Starting Up First Tropical Fish Tank.

[vikkilfc1992]

Hi all, I'm new to the page and kinda new to the whole keeping fish hobby.
We have had tropical fish since I was little but this is the first time I would have set one up by myself.
I have ordered the two foot fish tank for a week Friday. I just need help and advice as to what I need get and what to do once I have it all.
It comes with the filter and light and I already have the heater. I know about the simple parts if you like, gravel, plants, testing kit for Ammonia, Nitrate etc, tap safe for the water (not sure if that goes in before or after I fill the tank up), also have some medicines ready for if they fall ill, white spot which I know is common for clownloach. If there anything else I need?
Also, how many fish would it be fair to keep in there, and what fish could I have with clownloach?
Sorry for so many questions but any help would be greatly received. Thank you.

 

[Lillefishy]

Hi, welcome to the forum.
You seem to have most of what you need to set up the tank, you'll also need some ammonia for the fishless cycle, have a read of the how to cycle your tank board.
I see you're thinking of getting clown loach, unfortunately they're not suitable for the size of tank you've ordered, they need to be kept in groups & grow very big so a much larger tank is required.
There are lots of other suitable fish for a tank that size, best thing to do is look in your Lfs for the ones you like then come back here for advice on whether they're suitable for you.

 

[vikkilfc1992]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I know you're supposed to have groups of clownloach, we made the mistake of having one in the tank down stairs (it's 4ft, the woman in the shop said one would be fine!!), he wasn't very lively but purked up now we put another 3 in with him. If my tank is to small for them then I won't have any, thanks for that.

 

[FlakeyBiscuit3.14]

 
Before you get everything set up, I recommend trying to get an idea of what fish you want that you can keep in your tank with your water parameters. When I jumped into the hobby, I quickly learned that I couldn't keep the fish I wanted with the set-up I had!! I have now upgraded...

 
For example, if you want corydoras catfish or a number of the other bottom dwellers it is best to get sand for a substrate.
 
If you are able to post the diameters of your tank, along with the number of liters, and your tap water's natural pH, hardness, etc I'm sure all on the forum would be happy to give you suggestions on fish that would work well!

 

[vikkilfc1992]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I've obviously gave some consideration as to what fish i'd like, clownloach has been crossed of the list now, wouldn't want to put them somewhere they won't be happy, I was thinking platys, orange on one side black on the other although I'm sure you know that and some red honey gourami's? I know the tank holds 60 litres, not sure on other measurements, it's not in stock at the moment, was told I'll get a call Saturday with all measurements.
I do have the stuff to test my tap water, will send the results when I get home.

 

[KieranBoyne]

hello!! I have a 60 litre tank too!!!!! It really cant hold much to be honest, take that from someone who owns one lol. I recommend a sand substrate and a nice big piece of driftwood with anubias and moss attached throughout it. That would look awesome!! And umm.... as for the stocking I would get 4-6 cory's, whatever type you want. Don't forget to read up in detail about the nitrogen cycle as well. I would say 5 corydoras and 3-5 platies would folly stock that tank. Or maybe you could get some shrimp? Rapid breeders... awesome little critters to be honest. and as for a gourami, I think a dwarf gourami is probably more appropriate for that size tank.
 
Hope this helped. Any other questions, feel free to post

 

[Ninjouzata]

to TFF! Hope you enjoy it here.
 
Be sure to have a read of THIS and THIS.
 
If you do end up with cories you'll want either pygmy, hastatus, habrosus, or panda. The rest will get too large. 
 
If you can go to your LFS and make a list of what fish you like and then post it here, we should be able to come up with something for your tank