Need A Few Pointers For My First Tank

[ryandaly8]

Hello everyone
 
So I have started up a tank for the first time with the help of a family member who has been doing this for years. I have a 60 litre tank. What I need help with is the layout  I have chosen for my tank. Currently I only have black neons, a few tiger barbs and a small ancistrus pleco in there. I have decided to go with sand instead of the usual gravel, but I was wondering how often I should do water changes in a tank like this, also how to clean the sand ?
 
One thing about the fish, I have been given the impression these fish would be best fed by giving them 1 cube of frozen bloodworm as there isn't much fish in there. The water seems to be perfect with all nitrite and ammonia levels looking bang on. Now it's up to me to maintain this tank on my own, and doing it the best way for my tank, not just getting my family member to do it. So what if anyone could help me get a better understanding of how this tank is best run then that would be great thanks.
 
P.S this isn't my tank but it sorta looks similar just to give you a sight of what it looks like
 

 
Thanks in advance

 

[This Old Spouse]

So how about a photo of your tank? The one you have pictured is lovely.
 
How many is a "few" tiger barbs? They do best in higher numbers to keep the nipping and bad behavior to a minimum.
 
Frozen bloodworm should only be fed once or twice a week as a "treat" rather than their main diet. They'll do fine with standard fish flakes most of the time. I also feed my tigers deshelled fresh or frozen (thawed first) peas to help with their digestion about once a week. Also, only feed a small amount of flakes once every day or two. If you feed them as much as they'll eat, they'll explode. They don't know when to quit. Keep in mind their stomach is as big as their eye to help you with the amount.
 
Is your filter cycled?
 

 

[ryandaly8]

I can't get a photo of my tank on to my computer.
 
I have 4 and 2 green tiger barbs aswell. Thanks for the advice on feeding. My filter has been cycled. How often would I need to do a small water change ?

 

[This Old Spouse]

I'd probably do 30% at least once a week. Just take your syphon and kind of swirl it just over the sand so the nasty stuff gets sucked up but the sand stays put. I find that the gunk usually gathers around the base of plants and next to rocks and such, so I concentrate my efforts there.