Getting Started

[Neon_Fish]

Hi all, im considering getting some pet fish, im looking at getting a 120 litre fish tank but im unsure of how many fish i can put in it

Im aiming at getting at least 2-3 of the following fish

Neon Tetra
Gold Barb
Swordtail (Male)

So over to you guys, is that too many or too little fish? does anyone have any better reccomendations for fish? would those fish get along?

Apologies for all the questions, im very new to all this and I dont want to make mistakes and end up having dead/unhappy fish right from day 1

Many Thanks in advance
Ian

 

[Louiseness]

I think everyone will suggest getting more neons, at least six, but in a biggish tank like that I bet you could get away with quite a few more.

I do know swordtails are very active and get pretty big, but (to me) it sounds like they'd be ok in that tank.

 

[Gilli]

Hello and welcome to the forum. The first thing you need to read up on is cycling your tank or your fish will all die. Here are a couple of links that will tell you everything you need to know.

Cycling an aquarium

Fishless cycling

You will need to buy a good quality liquid water testing kit or you are not going to know when your tank is safe.

All tetras need to be kept in groups of no less than x 6, as do barbs as these can be nippy fish if there is not enough for them to interact with each other.

Neons are not a good starter fish as they are very sensitive to water quality and need a mature tank of not less than 6 months old - again groups of x 6 or more

Swordtails are ok but unless you want hundreds keep only one sex

You would do better to have some top swimmers,(such as guppies etc) mid swimmers ( such as tetras) and bottom swimmers (such as corys etc) - that way you will have interest in every part of your tank.

 

[colleen0309]

I'm not sure, but I think the barbs would like a little more company too, and you have the room, so why not? Make sure you read up on cycling your filter before you get started.

 

[fluttermoth]

I think that could make a very nice tank, once you've cycled.

The swordtails stay pretty much up near the top most of the time, and are a very handsome and hardy fish. If you make sure you get only males, you'll be fine. I'd put those in fist when your cycle is done.

The gold barbs are quite peaceful and will hang round near the bottom and middle; they can go in second.

I'd wait until the tank has been running successfully for a few months with the above fish and then think about adding the neons