New Aqarium (And New To The Hobby)

[luke4868]

Hi Guys

First off I'm so glad I found this place, so much needed information.

This weekend I'm going to get a Fluval Edge tank for my bedroom and start a small community in it after cycling etc.

I have a few question if anyone wouldnt mind helping so I'll just get straight to it.

1. I have heard to purpose build heaters for this tank can be a bit troublesome, would you suggest buying a different one for the tank or do you think I would be ok?

2. I have been taking a look at different fishes to put in the tank and have decided to go for a group of smaller fishes and one bigger 'main' fish. Alongside some sort of shrimp or similar (mainly for the algea eating part of them). What tends to be a popular choice in these smaller tanks? (I'd prefer more colourful fishes)

3. I would start with fake plants, then introduce a live one which I hear can help with algea control, if so, any recommendations that would suit ok in this tank? or if not, what would need to be changed to make it suitable.

Thanks a lot

 

[Gvilleguy]

Not knowing what your pH will end up being makes it hard to recommend fish. But in general I think forum users would suggest you avoid fish that need to breathe at the surface due to the limited surface area. (such as gouramis and bettas). Neon Tetras would seem a good fit, or perhaps Endlers. Shrimp are a great idea, too.

 

[luke4868]

Not knowing what your pH will end up being makes it hard to recommend fish. But in general I think forum users would suggest you avoid fish that need to breathe at the surface due to the limited surface area. (such as gouramis and bettas). Neon Tetras would seem a good fit, or perhaps Endlers. Shrimp are a great idea, too.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely be getting some neon tetras, I also hear are hardy so will be ideal as my first fish.

Would love a betta in there as my main fish but if people dont think it would survive then probably not a good idea, would be great if anyone would let me know if they have one living in such a tank.

I have had a look at GloFish too but dont seem to find anywhere that stocks them near me (Wirral, UK).

 

[luke4868]

Something I also forgot to ask was I have a freshwater pond outside which has been going now for about 5-7 years which is just maintained with a water filter, everything else takes care of itself....theres always frogs spawn etc in there and some goldfish which seem rather please with the space they have.

Just wondering if it would be advisable to use some of the filter media from it to put in my new tank or would the environment from the pond bacteria not be suited for my tank?

 

[LiamGoodaire]

Hi Guys

First off I'm so glad I found this place, so much needed information.

This weekend I'm going to get a Fluval Edge tank for my bedroom and start a small community in it after cycling etc.

I have a few question if anyone wouldnt mind helping so I'll just get straight to it.

1. I have heard to purpose build heaters for this tank can be a bit troublesome, would you suggest buying a different one for the tank or do you think I would be ok?

2. I have been taking a look at different fishes to put in the tank and have decided to go for a group of smaller fishes and one bigger 'main' fish. Alongside some sort of shrimp or similar (mainly for the algea eating part of them). What tends to be a popular choice in these smaller tanks? (I'd prefer more colourful fishes)

3. I would start with fake plants, then introduce a live one which I hear can help with algea control, if so, any recommendations that would suit ok in this tank? or if not, what would need to be changed to make it suitable.

Thanks a lot

the heater i also heard was very poor, i looked into a 25w heater from P@H which is more than adequate!!

also the species of fish people on this site will reccomend is suprislingly large as i got a long list when i asked this question. here is the list i was provided with:

Sparkling Gourami
Badis - and all the varieties
Endlers Livebearers
Galaxy Rasbora
Danioin Draculonela (spelling)
Danio Esthrymicin (spelling)
Green Neon Tetras
Ember Tetras
Dwarf Anchor Catfish
Rosy Loaches
Dwarf Striped Loaches
Ottos
Bumble Bee Gobies - though be careful to get the true freshwater one
Dwarf Puffers - though can be tricky and could only house a lone one
Bettas - 1 male and some shrimp
Cherry Shrimp
Crystal Red Shrimp
Bee Shrimp

courtesy of wills

as for live plants i really arent up on the facts ha i have decided to stick with fake however im happy with the effect from them
hope this helped
Goodaire

 

[luke4868]

Hi Guys

First off I'm so glad I found this place, so much needed information.

This weekend I'm going to get a Fluval Edge tank for my bedroom and start a small community in it after cycling etc.

I have a few question if anyone wouldnt mind helping so I'll just get straight to it.

1. I have heard to purpose build heaters for this tank can be a bit troublesome, would you suggest buying a different one for the tank or do you think I would be ok?

2. I have been taking a look at different fishes to put in the tank and have decided to go for a group of smaller fishes and one bigger 'main' fish. Alongside some sort of shrimp or similar (mainly for the algea eating part of them). What tends to be a popular choice in these smaller tanks? (I'd prefer more colourful fishes)

3. I would start with fake plants, then introduce a live one which I hear can help with algea control, if so, any recommendations that would suit ok in this tank? or if not, what would need to be changed to make it suitable.

Thanks a lot

the heater i also heard was very poor, i looked into a 25w heater from P@H which is more than adequate!!

also the species of fish people on this site will reccomend is suprislingly large as i got a long list when i asked this question. here is the list i was provided with:

Sparkling Gourami
Badis - and all the varieties
Endlers Livebearers
Galaxy Rasbora
Danioin Draculonela (spelling)
Danio Esthrymicin (spelling)
Green Neon Tetras
Ember Tetras
Dwarf Anchor Catfish
Rosy Loaches
Dwarf Striped Loaches
Ottos
Bumble Bee Gobies - though be careful to get the true freshwater one
Dwarf Puffers - though can be tricky and could only house a lone one
Bettas - 1 male and some shrimp
Cherry Shrimp
Crystal Red Shrimp
Bee Shrimp

courtesy of wills

as for live plants i really arent up on the facts ha i have decided to stick with fake however im happy with the effect from them
hope this helped
Goodaire

Hey Liam, Been reading your journal etc and was a good read

Nice list, love the crystal red shrimp think im finally getting there with my list

At the moment I have

Betta
Crystal Red Shrimp
Neon Tetra's
GloFish (Possibly)

 

[LiamGoodaire]

sounds good mate, i cant wait to stock, both tanks should be looking good when all the hard work is done

 

[luke4868]

Hey again

Anyone know where I can buy pure ammonia from? I have tried Boots and Asda and both don't do it.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hey again

Anyone know where I can buy pure ammonia from? I have tried Boots and Asda and both don't do it.

I am in the US, but all the threads I have read where you are say Boots is the place. I did see one recent thread where someone said Boots can order it for you if it's not in stock.

 

[-FighterFishh]

After searching glofish, they look really pretty, but they HAVE to be dyed, which is a horrible process for a fish to have to go through.

At first in my biOrb, I just had some pebbles and a fake plant in the middle, but the real plants I have in there now are just good for keeping the nitrate, nitrite and ammonia levels in check.
I'd also have to say that you should try not to buy too many fish in the first few weeks, as new tank syndrome really sucks.
I lost four platys, and a beautiful male and female betta to it, so I'd really be careful with that

Hope that helps!

 

[Gvilleguy]

After searching glofish, they look really pretty, but they HAVE to be dyed, which is a horrible process for a fish to have to go through.

Glofish are not dyed - they are genetically modified Danios. They have a jellyfish gene that causes the glow. So they are by no means a "natural" fish, but they do not go through the dye process.

Glofish Explained

 

[-FighterFishh]

Glofish are not dyed - they are genetically modified Danios. They have a jellyfish gene that causes the glow. So they are by no means a "natural" fish, but they do not go through the dye process.

Glofish Explained

Ahh, I see. Well in that case, they are very pretty, and I want some.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Ahh, I see. Well in that case, they are very pretty, and I want some.

In my own experience the past 6 months, I had both Zebras and Glos, and I have found the Zebras to be healthier in general. We had 4 zebras and 5 glofish when we stocked the tank in July 09, and by December we still had 3 of the Zebras, but only 1 of the original glofish. However - we still like their color in the tank. Just yesterday we bought 2 more Zebras and 2 Glofish to replenish our stock.

 

[-FighterFishh]

In my own experience the past 6 months, I had both Zebras and Glos, and I have found the Zebras to be healthier in general. We had 4 zebras and 5 glofish when we stocked the tank in July 09, and by December we still had 3 of the Zebras, but only 1 of the original glofish. However - we still like their color in the tank. Just yesterday we bought 2 more Zebras and 2 Glofish to replenish our stock.

Ahh, sounds good! ;D

 

[Whitey_144]

i''ve heard alot on hear that neon tetras aren't hardy and shouldn't be the first fish in.

Also, boots do do the ammonia, i had to go into a shop and order it in to collect another day, its called household ammonia, white bottle and red top...check online boots