What Fish Should I Get?

[chigwellhammer]

Cheers James, and thanks for tips OohFeeshy

 

[PDSimon]

Yeah angel fish require tall and quite long tanks...

 

[FishStrings]

I usually start with gouramis and barbs. Gouramis are cool but require more water per fish than a traditional barb.

 

[crazychris]

Yeah angel fish require tall and quite long tanks...

They don't always eat neons though. If you introduce YOUNG small angels and neons together then the angels get used to regarding them as tankmates and are unlikely to eat them when big. Still possible of course. Just dropping neons in with large adult angels is asking for them to be eaten though! I was in the lfs once and a guy came in saying "those 20 neons I bought yesterday aren't there this morning, not one of them and no bodies" The guy asked what else was in the tank so the guy said "just my 4 big angels"

 

[chigwellhammer]

Would Bettas be a good start of fish with Guppies?

 

[Jenste]

bettas and guppies are iffy - - guppies can nip and the male guppies tail can remind the betta of another betta

also, bettas cannot go with tetras because tetras are known nippers for fins!

you could house female guppies with a betta - - they are not as pretty but that means they won't upset the betta either. but again, it is a risk due to nipping.

you could get a 20 gallon long, they are not too expensive...
buy a divider, divide off 1/4 of the tank for a betta...and leave the rest, about 15 gallons, to set up a mini community

that way you can do both!

 

[PDSimon]

Not sure how hardy bettas are. Are you doing a fishless or fish in cycle? You might want to make a post on the betta section of this forum to see what they're like to cycle with OR to put in right after a cycle.

 

[chigwellhammer]

I think i might do a Fish in Cycle.

 

[Jonty]

I think i might do a Fish in Cycle.

Why? Fishless cycles are easier, quicker and don't harm the fish. Fish in means daily water changes for months, plus the fish will be harmed in some way.

 

[chigwellhammer]

Oh okay then , To be honest i need as much advice as i can get because i am new to everything! if that is the case then fishless it is .

 

[PDSimon]

Recommended equipment for a fishless cycle:

- Bottle of ammonia from boots/homebase
- API test kit from ebay
- 5ml and 1ml plastic syringe from boots or online

Have you read about cycling?

Basically, there is a substance called ammonia in fish waste which is actually toxic to fish. It causes them to have immune system problems and can easily kill them. There is a bacteria which will turn ammonia into nitrites, which are also poisonous to fish. They cause breathing problems and death etc... Then theres another type of bacteria which turn nitrites into nitrates. These are only poisonous in larger quantities and are removed by performing weekly water changes.

What a fishless cycling is doing, is using the ammonia from a bottle to replace the need for fish in the tank whilst you fishless cycle it.

 

[chigwellhammer]

Thanks for that simon, I did see the beginners guide for a fish-less cycle so i will read threw that properly. But i have taken note of what you have said to buy. Also would you say this would be a good first tank for me? http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=385&pf_id=53747

 

[ChilliPepper]

I'd recommend no less than a 60 litre tank for your first one.
The reason being it is large enough to keep the water chemistry stable, however not too big that maintenance is a headache. Larger tanks are easier to keep water chemistry stable, however you mention you are on a limited budget, and as a beginner there is no point shelling out loads.

I'd not recommend Bettas as a first fish. Not because they are difficult, but because as a beginner you may want to try a couple of different types of fish together, whereas Bettas are better on their own (males HAVE to be on their own or they will fight to the death ), so you may find it frustrating. You could keep several female Bettas in the tank, but to source good females can be pricey and not all fish shops have them in.

Angelfish's fins grow large, so they need a tall tank to keep them. You may be able to find a 60L tall tank, but to be honest Angels can be sensitive and do better in larger tanks where you can have a nice group of them.

I'd recommend some Tetras as a first fish. Some Tetras to look at are the Black Phantom Tetra, the Black Skirt Tetra and the Rummynose Tetras. I particularly like the Phantoms, and they do best in a group of 6, as they can be quite shy otherwise.

Get a good filter for your tank, and weekly water changes of 20/30% should keep the water nice and clean. Please don't be tempted to 'short-cut' and do a fish-in cycle, as it really isn't fair on the fish. You can buy household ammonia in Homebase and it's really simple to do a fishless cycle, no fish get harmed, and plus you can add your full stock straight away with this method.

Something like a group of 6 small Tetras, and maybe a pair of Bolivian Rams or a pair of Apistogrammas. If you can stretch to a 90/100L tank, you could add some Corydoras or something for the bottom. They like to be in groups too, minimum 3 but ideally more.

Best thing to do is go into some fish shops, have a look around and take down names of fish you like. Come home, Google them or ask on here, and decide whether they are suitable.

Good luck!

 

[chigwellhammer]

Right ive decided im going to go for a fishless Cycle.


Guppies? Not quite sure how many.. Not bothered if they breed tbh!
Betta < may have to think again
and if possible Cherry Shrimp?
Not sure on how many? or if you think different then please do give me what you reckon.

Im thinking of going for this tank as it comes with everything.
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=385&pf_id=53747

 

[chigwellhammer]

grumpygourami, Thanks very much for that ill do a few searches on the fish you have said and also have taken note on a few things