Any Stocking Advice Please

[bexcarter]

Hi Everyone,

I would so appreciate some advice from all you experienced fish keepers. I have just got my first tank, a Fluval Roma 125. I have added my plants, water (plus Aqua +) and have set up the lights, filter and heater. It has been running now for 4 days. I would love some advice on what to stock this tank with as I really don't want to do it wrong or over crowd it. Obviously I know I have to start off with a few first to get it cycling, but what is a good mix of fish. I really love Angels (although I know they get large) Gouramis, Bettas. I love colourful pretty fish but would like to know the compatibility of different species ;0) Any help would be fantastic!

 

[drobbyb]

Welcome to TFF!

You mention getting a few fish to start the cycle. That is called fish-in cycling and it is very labor intensive with twice daily water changes, but you can cycle your tank that way.

We here on TFF recommend what is known as a fish-less cycle, that is to cycle without hurting any fish. This method is much less labor intensive and is much better for the health of your fish.

You can read up on each at the link found here. Have a read of the other articles found there as they will tell you everything you need to know for the most part about keeping fish.

 

[bexcarter]

Welcome to TFF!

You mention getting a few fish to start the cycle. That is called fish-in cycling and it is very labor intensive with twice daily water changes, but you can cycle your tank that way.

We here on TFF recommend what is known as a fish-less cycle, that is to cycle without hurting any fish. This method is much less labor intensive and is much better for the health of your fish.

You can read up on each at the link found here. Have a read of the other articles found there as they will tell you everything you need to know for the most part about keeping fish.

That sounds great, I'll have a look. But I'm still interested in peoples ideas of stocking if anyone would like to advise

 

[BadBadger]

Look at Kribs. There beautiful, colourful, very interesting to watch and not to much trouble.
They can get slightly agressive when breeding so you'd have to look into tank mate compatibility.
Heres mine inspecting the new object i put in today....

Seriously.... so much fun to watch

EDIT: Males and Females look different. the male is on the right

 

[bexcarter]

Ooh I love those! Thats the trouble, I love them all!

 

[BadBadger]

Ooh I love those! Thats the trouble, I love them all!

Your the same as me. WANT EM ALL! Haha
You'll have to figure out what sort of set up you want. Take a look through peoples journals and see if anything takes your fancy. You'll have some time to think about it and ask questions whilst your doing your cycle

Good luck

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome to the forum BexCarter.
As others have already said, it is much less work to do a fishless cycle than to try to help fish survive in a tank that is going through a fish-in cycle. Either method will work and until fairly recently, maybe 10 or 15 years ago, all tanks were cycled as a fish-in. If you have been listening to your local fish shop or an older fish keeper who has not kept up with things, they are probably telling you how to do a fish-in cycle because it is all they know. I have a link to both the fish-in and fishless cycle threads in my signature area along with a link to the beginner's resource center where you will find a variety of subjects useful to someone with little or no experience. For an experienced fish keeper it can also be a good place to go for a reminder if you have been away a while.