Hello, I'm A Newbie :)

[krittermom]

Hello all.
I am a new fish enthusist. I do not own a tank yet, but am making plans now. I plan on getting a 40-50 gallon tank in the next few weeks. I joined TFF to get info on how to do it right. I've had a few tanks in the past, but never did it the proper way. My tentative plan is to have guppies and tetras. I am aware that guppies are the fish worlds equvialent to bunnies and plan on doing the survival of the fittest of population control in my tank. Guppies have always been a favorite of mine.
I, of course have questions, but so far this forum as been great for answering them.

Anyway, I love animals, and currently am owned by 5 lovely cats and 3 hamsters. If i could, i would have many more, but current living situation doesn't allow for it.

 

[Tolak]

Welcome! We love new fishkeepers who ask questions first before just jumping in aimlessly, ask away!

 

[krittermom]

I've found most of my answers by looking around, but haven't seen this yet.

Is it ok to keep tetras and guppies together? I had really wanted to get a betta, but, I see that's not a good idea with guppies, and I'd rather have guppies.

Also, one thing I can't seem to find a stable answer on.

I know I need a filter and a heater. Do I need an air pump as well?

Also, one more thing. What kind of algea eater is best/less non agressive?

thanks!

 

[Dwest24]

Guppies and Tetras are fine together.

Do some research on what kind of filter and heater you should get. Keep in mind your experience and cost of maintenance.

Please read this before you get an algae eater:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/101658-what-kind-of-algae-eater-should-i-get/

I recommend the Oto cat for an algae eater. They are small so you can get a pair of them to battle algae, non aggressive and do not eat plants.

As long as you keep up with water changes, and your tank is properly cycled and you keep your light on a timer you shouldn't have an issue with algae.

Have you read up on cycling your tank?

 

[krittermom]

Yep, read up on cycling. I plan on doing it properly, as much as I can't wait to get fish. I'd rather wait and not have any die, then rush and have to replace fish.

I'm still rather unsure of what kind of filter to get, but I'll keep reading

 

[gbailey141]

I think I recall that Otos need to be in a reasonable group and survive better in a mature tank rather than a recently cycled one. Maybe you should look at a Bristlenose Plec instead. Altho they will eat algae you should never buy a fish to solve an algae problem. You should find the reason why the algae is a problem in the first place. Good luck on your new tank and be assured you will always get the best advice on here!

Gav

 

[krittermom]

See, I'm learning already I always thought it was best just to have an algea eater, no matter what. After some reading, I decided to wait until my tank is established before getting one. I may also consider snails when the time comes.

 

[gbailey141]

Well done for taking the time to research your set up. It will be worth it in the end!

Gav

 

[Dwest24]

Thats what I was saying. I personally enjoy some type of algae eater in a community tank vs snails. Just to give you an idea of how annoying snails are, I just set up a 20g tank for a zebra puffer (they eat snails) and I bought 10 snails half way through the fishless cycle, in 2 weeks they have multiplied and I now have 120+ snails in the tank. Thankfully the majority of them will be transfered to a small 5g tank I have set up specifically for snails. They take over!

In my experience, oto's are the most active and feed on brown algae and newly forming algae. Also they do not get that big 2" max. As far as them being in a reasonable group, it sounds like you could get away with just one or two in this tank as long as you put like size community fish in the tank. The group does not have to be a like kind, just has to be similar size in my experience.

Ive only had a minimum of 3 at a time in a 50g tank. An algae eater in any newly cycled tank should always be supplemented with algae wafers.

Also if you are going with a planted tank, I highly recommend a light timer. They are cheap and will save you from dead plants, and having to worry about algae.

Here is a link I found very helpful when choosing a filter.
http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/marineland_which_filter.php

 

[Dwest24]

Oh! One more thing that I recently learned that really speeds up the process of cycling if you do not have access to any filter media or gravel from an already cycled fish tank. As soon as you notice nitrite levels starting to appear, I found that going to your local pet store and finding a potted plant and keeping that in your tank while it is cycling helps cut down the time, due to the fact that you just brought that good bacteria into your tank to munch on those nitrites and produce nitrates.

Hope that helps!

 

[Carlovel1]

 

[AngelKeeper]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow newbie! Just joined today! This is a great forum and everyone seems SOOO nice and helpful! Good luck with your new tank too!!

 

[CTGoldfish]

If you do decide to get a algae eating species of fish don't forget to feed it just like the other fish especially if there is little or no algae to be found just supplement its diet with algae wafers,round,shrimp pellets etc.
If you get a snail I recommend getting something to fulfill their calcium needs to keep their shell looking nice

I didn't write this its from another site but read it if you ever plan to get a snail:
Keep a washed cuttlefish bone in the tank and you will see them rasping away at it. Large, growing snails can demolish it in no time. Other sources of calcium include: egg shell, calcium supplements from pets shops, oyster shells, natural chalk and baby milk powder.

oh and welcome