Hello Everybody :)

[Liam85]

Hi everyone,
my names Liam and i have just inherited my dads fish tank

its about 150l and completely empty....at the moment!

im just wondering what some good start up fish would be? shrimps also interest me.

he used to have plecos in there with guppies, but when he moved he decided that enough was enough!
i would also love some tips how to clean it and what sort of cleaning materials are suitable.

once again any tips would be much appreicated.

hope everyones enjoying there bank holiday btw

Liam

 

[Flubberlump]

Welcome to the forum!

Have a look here: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/ and here: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/88578-general-faq-topics-and-guides/

They're full of really useful information.

As for the fish/shrimp you'd like, it really depends on what sort of tank you'd like. Are you going to plant it? What type of substrate do you have/are you getting? Will there be plenty of hiding places for the fish? Is there any type of fish in particular that you find attractive? I'm guessing you want a general peaceful community tank?

Another VERY important thing to consider is your water. Do you have a liquid test kit? These test the water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, GH and KH. If you don't have one, you can get them from eBay for a much better price than in the shops. Some fish need acidic/alkaline/hard/soft water, so testing your water for these qualities will help you to determine what type of stocking you can get.

Pay particular attention to the links in the beginner's resource centre to fishless cycling. I won't go into detail about it as it's all explained there. Another thing to mention is that if you do fishless cycle your tank (highly recommended) it will give you plenty of time to do research into how you'd like your tank to look, and what fish/shrimp you'd like to get. you'll need to do plenty of reading!

150 litres is a good sized tank too! You'll be able to do a lot with it. Have a look in this section: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/forum/22-members-aquarium-and-fish-pictures/ for some inspiration.

If you have a general browse around the site you'll find answers to a lot of your questions. If you ever need help with something and can't find the answer, just ask, and everyone will be happy to help.

 

[littlenemo]

hello liam and welcome mate.
this is an awsome hobbie but make sure you cycle your tank before adding any fish. its a pain but it gives u time to learn about the cycles etc.
lee

 

[littlenemo]

hello liam and welcome mate.
this is an awsome hobbie but make sure you cycle your tank before adding any fish. its a pain but it gives u time to learn about the cycles etc.
lee

 

[Liam85]

thanks for the replies guys i will delve deeper into the beginners guides and take advantage of them.

my dad has given me the tank, filter, pump, heater etc. literally eveything i need, he just said i need water and fish lol
he did tell me that i ahve to let the water stand and cycle for a few weeks tho?!

i want a nice peaceful tank, but i dont want to over stock it! id rather give the fish plenty of space rather than have them like sardines (excuse the pun)

i was thinking sand and fresh plants, as far as fish go....i have no idea! just not guppies!

 

[Salam]

Guppies are beautiful and great to watch. You could add platys, corys, minnows, tetras... oh the possibilities are endless.

Have a look through the fish species index on this site, some very good information.

 

[shelaghfishface]

thanks for the replies guys i will delve deeper into the beginners guides and take advantage of them.

my dad has given me the tank, filter, pump, heater etc. literally eveything i need, he just said i need water and fish lol
he did tell me that i ahve to let the water stand and cycle for a few weeks tho?!

i want a nice peaceful tank, but i dont want to over stock it! id rather give the fish plenty of space rather than have them like sardines (excuse the pun)

i was thinking sand and fresh plants, as far as fish go....i have no idea! just not guppies!

im afraid this does nothing but let the water get to room temp.... its the nitrogen cycle that we want to get you through.. for happy healthy fish

 

[Flubberlump]

Sardines sounds like a good plan so far.

You do have to cycle it for a few weeks yes, fishless cycling isn't just letting it stand for a while and adding fish gradually though, that is fish-in cycling. Fishless cycling is basically adding ammonia to your tank, to build up a large bacteria colony that is capable of processing the waste from your whole stock of fish. It's kinder to the fish and means you can add all of your fish in one go at the end, as you have enough bacteria in the filter already. You will need the liquid testing kit for this too. It can take a few weeks but it's well worth it. It's explained in more detail in the resource centre.

You'll learn so much while you're waiting for the tank to cycle too! It gives you the opportunity to research fish, plants, layouts, maintainance etc, so once the cycle is complete you'll know all of the basics and more, and fully understand the needs of the specific fish you have chosen.

Sand is a great substrate. It's very natural and is brilliant for any bottom dwellers you might get such as corydoras, kuhli loaches etc that like to sift through the sand to forage for food. Live plants are always good. I'm in the process of cycling my new tank which will be heavily planted with sand substrate. Here's a link to it: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/389642-120-litre-planted/page__p__3274223__fromsearch__1#entry3274223
It might give you some ideas of things to do while you wait for the cycle. Mine's (hopefully) nearing the end now.

You have lots of options stocking wise! Personally, I like to have fish on all levels of the tank in a community, so look into fish that like different levels.. There are hundreds of fish that like the middle level of the tank, and a few that prefer the top. There are lots of different types of 'feature fish' too, such as apistogrammas, German blue rams, gouramis and bettas. Have a look in the species index like Salam said and see what takes your fancy. While the tank is cycling visit a few local fish stores and see if there's anything that jumps out at you. If there's one species that you just have to have, you can plan the rest of the stocking around that fish.