14 gallon cube freshwater ideas

[Finthusiast]

Hello and good to be back its been a couple years since I have had a fish tank and have decided on a small 14 gallon cube aquarium 15 x 15 x 15 for a freshwater planted community tank setup
I am looking for ideas for types of fish that would do well in such a small tank considereing its not wide and hope to get 3 to 4 different species preferably 2 that i would get multiple and then maybe a small pleco if there are any species that can live comfortably in such a small tank also ideas for substrate and plants that are hardy as Im not expert on plants tbh any and all ideas will be helpful
Right now I have a small size sponge filter hoping that will be enough for the tank and a light which provides full spectrum for plants thanks for any help!
So far from researching briefly I have come up with an idea but dont want to put fish in a bad environment

my idea so far is

Dwarf Corydoras Catfish 2
Chili Rasbora 6
Rummy nose tetra 6
Bristlenose pleco

 

[Finthusiast]

Bump

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

Corys do much better in large groups, which would be tough in that size tank. Maybe a group of 6 dwarf corys, or pygmy corys (but they swim in the midlevel) which top out about an inch. I'd switch the bristlenose out for a clown pleco if you really want a pleco. If you just want an algae eater and aren't hooked on plecos, I'd go with snails and shrimp at this size tank. Even a clown pleco is going to feel a little cramped in there and the shrimp/snail bioload is a fraction of any pleco. Also, there are very small catfish that do better alone or in small groups than corys do. The asian stone catfish is one I like and you could do 2 of them no problem. A pygmy talking catfish is another option (a tiny raphael cat). Also, if you're not married to the rummynose, there are smaller tetras and other nano fish that would fit better in those dimensions. Rummynose get over 2 inches and like to swim. They would probably work, but there are a ton of small fish. Endlers, Celestial Pearl Danios, Scarlet Badis, etc. are all pretty hardy.

As always, I'd recommend an undergravel filter over a sponge. A single 12"x12" UGF plate with one small lift tube would do fine in there and not take up a bunch of space like the sponge. Runs on the same air pump.

I always recommend crypts, anubias, dwarf sag, and java ferns as the easiest plants to start with in small tanks (switch the sag to vals in larger ones). None require strong light. Elodea is the easiest stem plant in my experience. Most floating plants are pretty easy, but will need to be stayed on top of as they spread like wildfire and you don't want them to totally blanket the surface.

Substrate I'm weird. I use a combination of fine gravel and baked clay oil absorbent from the auto parts store. 1 layer of gravel over the UGF, layer of oil absorbent, decent cap of more gravel. I dislike sand for a few reasons (but mostly because the mulm all sits on top of it), though I do use it in a couple tanks. I dislike 'aquasoil' because it has to be replaced every couple years. The clay oil absorbent I use is permanent and sucks in nutrients (including ammonia) and holds them for the plants' roots. I did use Seachem Flourite in a couple tanks and it seems to work very well. However, this is mostly a preference thing. Some plants may need a couple root tabs if you go with just sand or just gravel, but those are the cheapest options (the clay oil absorbent is also very cheap, but you buy it in large bags, around $13-$15 for a 33 lbs bag. It can double as cheap kitty litter which is what I do with the extra).

 

[Finthusiast]

Thanks so much for the detailed reply! This info is exactly what I needed. Ill be back and post here before making any moves. Also ill link below products to make sure i found the right stuff. Thanks again!
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Substrate: Is this the right stuff and how much should I use it says 8lb bag and what kind gravel should I get there so many options and some are expensive looking around i like a dark gravel prefer

Oil Dri Oil Absorbent 8 lb Mfr# 101008 - Ace Hardware

Clay absorbents undergo a superior moisture extraction process that increases absorption power and minimizes dust.Find the ABSORBENT OIL 8LB BAG at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

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[Iwhoopedbatman]

That will work. I just put down about 1/2 inch to an inch, but you can use more if you want. You'll want to rinse it first as there is a ton of dust in it.

Gravel you can go super cheap and hit up Home Depot/Lowe's/Ace and get pea gravel, but it's larger. I usually get mine from the LFS. I just pick the cheapest brand. I usually get 'natural' look or black. For whatever reason this is one thing that is usually cheaper in store than online. Substrate is overpriced, which is why sand is so popular, since you can source replacements super cheap. It's hard to find truly small gravel outside of stuff marketed for fish tanks. The only 'commercial' substrate I like is Seachem Flourite, because it's permanent and supplies micronutrients like iron to plants (but not macro nutrients like aquasoil does). It comes in several colors, a few of them darker. It is not a cost saving product by any means.

 

[Finthusiast]

If I use the flourite seachem gravel do i still need to add the absorbent clay you mentioned or is it better to use all flourite?

Also i have never used undergravel filter any tips where to look and brand etc? Lol sorry to bomb you with questions but thanks for the help you already have been greatly helpful!

 

[eon aquatics]

why not tetras

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

If I use the flourite seachem gravel do i still need to add the absorbent clay you mentioned or is it better to use all flourite?

Also i have never used undergravel filter any tips where to look and brand etc? Lol sorry to bomb you with questions but thanks for the help you already have been greatly helpful!

UGFs are cheap online or at the LFS. I think Lee's and Pennplax are the most common brands. I've used both, whichever is cheaper when i buy them. The one for a 20 gallon tall comes in 2 12"x12" plates. You could just use one of those with 1 of the included lift tubes (you can cut that as tall or short as you want) and be fine. It won't cover the entire bottom, but that's not the end of the world.
I still use the clay in all my tanks, but it's not a requirement. If you don't use it, you may still want to use a few root tabs for the plants.
Full disclaimer, I am in the significant minority of fish keepers using both UGFs and the clay, but I have had better results this way than with sponges. And it's aesthetically nicer than having a big sponge in there.

 

[Finthusiast]

Thanks for the advice! I am interested in having shrimp as you mentioned what species would be options for me not so much on the snails as i hear they can get out of the tank.

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

Amano shrimp are the best algae eaters. Cherry shrimp (and the the other color variants of neocardina) are probably the best looking. I haven't had many of the of colorful cardina species, but they are options just research first. Ghost shrimp are the cheapest. I personally like ghost shrimp and have kept them in some on my nano tanks, but because they're usually sold as feeders, you will need to buy a bunch to get a few that survive very long. Most stores won't let you choose your ghost shrimp.
Other than the ghost shrimp, shrimp are kind of overpriced right now because nano tanks are so popular. Definitely research the type you get beforehand. Also, a lot of times you can find them cheaper from local breeders/keepers looking to sell some off. I got 30 cherry shrimp a couple weeks ago for $30 off someone on craigslist. They can be 5 or 6 dollars apiece at the store.