New Community Tank - What Should I Do?

[JohnChong]

I’m new to taking care of fishes, I have spend some time reading but still have some questions and want some advice on my options. I currently have a 7 gallon tank (8”x9”x23”) with 6 Zebra Danios helping with the cycling. I read up some names and was wondering if I should put these fishes together and if so, how many should I put. And whether if I put all these in would it be over stocked. Also I am living in Hong Kong, and the temperature here isn’t as cold as Canada or in the states, so I was wondering if I need a heater or not (or could I just leave the lights on for around 8-10 hours)

Fish I want:

3-4 Altum Angel Fish or 5-6 Fancy Gupper (Believe that they don’t go as well together)
10 Cardinal Tetra or Rasboras or White Clouds
5-6 Swordtails
1-2 Some sort of Freshwater Shark?
1-2 Some sort of bottom feeders (eel or catfish)?
1-2 Snails?
1 Beta fish?

Also I was wondering if it is bad for the livebearer to eat it’s fry, and should I place some fake and real plants? (Thinking of Java Moss or Banana Plants, since they are easy to maintain)

And recommendation and ideas will be helpful

 

[Loops]

Please read this first http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=224306

 

[JohnChong]

Thanks for the guide, but i am doing a cycle with fish, because i heard that the bacteria will grow a lot faster... so on the meantime while i wait, i decided to sign onto forums and ask for advice and guides...

 

[ChilliPepper]

Thanks for the guide, but i am doing a cycle with fish, because i heard that the bacteria will grow a lot faster... so on the meantime while i wait, i decided to sign onto forums and ask for advice and guides...

This is my advice: do NOT do a fish-in cycle unless you are planning daily large water changes. How would you like to bathe in your own urine and faeces all day? Read the thread linked by Loops and read how to look after fish properly. Patience is a virtue... Good things come to those who wait... etc etc

 

[Loops]

Thanks for the guide, but i am doing a cycle with fish, because i heard that the bacteria will grow a lot faster... so on the meantime while i wait, i decided to sign onto forums and ask for advice and guides...

The link I have given you is a "Fish in cycle" guide

please read is as you will need to do daily water changes.

by the way, glad you have signed up for advice as that's what you get on here

 

[holidayinn]

As other have mentioned keep an eye on Ammonia and Nitrite levels while your tank is cycling, WC's everyday are a must for that size tank in a fish-in cycle.

Heater - uses minimal electricity if it isnt used, I would invest in one just as a safeguard.

Stock - Angels are a definite no-no for a 7 gallon tank. They get far too big.

HTH

 

[Bluefintuna]

Hi John and welcome

looks like you have started a fish in cycle, the link that has already been given will help you alot with your cycle and hopefuly your fish will survive, it's gonna be alot of work for you I'm afraid.

Danios prefer a cooler climate, I keep mine at about 22c and they spawn quite regularly, although I think the tank you have them in is a tad small, danios are a lively fish that like alot of room.

Add plants yes, these take up some of the bad stuff that can harm your fish, but you will still need to test your water alot in order to keep the toxins down via water changes.

Livebearers eeating their fry isn't bad unless you want to keep the fry, yum fresh meat

good luck

Nick.

 

[Harlequins]

I’m new to taking care of fishes, I have spend some time reading but still have some questions and want some advice on my options. I currently have a 7 gallon tank (8”x9”x23”) with 6 Zebra Danios helping with the cycling. I read up some names and was wondering if I should put these fishes together and if so, how many should I put. And whether if I put all these in would it be over stocked. Also I am living in Hong Kong, and the temperature here isn’t as cold as Canada or in the states, so I was wondering if I need a heater or not (or could I just leave the lights on for around 8-10 hours)

Fish I want:

3-4 Altum Angel Fish or 5-6 Fancy Gupper (Believe that they don’t go as well together)
10 Cardinal Tetra or Rasboras or White Clouds
5-6 Swordtails
1-2 Some sort of Freshwater Shark?
1-2 Some sort of bottom feeders (eel or catfish)?
1-2 Snails?
1 Beta fish?

Also I was wondering if it is bad for the livebearer to eat it’s fry, and should I place some fake and real plants? (Thinking of Java Moss or Banana Plants, since they are easy to maintain)

And recommendation and ideas will be helpful

HI and welcome


I would invest in a heater to be on the safe side,
Your fish selection isn't really adviseable for your tank size,angel fish,sharks & swordtails will all get too big for your tank.
Betta and guppies are not a good idea to put together,has they will attack each other,and depending what sort of catfish/eel you want has some of these get too big,although there are smaller bottom dwellers like dwarf corys & otos.

Has you have a small tank perhaps you'd be better sticking with small fish,white clouds,ember tetras,galaxy rasboros,pygmy cories to name a few these are all small in size.

On new set ups a rough guide is usually inch per fish per gallon...

Good luck