Some Beginner Questions!

[ChrisCook]

Hi all,
I have just registered and have a few questions.

My first problem is this - I have a tank that is 18" x 15" x 12". I have tried some of the conversion websites - some say it is a 10 gallon tank, some say it is 20 gallons and one says it is 28 gallons! Can anyone tell me which it is?!

Also, the tank has been established a fair while but it was moved to my house two days ago from someone about 15 mins away by car. There are currently only three fish in the tank - 1 angelfish and 2 tetras. How long should I wait before adding more fish? I added two plants yesterday.

Secondly, I am uncertain of possible stocking densities in a tank of the above descibed size. How many fish could I add to the tank - how many fish the size of tetras, how many the size of angelfish and how many bigger fish?

Thirdly - questions about planned fish I'm adding and some issues of compatability. I would like a "shoal" of tetras in the tank. How many should I put in to make this "shoal" - should I stick to all the same type of tetras or can I mix and match? I'm also planning on adding two more angelfish to bring the total in the tank up to three - I trust there are no compatability issues between the angelfish and the tetras?

I would also like to add catfish of some description. Ones which will not grow horrendously big as I obviously do not have the space in the tank for that. Are there any catfish around that are suited to a tank of my size (18" x 15" x 12"). Which species of catfish are easiest to look after and will not end up eating my tetras?!


I look forward to spending plenty of time on the forums and hopefully once I become more competent in tropical fish I will be able to answer some of the questions I have asked when new people join the forums.

Many thanks

Chris

 

[OohFeeshy]

Riight...
1) I have the same sized tank and its approx. 15US gallons.
2)I'd say the angel is going to get too big for the tank, so I'd take that back ASAP.
3) You can probably add fish at the end of the week. The best idea for that tank would be to get 4 more of the tetras (the same type, a school is made up of a group of the same species).
4) As above really, the same type of tetra(about 4 more), no angels.
5) Catfishwise, youre best bet would be a small group of coy catfish, which only get to a couple of inches. They don't eat algae but scavenge the bottom, eating leftover food.

 

[ChrisCook]

Thanks for the impressively quick reply.

Now some questions to questions (I've just realised there's a beginners section so maybe this should have been in there but never mind eh)


1) I think 15US gallons is about 13UK gallons. I've seen some references to the total number of inches per quantity of water. How exactly does this work. The combiend length of all the fish in relation to the number of litres? I have read on another thread that it is a very conservative guide but at least it would give me some kind of rough guide on quantity.
2)The angelfish has been in the tank for a long time - it was one of the three which came with the tank from my work colleague. There's nowhere to take it back to!

Also,
Is it best to buy fish form a local pet shop or are there any online shops that are trustworthy.

In the future I will no doubt want to upgrade to a larger tank. What sort of size tanks are available (learn to walk before I run I know) that are of a fairly large size but will not blow the bank?

Thanks

Chris

 

[OohFeeshy]

To your first question, the general guideline is one inch of adult fish per gallon of water. As for where to buy fish from, try not to use a chain shop such as pets at home as their fish have goodness knows what diseases. Check the fish are healthy before you buy them, and do research before you buy.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

its best to buy from local fish shops. where are you located?

 

[ChrisCook]

I live in the Leatherhead area in Surrey(UK)

 

[rvm]

I live in the Leatherhead area in Surrey(UK)

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In that case you have a good Maidenhead Aquatics near you. MA are a very good quality chain of fish shops with generally friendly and knowledgable staff. The only downside is that their fish are sometimes on the expensive side!
This is their address:

West Horsley Garden Centre,
Epsom Road,
West Horsley,
Surrey
KT24 6AR

 

[ChrisCook]

Cheers RVM, was not aware of their existance. will pop down there and talk to the guys.

Thanks.

Chris