Stocking an empty tank

[JwMaLlEnTeXaS75002]

I am a rookie at this, so please bear with me. ) I just purchased a 46 gallon (174 L) tank and am in the process of letting the tank water settle. I plan on adding fish in 6 days. This will be a warm-water tank.

From what I have read so far, when I do add fish, I should start out with 6 or so fish of the same breed (generally hearty fish), such as Zebra Danios. After these fish prove to live, I can add more fish (that are compatable) at a patient pace.

I would like to have a fish population of vibrantly colored fish when my tank population is complete (perhaps 25 fish).

Question 1: Is the Zebra Danio a good beginning choice ? Are there more colorful choices ?
Question 2: Is there a book that would be of benefit to me ? Websites ?
Question 3: Should I hold off placing live plants until I become more experienced ?
Question4: Any advice ?

Thanks in advance to all that reply

 

[William]

From what I have read so far, when I do add fish, I should start out with 6 or so fish of the same breed (generally hearty fish), such as Zebra Danios. After these fish prove to live, I can add more fish (that are compatable) at a patient pace.

Yep thats right try this article: http/fish.orbust.net/cycling.html . Platies and mollies or danios are the usually recommended hardy fish.

I would like to have a fish population of vibrantly colored fish when my tank population is complete (perhaps 25 fish).

For a 46 gallon tank that sounds a pretty reasonable amount, of course it doesn't depend on the number of fish but the size of them

Question 1: Is the Zebra Danio a good beginning choice ? Are there more colorful choices ?
Question 2: Is there a book that would be of benefit to me ? Websites ?
Question 3: Should I hold off placing live plants until I become more experienced ?
Question4: Any advice ?

1) Yes, danios are one of the best.
2) This forum should have most of the information on it, theres 35,000 posts so you can use the "search" feature or otherwise post quiestions.
3) Liveplants aren't that difficult to maintain especially if you start with some of the hardy ones like elodea densa.
4) Buy ammonia, nitrIte and nitrAte test kits. Ask any questions here - the only stupid question is one not asked.

 

[Amadaca]

Since you are planning on introducing Zebra Danios, I assume this will be a peaceful community aquarium of relatively small fish?

If so, a good idea would be to post the names of fish in this thread, & I & the rest of the members here can tell you whether they are compatible or not. This is a wise idea, as many of us will be able to relay our personal experiences with fish you label as potential buys, which will give you a number of in-depth ideas.

As William stated, Zebras are an excellent beginners fish. As far as tankmates are concerned, they will more or less live in harmony with any species that won't harrass or hunt them. Just remember to buy them in small schools, at least five to a group, preferably more. Really, that is the only truly critical requirement they have.

I wouldnt worry too much about live plants, start with some hardier species, & learn as you go. Just remember that youll need sufficient lighting, about 5 watts per 5 litres, or for every gallon, seeing as though you're American.

If you are using an undergravel filtration system, choose live plants wisely, as many will be killed off by this method of filtration, & of course, take into consideration what types of fish may attack your plantlife.

Following the above guidelines, using live plants shouldnt be beyond the beginners' scope, but never discount plastic plants, their convenience, longevity, & in many cases realistic appearances make them a respectable alterative.

As far as websites go, www.WetWebMedia.com is quite good, & a good book that I can personally endorse would be, "A Practical Guide To Tropical Aquarium Fish".

Again, if you have any Q's about what types of fish youd like & whether or not theyre compatible with other fish you wish to acquire, dont hesitate to ask the members here.

Sorry for the long-winded reply! B)

 

[aquamaniac2003]

Just a couple of thoughts.

Zebra Danios are peaceful but are fast and erratic. I took my out after a week as they were a pain in the @$$ at feeding time, the other fish were too slow to put up a fight.

As for plants, I have never been convinced that they are needed for a healthy tank.
I bought a large selection artificial plants from hobby stores and anchored them with rocks.

Most Tetras (apart from neons) make good fish for beginners. Another good fish that is fun is the Pakistani (YoYo) loach. It will interact with most of the fish in your tank. I have read that they can be nocternal but never found that myself.

Have fun with the hobby.