New Tank Set Up Help Needed

[DebzN]

Bit of a random request so apologies. I work in a care home for the elderly and my employer (who loves tropical fish) has decided that from a sensory point of view, a fish tank is what he would like to install. I'm no expert by any means but as he knows I've got my 2 tanks, he's said he'll buy the equipment and fish but in my now additional job role of "keeper of the fish" I've been asked to choose the stock and be responsible for maintenance. The tank will be no more than 2ft long and I'm stumped as to what fish to stock, substrate, plants etc. Needs to be low maintenance. If there is ever such a thing in fish keeping but also needs to be colourful and active for the sensory aspect. My employer wants tropical and I also need to find a way of stopping residents opening the feeding hatch before the lady in rm 12 starts feeding the fish her jelly babies!

 

[MattW]

Before you choose a species to keep, see what the water parameters are like for the care home. I assume the tank will be using dechlorinated tap water?

I've never kept any of these species but perhaps Cherry or Rosy barbs? I've noticed some people think they resemble goldfish. Well older people I know do . I don't think livebaeras would be a good option for low maintenance. I'm just thinking from a breeding perspective. Again it's down to the water parameters.

Other members will probably have a better idea than me.

You'll need to keep an eye on the lady in rm12 then

 

[GaryE]

It's a difficult balance. A lot of care home tanks end up as algae encrusted depression pits. People like you who work in care are busy, and as priorities are defined, the tank slips after a few weeks in operation. I don't know how you do it. You're good people.

I would invest in tough, slow growing plants. And I would radically understock with fish that don't poop like cows. Over 2 feet is still small. Maybe a half dozen Corydoras cats and something high bodied like serpae tetras? The latter have a reputation for nippiness, but without other species, are fine.

Avoid what I once saw in a care home. They had bought a large fish for a not really large tank, and a gentleman in a wheelchair pointed it out to me and said it represented his life at that point - no room, boredom. The big fish in a small tank isn't stimulating.

 

[MattW]

Avoid what I once saw in a care home. They had bought a large fish for a not really large tank, and a gentleman in a wheelchair pointed it out to me and said it represented his life at that point - no room, boredom. The big fish in a small tank isn't stimulating.

Damm that's sad to hear

 

[DebzN]

Before you choose a species to keep, see what the water parameters are like for the care home. I assume the tank will be using dechlorinated tap water?

I've never kept any of these species but perhaps Cherry or Rosy barbs? I've noticed some people think they resemble goldfish. Well older people I know do . I don't think livebaeras would be a good option for low maintenance. I'm just thinking from a breeding perspective. Again it's down to the water parameters.

Other members will probably have a better idea than me.

You'll need to keep an eye on the lady in rm12 then

Thank you. Im staying well away from livebearers. Learned that lesson the hard way

 

[Archerfish]

That's a beautiful thing to do for the senior citizens. But I agree with Gary, it could turn out to be a nightmare. Thankfully, it is the owner who wants the tank. See if there is a nearby pet shop that will install and maintain the tank for a reasonable amount. They could place a small sign next to the tank advertising their business.

 

[DebzN]

It's a difficult balance. A lot of care home tanks end up as algae encrusted depression pits. People like you who work in care are busy, and as priorities are defined, the tank slips after a few weeks in operation. I don't know how you do it. You're good people.

I would invest in tough, slow growing plants. And I would radically understock with fish that don't poop like cows. Over 2 feet is still small. Maybe a half dozen Corydoras cats and something high bodied like serpae tetras? The latter have a reputation for nippiness, but without other species, are fine.

Avoid what I once saw in a care home. They had bought a large fish for a not really large tank, and a gentleman in a wheelchair pointed it out to me and said it represented his life at that point - no room, boredom. The big fish in a small tank isn't stimulating.

Thank you. I'm there 4 days a week and one of those days I finish early and have a 2 and half hour wait for the bus home so setting that aside for tank maintenance. I'm trying to find someone responsible to feed/check on them on my days off as I'm a bit maternal when it comes to my fish I'm so happy you've suggested corys. My favourite fish and have them at home. The water parameters are pretty much the same as at home and is fairly soft. Will be cycled first so I'm assuming a lot of residents will spend ages looking for fish that aren't there. I'll look into your suggestion of serpae tetras to see if they're suitable for the water parameters. Thanks again

 

[GaryE]

serpae might not be the first choice for most people. They are feisty, and nip other tetras and other 'water column fish' But they are visible, reddish orange and high bodied. They're territorial, which means a lot of showing off to each other. That means a bit of a show.

They like the same water as Corys. Even the same temperatures in the 22 -24 range.

They don't bother Corys, and vice versa. Corys are good because they have character. Six to then Corys and ten or so serpae or sweglesi tetras would be a nice tank.

I also assume there would be viewing by sitting people, and both species stay in the bottom half of the tank.

serpae would make life misery for a Betta though. Avoid that trap.

 

[DebzN]

serpae might not be the first choice for most people. They are feisty, and nip other tetras and other 'water column fish' But they are visible, reddish orange and high bodied. They're territorial, which means a lot of showing off to each other. That means a bit of a show.

They like the same water as Corys. Even the same temperatures in the 22 -24 range.

They don't bother Corys, and vice versa. Corys are good because they have character. Six to then Corys and ten or so serpae or sweglesi tetras would be a nice tank.

I also assume there would be viewing by sitting people, and both species stay in the bottom half of the tank.

serpae would make life misery for a Betta though. Avoid that trap.

Perfect. Thank you. The location of the tank is right by a large seating area that's used if residents want quiet time away from the tv or to chat with visitors. Really appreciate your help