Alternative stocking options for a 20-gallon tall aquarium

[paddyL]

Considering the unique tank setup you're planning, peacock gudgeons might be an interesting choice. However, I'd like to know more about their compatibility with apistogrammas, specifically in a 20-gallon tank with soft water and the decorations you've described. Would the peacock gudgeons be too boisterous for the apistogrammas, or could they coexist peacefully?

[boomer]

Just set up three new aquariums - two 20-gallon tall ones and a ten-gallon. Got rid of some old ones that weren't doing what I wanted them to. The ten-gallon is for my vampire crabs, and I'm planning to put a giant betta in one of the 20s. Now I need to figure out what to do with the other 20-gallon. I'm looking for something a bit different - either cool behavior or an interesting look. It's gotta be bigger than your average small fish, but not so big it won't fit in a 20. I was thinking maybe an apistogramma pair - could be a species-only tank or a community. My pH is around 7, which works for a lot of fish. I can adjust it with Indian almond leaves or driftwood if needed, or use crushed coral to raise it.

Also thinking about tankmates for my giant betta - any ideas? Open to suggestions for either tank.

I'm not too sure about keeping peacock gudgeons with apistogrammas, as they both occupy similar space, but I've no personal experience with gudgeons. I'd rather not speculate, and instead, rely on the expertise of members who are familiar with them. Perhaps @rockyfox or others can offer more informed advice on this.

[rockyfox]

Just set up three new aquariums - two 20-gallon tall ones and a ten-gallon. Got rid of some old ones that weren't doing what I wanted them to. The ten-gallon is for my vampire crabs, and I'm planning to put a giant betta in one of the 20s. Now I need to figure out what to do with the other 20-gallon. I'm looking for something a bit different - either cool behavior or an interesting look. It's gotta be bigger than your average small fish, but not so big it won't fit in a 20. I was thinking maybe an apistogramma pair - could be a species-only tank or a community. My pH is around 7, which works for a lot of fish. I can adjust it with Indian almond leaves or driftwood if needed, or use crushed coral to raise it.

Also thinking about tankmates for my giant betta - any ideas? Open to suggestions for either tank.

Honestly, I'm not sure I'd take the risk. Both peacock gudgeons and apistogrammas are territorial, and that's a recipe for disaster in my book. I mean, I've only ever seen peacock gudgeons get aggressive with their own kind, just a bit of chasing and sparring, nothing too serious. But still, I think it's better to err on the side of caution.

I've kept mine with corydoras, and it's been a great combo. I've also seen people keep them with other schooling fish, and that seems to work well too. They're really great community fish, but I just don't know how they'd do with another species that's also a bit territorial.

[paddyL]

Lowering the water level might not be enough to keep hatchetfish from jumping out, considering their reputation as notorious jumpers. Not having a lid could still be a problem, even with a couple inches less water.