Something's Fishy !!

[lashbear]

We've got a fishtank !!

It's only a little 14 Litre (3.7 gallon) tank.

We're getting it all set up - it'll be freshwater, we can heat it if needs be, but what fish should we get ?

I'm thinking a couple of guppies and 5 neon tetras. ?

We can't wait to bring our babies home. What would you suggest (we like colour and shiny when it comes to fish)

[Snowflake]

Paging Gemini Cricket! Paging Gemini Cricket!

Lashpair, way cool!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Awesome! I grew up with freshwater fish. My favorites were the mollies, especially golden ones.

Remember, your initial set of fish are probably going to die, so don't get too attached, and don't buy expensive fish at first. Guppies are a good start. Your second and third batch might die too. Chemical levels take a while to balance out. I'm sure you already have a test kit and the right additives to help out.

I'd recommend, along with the pretty fish, you get an algae eater or two, and a catfish. They'll keep the bottom of the tank clean. Once your levels are ok and your fish stop dying, you may want to invest in a plecostemous (sp?) fish, which keeps the sides of the tank clean too. These grow to a size to accomodate your tank, come in cool skin patterns, and have personalities.

Avoid - tiger barbs and anything shark-looking. They tend to have bully personalities and gang up on other fish.

Awesome project! Enjoy!

[mousepod]

I know that this is a saltwater tank, but the idea of our favorite Aussies getting a fishtank makes me think of this:

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by mousepod

I know that this is a saltwater tank, but the idea of our favorite Aussies getting a fishtank makes me think of this:

Busted!

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by lashbear

We've got a fishtank !!

It's only a little 14 Litre (3.7 gallon) tank.

We're getting it all set up - it'll be freshwater, we can heat it if needs be, but what fish should we get ?

I'm thinking a couple of guppies and 5 neon tetras. ?

We can't wait to bring our babies home. What would you suggest (we like colour and shiny when it comes to fish)

A 3.7 gallon tank is tiny. The general rule of thumb for how many fish in a tank is usually an inch of fish per gallon of water in the tank. Neon tetras are small but they can grow to be an inch to an inch and a quarter. Guppies can grow to an inch and a half.

Like CP said, the first group of fish may die. So, I'd start off with some tester fish. You can get some from an aquarium store that stock feeder fish. I'd get one of those to start off your aquarium.

But before you put your primo fish in, you need to make sure your aquarium is cycled. You need to build up nitrate levels in your tank. These nitrates will get rid of ammonia in your tank that build from fish waste. So, I'd get an ammonia, nitrite and nitrate testers. The best are the test strips. When your ammonia levels get high, do partial water changes. After awhile, the ammonia levels will drop and nitrite levels will raise. Continue with water changes. (Make sure to replace only a 1/4 of the water or so.) Then after about 3-4 weeks, nitrites will drop and your nitrate levels will go up. Nitrate gets rid of ammonia which is good. After that, you're set to slowly stock your tank. Don't stock too fast or the ammonia levels will spike. Once the amount of fish you want is in the tank, just do 1/4 water changes every 2 weeks or so.

Smaller tanks are harder to get the levels right. But it is possible.

So:
1. Start with a tester fish.
2. Check ammonia levels. When the levels are high, replace 1/4 of the water.
3. After Nitrites build up, continue the water changes.
4. When nitrates appear, stock tank slowly.
5. Do regular 1/4 water changes.
6. Stock tank slowly.
7. Check for ammonia spikes.
8. 1/4 water changes every 2 weeks or so.


Also, get your fish from a aquarium store that stock healthy fish. If there are a lot of dead fish in the tanks in the store you are in, that's a bad sign. I've had better luck with independently owned pet stores.

If you have more questions, post them here or PM me.

........

Also, most importantly: Don't name your fish until you know that they won't die on you anytime soon. You don't want to name one of your prized fish Kylie and get all attached to only have her die on you in a couple of days. Save the heartbreak and name them later.

[madmonkeygirl]

As GC said i agree wholeheartdly since i work for a petstore. With the general rule of thumb for fish and space and water and tank size...GC you beat me to it...so nothing new to add there...and good luck...i only have a 1.5 tank for free and have a Beta in it Wanting to upgrade to Nemo tank we have now but it is $35 so not anytime soon...

[Gemini Cricket]

Also, I'd stay from Plecos. Some plecos can grow to be 16". And, girl, that's too big for anyone's tank. I'd go with a Cory Cat for the bottom of your tank. It's like a little vacuum cleaner at the bottom of your tank.

[lashbear]

Wow ! Thanks for all the wicked advice everyone !

and about the Cory Cat, GC - wouldn't a cat have trouble breathing at the bottom of a fishtank while it's vacuuming ?? Does it use a little snorkel ?

and I think mousepod meant this:

[Morrigoon]

Angelfish