Compatibilty

Question
QUESTION: I have a 10 gallon tank and I was looking into getting Bloodfin and Diamond tetras.Would these fish be compatible together? I was also looking into either a Pineapple Swordtail or a Pearl White Lyretail Molly. Which would have a better chance of being compatible with tetras? Also how many of each fish should I get without over crowding the aquarium? Thanks.

ANSWER: The Bloodfins and Diamond tets are compatible as are most tetras.
However, Swordtails and Mollies are really not great tankmates for tetras as the water parameters are quite different, tetras preferring softer, slightly acidic water and Swords, Mollies and Platies and guppies preferring more alkaline water with salt added.
If I were you I would do the livebearers as a species tank. That way you get to see the baby fish as for the most part, the parents won;t eat them. Don;t forget to add some cover so the little ones will have a place to hide.
Rocks, plants and such.
If you have never done species tanks there are alot of variations within each variety of fish you interested in.
You could do a tank of just Sailfin Mollies and have a great looking display.

The tetras are compatible with many other fish including dwarf cichlids, and most smaller fish indigenous to the Amazon,Rio Negro and Orinoco Rivers in the Amazonian watershed.
As always allow for fish growth to dictate how many to put into the tank.
All things being equal and depending on the filtration that you use, how much you feed and how often you do partial water changes I would say you would be safe with 10 or so as the upper end and around 7 not counting cory cats, algae eaters etc.
Don;t forget to give the livebearers especially the Mollies some veggies as they require that in their diet.
If you have any other concerns, feel free to ask.



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

QUESTION: If I was to do a species tank of Mollies would it be ok if i did not just get one variations such as gold dust and pearl? Also how many should I get for a ratio to male to female? And last but not least, is there anything I should know about doing a species tank that is different from just a freshwater aquarium? Thanks.

Answer
You sure can do the variations that you wish, no problem.
A good ratio is 2 females 1 male, that way no one female gets chased around by a male.
About the only think different with a species tank is that you can now give your fish the environment that they require and dial in optimum conditions.
You should find that you can achieve a spectacular display and the fish will appreciate it.
Don;t forget to add salt, aquarium salt or non iodized table salt or sea salt to the aquarium as Mollies love it.
Let me know how things work out and if you need help, just ask.