lots of questions

[Cathydiane]

Hi Everybody,

I've been reading this forum for a couple weeks and sure am glad I did, or I would have gone out and bought a tank, added some fish, and then wonder why they died.

Ok, I have several questions. What does one do when on a budget and they want to start this hobby. Do I have to buy two aquariums so I'll have a hospital for the fish and for new ones before I add them to my main tank?

Here is the things I think about. I want cory catfish for sure for the bottom of the tank. WIth zebra danios for the top of the tank. I realize they all like company and will make sure there are several of each species. Ok, so far so good. Now, what goes in the middle of the tank? I wanted bala sharks but am getting a 55 gallon tank and they will outgrow it. Would one bala shark be lonely, I want what is best for ALL the fish.

Oh, there will be two apple snails also. And the substrate will be that tropical sand from Home Depot.

If someone handed you a 55 gallon tank with about a dozen zebra danios and maybe 6 cory's and 2 apple snails, what would you do with it? How would you treat Ich knowing that cory's can't take salt (and I doubt the apple snails would like it either) What is it about this tank that you wouldn't like?

I am completely open to suggestions. Oh, I also longed for a school of neon tetras, about 15-20 of them, but just have read so much about how tender they are I'm afraid I'll kill them(.

One more thing. The only fish I've ever had was that orange gold fish I won at the fair when I was 8 years old (I'm 49), and then I forgot the poor thing in the john...

I am striving for a PEACEFUL tank, my heart is not the kind that would relish watching one of my fish get ate by a bully fish...BUT, I do want the tank to be interesting and have read that cory's are great fun.

Any suggestions? Am I way off track anywhere? I hope to buy the tank right after Christmas and before New Year's.

And what is ya'lls ideas on filters? If I can afford it I "think" I would like the bio wheel. It all depends on the money factor...

Cathy

 

[yvez9]

First off, a hsopital tank is not a necessity. It is preferable to have one, but you can do without. I myself only have one tank.

If you want to save money, i'd suggest getting a tank package that comes with everything you nee (almost) in the box (filter, heater, thermometer, water conditioner to start you off) If you want the bio-wheel, Marineland makes the Eclipse tanks that come with the bio-wheel filter (my gilfriend just got a 12 gallon, not sure how big they make them though)

If you want a peaceful tank, don't get territorial fish but rather shoaling fish, like danios

I prefer territorial fish and like to see fish display some character so I got cichlids. I don't recommend that for you.

If you want to keep a shark, i would go with one red tailed black shark. Keep only one and the 55 gallon will be plenty of room for him as he won't grwo too large. Bala sharks need 100+ gallon and a re social fish and like to be in groups i believe.

You'll most likely find that over time, you're accumulating hardware (filter media, heaters, thermometers) and eventually will have enough hardware to equip a small tank (your hospital tank)

You could also check on ebay for sellers. Lots of big tanks for sale over there!

 

[Streetracer]

For the middle of the tank, you could use Dwarf Rainbow Fish, Tiger Barbs or Cherry Barbs. You could also go to your lfs and pick some fish that are swimming in the middle of the tank. Also see if your library has "The Aquarium Survival Manual" by Brian Ward. The book tells where in the tank various species like to live.

Most Gouramis also like to live in the middle of the tank and they are a nice "showpiece" big fish to give your aquarium the WOW factor. A pair of Three Spot (Blue) Gouramis would be nice for the middle.

If there are any others you need to know about, post the species and I'll let you know where they swim.