Fish

[FishLover166]

I think I will get guppies, 1 bristlenose pleco, mollies, rainbow dwarf and maybe swordtails for my 40 gallon. All I would like to ask is:
1. How much of each would be a good amount, for a 40 gallon long (48″ x 12″ x 16″, LxWxH)
2. What temp should I keep the tank at?
3. What pH?
4. What dH?
5. Any other tips.
Thank you, any help is great!

 

[Naughts]

What is the GH and pH of the water supply? It will dictate the fish you can keep.
A good place to check parameters for different species is seriouslyfish.com.

 

[Essjay]

To find your GH the simplest way is to look on your water provider's website for 'hardness'. You need a number and the unit of measurement as there are several they could use.
If they don't give it or you are on a well, the next easiest is to take a sample of tap water to a fish shop and ask them to test it for GH. Make sure they give you a number not some vague words.
The most expensive option is to buy a GH tester.

As for pH, you need your own test kits which comes with tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. test a freshly run sample of tap water, and leave a glass of water to stand overnight and test that next day - it will probably be different.



Do you have the tank yet? If you do, have you cycled it yet (ie grown all the bacteria needed to remove fish waste)?