Fluval Edge, Stocking Question

Question
QUESTION: Hi Lynda, I am soon going to purchase a Fluval Edge aquarium and I have been doing a little research on the internet about stocking, I was hopping to be able to put 5-6 Tiger Barbs in there with a couple of Crystal Red Shrimp, the research I have done advises against this, do you agree. If so an alternate idea I had was to have maybe stock with 5-6 Neon Tetra's and 2-3 Crystal Red Shrimp. Would you agree if any of these are a suitible stocking, I plan on using a several planted live plants towards the back and side of the tank and a piece of wood or stone in the centre, I am not 100% on the decor just yet as I thought I would try and design that around the fishes/invertibrates requirments. IF you were to advise what you would stock if you had this tank that may sway my decission, however I wouldn't move away from this tank as it fits my home decor and due to living in a small flat a larger tank would be out of the question. I would definatly love to stick with the crystal red shrimp so a fish that is suited to them would be ideal. I would of course cycle the tank before putting any fish/invertibrates in for 2-4 weeks minimum to achieve the correct levels of ph etc. Thanks in advance Jason

ANSWER: Hi Jason,
Crystal Red Shrimp need a 10 gallon tank or more, so I would not advise you on these.  They are also very hard to keep.  They are very sensitive to nitrates, so this means no nitrates at all times. You could put in Ghost Shrimp.  I know this is not what you wish for, but a five gallon tank does not hold many bottom fish.  6 neon tetras would be perfect, or any fish of this size.  Zebra danios are also another choice.   2 kuhlii (Coolie Loaches) could also replace the shrimp ghosts.
It would also make a nice home for one Betta, and an African frog.
Hope this helps a little.
Lynda


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lynda, thanks for your prompt responce to my earlier question, I have mulled over your comments and I has caused even more confusion for me, I have taken the next paragraph from Hagen/Fluval them selves:- "EDGE friendly species include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Betta Splendens, Barbs, Danios, small Goldfish, Crystal Red Shrimps, Snails" also a reply from Hagen customer service when I asked them a similar question yesterday:- "Yes the Edge will comfortably house 6 tiger barbs when mature, as long as you purchase them as small as you can to allow them to grow on slowly in your aquarium.You will be able to add the 6 fish all in one go if you can find some around 1 cm in length, also it is advisable to add some small growing real aquatic plants to your aquarium,this will benefit your fishes health and complement the filtration system."
What do you think of there infomation are they fibbing to get a sale, I would like to put in 6 tiger barbs, but not if they would suffer and die, In your opinion, should I go for the Tiger Barbs or the Neon Tetras, I do understand that with a small tank I have to make sacrafises? If I did go for the neon's, how many would you safely fit in a 23 ltr tank? Thanks Jason

Answer
Hi Jason,
After seeing what many companies sell, saying that it is perfect for fish, I would say "Anything for Money"  A perfect example is the Betta, so many gadgets are sold for the Betta, which is just plain cruel, as bettas cannot live happy lives in one gallon tanks.  They need 5 gallon or more heated tanks.  This is just one example of how the vendors sell, and don't care what happens next.  I could go on, and on, so yes they will say anything to sell their product, and their are no laws to stop them.  
No matter how they design a tank, it is still a 5 gallon tank, and to the fish, it does not give them more room to swim.  Tiger Barbs gros to 3 inches.  Three inches is quite big, and too big to put in your tank.  When you see a full grown tiger barb, you understand why they need at least a 15 gallon tank.  How unrealistic to say "as long as you buy them small!"  Rediculous, the poor fish will only realize as they get bigger that space is running out.  I get so angry, and wish I could do something to stop these vendors.  A small Goldfish needs 10 gallons of water all to himself, and he will soon grow out of it...or if left in a 10 gallon tank, his growth will be stunted, his internal organs have no place to grow, and he dies a horrible death.
Also, I would like to mention that space is taken away by adding decor, rocks, and plants etc. which we cannot do without.  You are now down to maybe 4 gallons of water.  
Your best bet would be 6 neon tetras.  ( They too are said to need 24 inches in length to swim)  When neons are well kept, they may live up to 10 years.  They need acidic water 6.5 to 7.0.
You could also add an apple snail.
I hope this helps.
Lynda