New Tank Setup

[joszjak]

Hello there!

I have no previous experience of fish keeping (except goldfish a long time ago) but was thinking of buying a 10 gallon tank.

I have a problem because I'm not sure which fish can go with what, so I came here for help. I wondered if someone could help me place some properly.

I havn't bought any yet, but I like the look of Bettas, Corys, Tetra, Angelfish, Barbs, Guppys, Swordtails and Clown Loach. I also would like a Crayfish. I understand that tank size and crowding are problems.

I would be grateful for any help finding a setup.

Thanks

Dane

 

[Mako Man111]

Hello there!

I have no previous experience of fish keeping (except goldfish a long time ago) but was thinking of buying a 10 gallon tank.

I have a problem because I'm not sure which fish can go with what, so I came here for help. I wondered if someone could help me place some properly.

I havn't bought any yet, but I like the look of Bettas, Corys, Tetra, Angelfish, Barbs, Guppys, Swordtails and Clown Loach. I also would like a Crayfish. I understand that tank size and crowding are problems.

I would be grateful for any help finding a setup.

Thanks

Dane

Maby like 4 or 5 gupppies would be a good choice, or a single, key word single, male betta. Or a few small tetras or barbs. Clown loaches and angels grow way to large for a 10 gallon. I wouldn't go with a crayfish, unless its by itself.

 

[joszjak]

I wouldn't want a single fish. Would you recommend getting a larger tank then, or keeping it simple for now?

Thanks

 

[Mako Man111]

I wouldn't want a single fish. Would you recommend getting a larger tank then, or keeping it simple for now?

Thanks

Actually larger tanks are easier to take care of, and easier to keep stable. I would recommend somthing like 55gallons if you want a lot of community fish. Also, you can keep angels in a 55.

 

[joszjak]

Ok thanks. How much would a 55 gallon tank cost? Not sure about the space in the house either!

If I got a 55 gallon, what would you recommend putting in it?

Sorry if I'm becoming annoying! And why only a single Betta, do they not only grow to 3 inches?

Thanks

 

[Bullrock74]

[Actually larger tanks are easier to take care of, and easier to keep stable.

I'm glad you said this because I couldn't agree more. A ten gallon tank means the slightest mistake could cause big problems. Buy the largest aquarium you can afford and have space for...you will not regret it.

 

[Mako Man111]

Ok thanks. How much would a 55 gallon tank cost? Not sure about the space in the house either!

If I got a 55 gallon, what would you recommend putting in it?

Sorry if I'm becoming annoying! And why only a single Betta, do they not only grow to 3 inches?

Thanks

A single betta is a good choise for a 5-20 gallon tank, they just can sometimes be aggressive toward other takemates, and should never be kept with another male or females, they can and will fight. I mean I used to keep zebra danios with my betta untill he bit off one of thier fins! I only keep him with a few otto catfish as they generally steer clear of him plus I need them to help keep my planted tank free of algae.

A 55 tank or larger you have a lot of options, community tank of tetras, barbs, danios, and some catfish. Or an african cichlid tank, and you could even keep some central/south american cichlids in there if you get some of the smaller speacies.

You can also keep angels, but make sure you tankmates are not too nippy. (also don't keep with neons, they may eat them as they come from the same natural waters).

 

[joszjak]

Thanks for the help.

 

[dwarfgourami]

If you are unsure of how much space/money etc you want to commit to the hobby, a 15-20 gallon tank might make a nice halfway house. This would enable you to keep a small community, chosen from two of the following groups:

group of small livebearers (platies, endlers, guppies)- either 1 male+several females, or 5+ males, or females (here you can keep just 2 or 3)

school of 6 small tetras (glowlights, black neons etc)

group of 3 corydoras

group of 3 or more small loaches (khuulies, sidthimunki)

trio of honey gouramis (1 male, 2 females)

one small pleco/loricariid (clown, bristlenose)

Once the tank has had time to mature, you could add a group of shrimps as well. To give an idea, I used to keep a group of 4 peppered corydoras, 4 platies and 1 male guppy in a 19 gallon tank.