New Aquarium, Need Advice Please.

[Jim Curtis]

Heres my story. I dont really know what sparked it, but I suddenly got the urge to set up the old aquarium in my apartment. I snagged the old tank out of the basement at my parents house and was off and running. It has been unused for about 5 years. My parents were the ones who maintained and stocked this, I did for a short time near the end, but after a 4 day power outtage in the dead of winter, all the fish died and we never restocked it.
I'm quite the novice when it comes to selecting fish and knowing whats compatible. On top of that, im a big procrastinator and have no idea what sort of fish I want to put in this. I know that I want colorful fish, many of them and also a good variety. Im not sure how many gallons this is, I'm assuming its at least 40. I have it set up and ready to go, will probably add some more live plants and perhaps a few more rocks for the sake of the fish if you guys think i should. So, please, What would you put in this tank?

 

[RiiCKYOMD]

Look at my species poll theres loads there :LD: on this forum Tropical chat

 

[orange shark]

you need to cycle your tank first, look in the newbies forum and its a pinned topic called fishless cycling`

 

[Jim Curtis]

Edit: Alright, cycle time. However, while i'm doing that, id still appreciate some of your input on fish selection.

 

[ebrcknrdg]

I dont ever remember doing that in the past. They never explained the point of it in the thread. I add amonia to remove amonia? Quite confusing.

you add ammonia instead of fish (fish produce ammonia)

 

[Puffdaddy]

It's called the nitrogen cycle. It works like this. The fish produce waste (poo) and food decomposes. Both are in the form of ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to the fish. Now there are special bacteria that form in your filter. The first is called Nitrosomonas which coverts the ammonia to less harmful nitrites. The second form of bacteria is called Nitrbacter which converts nitrite into even less harmful nitrates. Nitrates are then removed through water changes. The reason people do what is called a fishless cycle, is to get these bacteria established in the filter without harming fish. They add the ammonia to grow the bacteria that consumes it. I hope this helps

 

[orange shark]

Id put in 3 different types of shoaling fish (Id reccomend Harlequin Rasboras, Neon Tetras and Lemon Tetras), 3 Liverbearers (Platies, Guppies or Swordtails), some bottom dwellers (Id reccomend a bristlenose pleco, and 6 corydoras e.g. sterbai or albino), and maybe a gourami or 3 (pearl or opaline).

orange shark

 

[Jim Curtis]

Thanks for the suggestions, feel free to keep them coming. Lady friend is a little dissapointed she has to wait a few days before she can name some fish. haha.

 

[-germ-]

A quirky ol' river tank community....
danios, parotocinlus, otocinclus, hillstream loaches, wcmm take your pick....

 

[ebrcknrdg]

Thanks for the suggestions, feel free to keep them coming. Lady friend is a little dissapointed she has to wait a few days before she can name some fish. haha.

Dont mean to be bearer of bad news but it will take more than a few days. Mines taken 2 weeks so far. Im guessing ive got a week to go. It is really worth it though and saves any harm to the fish. In the meantime you can research on fish and learn lots of new stuff on these forums.

 

[-germ-]

Sorry, good point ebrkndg (or similar, what does that mean?)

 

[ebrcknrdg]

Sorry, good point ebrkndg (or similar, what does that mean?)

ebrcknrdg. First inital of my first name, E. Then my last name with vowels taken out A, E, I, E. You work it out

 

[-germ-]

Too tired to think, Brackenridge? will E do for short?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Do you want common, easy to find fish...or less common, but still interesting fish?

Some of my personal picks would be:
- Celebes rainbow : Marosatherina ladigesi http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...?article_id=196
- Brilliant Rasbora / Red tailed Rasbora : Rasbora Borapetensis http/aquaworld.netfirms.com/Cyprinoidae/...orapetensis.htm
- Keyhole Cichlid : Cleithracara maronii http/badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile64.html
- Red finned Danio / Ocelot Danio : Danio kyathit http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...?article_id=334
- Congo Tetra : Phenacogrammus interruptus http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_congot.php
- Adolfoi Cory : Corydoras Adolfoi http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Corydoras_adolfoi.php
- Marble Hatchet : Carnegiella strigata http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_carneg.php
- Apistogrammas : Apistogramma sp. http/www.apistogramma.com/cms/index.php?...view&id=120

 

[ebrcknrdg]

Too tired to think, Brackenridge? will E do for short?

wow got it in one! Impressed