Hi all I'm starting to research into getting a basic beginner aquarium. I've been getting the magazine practical fishkeeping and to be honest its not really suitable for complete beginners - although this month they had a page on 'Nano on a budget' which is want I want to get, however they don't go into any detail.
So my ideas of the set up....are....
Tank - about 30cm sized, so 23/25 litre
hopefully I can get one with filters, heater and light all included - are there any specific good models?
Fish - 4-6 male guppies (are smaller tanks actually suitable for guppies?)
Because they are middle to top swimmers, would it be possible to keep red crystal shrimp with them or would the tank be too small or fight with the fish. The water temps and water pH of the two are within the same range, although the KH is a bit awkward.
However every source I find for the temps, pH and KH figures for guppies and the shrimps all are different - what would be a suitable range?
Substrate - is kids sand pit sand ok for guppies or should gravel be used?
Live plants - I have no absolutely no idea what kinds of plants or how many I should get for that sized tank.
Decor - some replica wood (with the plants)
Fish food - some generic tropical fish flakes? and frozen micro bloodworms and brine shrimp?
Other equipment:
Water test kit - I have seen that this one has good reviews 'API Freshwater Master Test Kit'
Dechlorinator
siphon
fish net
algae scrubber (if I don't get the shrimps)
Thermometer
Can anyone suggest any books for freshwater aquariums? Ive ordered a few, and seen 'The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums' - is that any good?
Sorry for such a large first post, I just want to get everything researched and sorted out
So my ideas of the set up....are....
Tank - about 30cm sized, so 23/25 litre
hopefully I can get one with filters, heater and light all included - are there any specific good models?
Fish - 4-6 male guppies (are smaller tanks actually suitable for guppies?)
Because they are middle to top swimmers, would it be possible to keep red crystal shrimp with them or would the tank be too small or fight with the fish. The water temps and water pH of the two are within the same range, although the KH is a bit awkward.
However every source I find for the temps, pH and KH figures for guppies and the shrimps all are different - what would be a suitable range?
Substrate - is kids sand pit sand ok for guppies or should gravel be used?
Live plants - I have no absolutely no idea what kinds of plants or how many I should get for that sized tank.
Decor - some replica wood (with the plants)
Fish food - some generic tropical fish flakes? and frozen micro bloodworms and brine shrimp?
Other equipment:
Water test kit - I have seen that this one has good reviews 'API Freshwater Master Test Kit'
Dechlorinator
siphon
fish net
algae scrubber (if I don't get the shrimps)
Thermometer
Can anyone suggest any books for freshwater aquariums? Ive ordered a few, and seen 'The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums' - is that any good?
Sorry for such a large first post, I just want to get everything researched and sorted out