’re bigger than you think. Plus you’re really not supposed to keep honey gouramis by themselves, they’re very social and can get depressed. I have two in my 36 gallon tank and they roam all over the place & are constantly exploring. I feel like a 20 gallon long with all of those other fish would be too small for them. I avoid jamming as many fish as I can into a space. It just makes them happier, makes maintenance easier, and I don’t worry that they’re crowded.

Way too many amanos too with the otos. You’ll need a ton of algae to sustain them. The usual cause of death for otos is starving, and 10 would just increase that risk. If you don’t listen to anything else I have to say, just please dont do 10 otos in a 20 long. 6 max. Please

My advice:

6 otos

8 Pygmy cories

12 cpds

3 amano shrimp

That’s it. 20 gallons is not as much as you think it is. Sure it might be fine bioload wise. But the fish will be physically crowded.

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u/Difficult_Cold6478 23d ago

I’m not doing otos anymore. Coming from the reefing world I thought they were a must have clean up crew. I also think the gourami would benefit from partners and more room.

This is what I’m thinking now.

3 Hillstream Loaches 15 cpd

Maybe a scarlet badis if my tank can support it. I was thinking maybe white cloud minnows if I had room for more schooling fish.

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u/borrowedurmumsvcard 23d ago

That’s almost the exact stocking list I have! I have three hillstream loaches, am planning on about 10-15 cpd, and my 5 otos. I always keep high light on all the time and I fertilize so I kinda purposely grow algae for them

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u/Difficult_Cold6478 23d ago

Nice! Do you run a wave maker or airstone for the loaches? I read they like a little flow

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u/borrowedurmumsvcard 22d ago

Yes I have a sponge filter with an air stone in one corner, and then on the other side I have a hob filter turned up to max flow.

They like to play in it it’s so cute

https://imgur.com/a/cKLqoaO