Beginner, Mistakes, First Death - Don't Crucify Me

[sunrider]

So I'm a beginner and now that I've been reading the site for a little while I've realised I've done everything wrong. Was hoping that LFS had steered me right but I'm sure you can guess the answer to that. Fortunately my tank seems to have cycled ok. Ammonia and Nitrites are zero I don't seem to have algae problems or anything. I'm doing my best to catch up on everything I should be doing and should know.

And then today our Elephant Nose killed our Black Ghost Knife. I realise now that this was almost bound to happen, and am pretty upset with the LFS, who not only said I could keep the two together but also asked if I wanted to get another one when I told them what had happened.

I'm trying to decide what to do now. I'd really like to have another BGN but understand this may not be possible as things are and may require another tank - so might not happen straight away. Another tank is an option but I do realise I need to walk before I run so am happy to accept advice. LFS will take the EN back if I want them to.

Our tank is 150L (40 Gallons I think that is?) planted, lots of hidey holes, and has 2 wrestling halfbeaks, 6 bumblebee gobies, 3 male swordtail and the elephant-nose. BGN was very happy there, never bothered the other fish and was out most of the day.

Suggestions? (And thanks in advance for not making me feel any worse).

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Hiya sunrider, welcoem to TFF and fishkeeping.

I'm sorry you've been given such bad advise by the lfs, unfortunately it's all too common. But don't worry I certainly don't blame you and hope that other won't. All that I will ask is that you learn the lesson from this not to trust the lfs and to do your own research (and you're already in the right place for that!)

yes your tank is roughly 40 us gallons, (divide litres by 3.7 to get us gallons ) in this you can have roughly 40" of fish.

BGK is a bad idea, yes they're absolutely beautiful fish and I'm guessing here that the one you got was maybe 3/4"? well that's a very young BGK, they get considerably bigger than that, way too big for a 40gal tank. So if you really want another one then it'll have to be another tank and a considerably larger one. I'd suggest you start making a list of 'one-day fish' this is the fish you'd love to have but can't have now, you've the rest of your life to keep tanks so no need to rush into getting everything cool now, take your time, do your research and one day you can get yourself a nice big tank with a BGK amongst other things.

The EN I would re-home (not nescessarily back to the store where it seems he will most likely get sold to some other poor sod who doesn't know better and die in they're tank) these also get to around 10" (i believe) so is too big for your tank. Why not advertise him for sale in the buy/sell/swap forum and see if someone can offer him a good home

the halfbeaks and bumblebee gobies I will admit I know very little about, do some research and see what you can come up with. I'm not 100% sure but i think the gobies may require brackish water (this is part strength saltwater) so you may decide if you want to keep them that you add some salt to your tank. But with this you must be careful, not all fish can live in saltwater, your swortails can and i think the halfbeaks may be able to (nmonks, one of our regular posters can certainly tell you if you can't find the info elsewhere).

In short there's one main thing you must do before you make any descisions, open up google

 

[Yazan]

 

[Rillan]

Mate dont worry about it. We all make mistakes. I added neon tetras with a siamese fighter when i first started. The neons were there for 10 minutes before the siamese fighter started the slaughter.

Miss wiggle is right.

And i would say get some begginer fish. Guppies and Mollies are the perfect start. Or even Neon tetras.

Dont let what the fish shop do to you put you off. Just before you buy anything come on here. Ask us and we'll help you no problem.

And if you live in Britian get the Practical Fishkeeping mag. This is the website www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk.

Its dead helpful.

Anyway good luck!

 

[sunrider]

Thanks everyone for beig so nice, and thanks for the welcome

So Miss Wiggle, I'll take your advice and not get another BGN for a while, and not till we have another (much larger) tank. Shame, cos he was great - ate from my fingers already too.

Not sure what to do about the EN. I'm in Aus, so not sure if there is any kind of rehoming or swap system around - will have to check it out. I do see that I need to rehome him.

Once I get all those things sorted out, do you think that I could have Glass Catfish in the tank?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

glass cats are a little shy so keep them in groups of 6+

they're fine in a 40 gal, space and tankmates allowing.

 

[timmystood]

glass cats are a little shy so keep them in groups of 6+

they're fine in a 40 gal, space and tankmates allowing.

Yup, also, make sure they get plenty of frozen foods!

 

[PufferFishRule]

i started with a silver dollar,bala shark,dragonfish,dwarf gourami.2 tiger barbs they were pretty easy to care for...

 

[timmystood]

PufferFishRule I can't help but notice your sig. You have clown loach in a tank way to small for them.