Amazon Soft Water Community
A warm, soft-water South American community combining colourful tetras with peaceful bottom dwellers. Ideal for aquarists wanting natural behaviour and cohesive environmental requirements.
Stocking Plan
| Species | Recommended Count | Compatibility Links |
|---|---|---|
![]() Cardinal Tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi | 10–15 | |
![]() Corydoras Corydoras spp. | 6–8 | |
![]() Ram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi | 1–2 |
Why This Setup Works
This combination works because:
- •Shared water parameters: pH overlap around 6.0–7.0, hardness overlap in soft → soft.
- •Size compatibility remains stable (3.5–7.0 cm), with no large predatory gap.
- •Behaviour balance is calm: temperament overlap is peaceful across the group.
- •Feeding needs span multiple diet groups; a split feeding routine keeps all species covered.
Water Parameters Summary
| Parameter | Ideal Shared Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | — |
| pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Soft → Soft |
Recommended Foods for This Setup
For Cardinal Tetra (Small community fish)

High scoring wafer in small size class for this setup context.

High scoring pellet in micro size class for this setup context.

High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.

High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.
For Corydoras (Bottom feeders)

High scoring pellet in micro size class for this setup context.

High scoring wafer in large size class for this setup context.

High scoring wafer in small size class for this setup context.

High scoring granule in medium size class for this setup context.
For Ram (Medium community fish)

High scoring wafer in small size class for this setup context.

High scoring pellet in micro size class for this setup context.

High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.

High scoring pellet in small size class for this setup context.
Equipment Checklist
- • Tank: 80 L or larger
- • Heater: 100W class
- • Filter: Sponge or internal filter with gentle flow
- • Substrate: Fine sand to protect barbels
- • Plants: Low-maintenance planting for cover and stress reduction
Common Mistakes With This Setup
- • Adding full stock before the tank is fully cycled
- • Introducing schooling species in undersized groups
- • Keeping corydoras in groups that are too small
- • Overfeeding mixed communities instead of split portioning
Similar Beginner Setups
80 L · 5/5 beginner
60 L · 5/5 beginner
30 L · 5/5 beginner


