Starting up a 10gal

[fishloverzj]

Ello!

I'm looking into starting up a new ten gallon tropical. I'm still figuring out the logistics of fish interactions and such, it's been such a long time since I have had fish other than bettas XD

So far, the fish I'm thinking about are:
3 balloon mollies- Babies shouldn't be a problem, they just can go to the turtle.
1 Dwarf Gourami

I'm running a Tetra 15gallon PowerFilter and an undergravel for extra aeration right now.

I want to figure out some type of catfish, however. Anyone have any suggestions that would do well?

Or if not catfish, some other type of critter? I definitely don't want dwarf african frogs, though. They scare me XD

[MainelyFish]

You could always look into a pair of cory cats... you will want to get two as the are much better when they have a buddy...

I found this out as I bought just 1 at first and he just hung out in one corner under the rocks since I got a second one both of them are out and about the tank and together like 2 pees in a pod...

[lohachata]

why do you want deformed fish ??
i think that either corydoras or aspidoras would do well for a peaceful species..

[fishloverzj]

Would a pair of corys be overstocking?

[MainelyFish]

No you would be fine...

[graceful.04]

Loha's right. I used to love balloon mollies until I found out that their shape is due to a deformity in their spine. Basically someone saw this deformity in a molly and thought "this crippled fish is really cute" so they were inbred and now they are basically a man-made fish that is more susceptible to diseases, won't live as long, etc...

[graceful.04]

And on a lighter note, panda corys are great. They are probably the friendliest cory I've seen.

[fishloverzj]

Originally Posted by graceful.04 Loha's right. I used to love balloon mollies until I found out that their shape is due to a deformity in their spine. Basically someone saw this deformity in a molly and thought "this crippled fish is really cute" so they were inbred and now they are basically a man-made fish that is more susceptible to diseases, won't live as long, etc...

I'm aware of that, but aren't pretty much 80% of molly types man made anyways? They're a dull brown in the wild, I've been lucky enough to see them, and there are definitely no dalmations or creamsicles anywhere.

[lohachata]

no , they are not man made...what you see are naturally occurring color and fin variations..these do not cause any discomfort or shorten the lifespan of the fish...

[cossie]

if you want to get balloon mollies that much then do its your choice but it would look a lot better with a school of 10 or so tetras , For a critter why not look at the hillstream loach, they are ment for cooler waters but there is no reason why you can kkeep them, i have 2 and they have been in 30C water in the summer

[Betta man]

If I was setting up a 10 gal, I would probably get a couple sparkling gouramis, some corys, and probably something else that would fit.

[emc7]

I don't like "oranda" or "blood parrots" or balloon mollies. They are a deliberate propagation of natural mutation even as albinos or veil-tails are. However, I don't consider them in the same group. Long fins drag and get infected, but you can deal with that with clean water and smooth decor. But if I am sick of "My new balloon molly had babies and died" threads. They have a higher mortality from pregnancy and are more prone to fatal bloat (gasses in the digestive track). Morality aside, why would you but a defective product? Buy a normal molly, have it for 10 years, buy a balloon watch it die young. Are they "so cool" as to be worth it?

[Obsidian]

It would be best if you get the cories as a trio. They are a pretty social fish so the more the better. You would be fine with 3 in there.