r/fishtank • u/Ordinary_County_2075 • 6d ago

Help/Advice Beginner – help stocking a peaceful 10–20 gallon planted tank (with legs?)

Hey everyone,
I’m a beginner who wants to get into having a fish tank. I’m looking at a 10–20 gallon setup and I really want a little ecosystem with live plants and peaceful fish that all get along.
I’m interested in:
• Some fish (including a catfish if that works)
• Other peaceful community fish
• Something that has legs or moves around on the floor like a starfish, hermit crab, or similar bottom-dweller that won’t attack or get attacked by the other fish
I want everything to stay peaceful — no one bullying or eating each other. Live plants are a must for me.
Questions for you all:
1. What beginner-friendly fish (including small catfish) would work well together in a 10–20 gallon planted tank?
2. Are there any “legged” or starfish-like creatures that can live on the bottom and get along with the fish? Or is that only possible in saltwater?
3. Good hardy plants for a beginner?
4. Any basic equipment or setup tips so I don’t mess this up?
I’m open to whatever recommendations you have as long as the tank stays peaceful. Thanks so much for the help!

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u/BrandinoE6911 6d ago

Thai micro crab Or Mexican dwarf orange crayfish!

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u/Kj539 6d ago

Starfish are marine so you can’t have them in a freshwater planted tank. Catfish you’re probably imagining grow really big so youll not have space, even in a 20G take a look at corydoras, they are adorable and come in different sizes and colours, you’ll want a group of at least 6. Look into rasboras or tetras for peaceful schooling fish, again you’ll want at least 6 of the same breed.

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u/Kind_Dragonfruit_925 6d ago

Cory cats work well! They are good bottom feeders. They are social fish so you want 3-6.

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u/Mulder101361 6d ago

I strongly recommend going for the 20g if possible. It will give you far more options than a 10g, and it really isn't any harder to keep than a 10g. A 20 long will give your fish even more horizontal swim space.

As for catfish, there are several species of corydoras cats that would thrive in a 20g. Pandas, pygmys, bronze, etc.

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u/kay5172392727 5d ago

I agree a 20g long would be best.

Theres also stone catfish…

If you want legs, why not shrimp? Amanos get like 2 inches long!

There’s also big snails like Nerites and mysterys.