New Tank

[mick1408]

Hi,
I'm Mick. I live in Yorkshire Uk. Pleased to meet you all. Just need a bit of advice really.
I'm new to tropical fish-keeping. In fact I don't have any fish yet and this is where your advice is needed.
I have a 125l tank and have started to cycle two weeks ago. I started by filling the tank with gravel, ornaments and plants. Have just done a 20% water change today and want to add fish in about two weeks, will this be OK?
The fish I want to start with are Zebra Danios (5) followed by Guppies (5), Dwarf Gouramis (2), Rams (2), Pentazona Barbs (5), Neon Tetra (5), Red Finned Shark (I think this is what they are called) (1) and Siamese Fighter Fish (1).
What I would like your advice on is
Will my tank be ready to take the fish in two weeks?
Do you see any problems with the fish I am wanting to add?
Am I overfilling my tank?
How do I add the fish i.e. how long should I leave in between introducing a new species to introducing the next?
Any other advice you can give for the complete novice.
Mick.

 

[stang1]

I've just posted on your other thread.

 

[mick1408]

I've just posted on your other thread.

Thanks Stang1. Sorry, I didn't read that the other thread was to introduce only and not for questions, that's why I've posted on here too.

Mick.

 

[dixaisy930]

I'm not sure, but I think the shark will not work in a 125l tank.

The betta will probably be harassed by the danios, and the gouramis might be harassed by them as well. I know several people who regret getting danios for their tank. They are very active and at times, obnoxious fish. Some people have fine luck with them, others really dislike them. Keeping them in a group seems to help though.

I think the rams might not work either. I believe they need different water parameters than the other fish, but double check the cichlid section. They'd be able to help you out better.

When you first set up the tank, did you add any source of ammonia? Like food or straight ammonia? Or did you seed the tank with mature gravel or filter media?

 

[mick1408]

I'm not sure, but I think the shark will not work in a 125l tank.

The betta will probably be harassed by the danios, and the gouramis might be harassed by them as well. I know several people who regret getting danios for their tank. They are very active and at times, obnoxious fish. Some people have fine luck with them, others really dislike them. Keeping them in a group seems to help though.

I think the rams might not work either. I believe they need different water parameters than the other fish, but double check the cichlid section. They'd be able to help you out better.

When you first set up the tank, did you add any source of ammonia? Like food or straight ammonia? Or did you seed the tank with mature gravel or filter media?

Thanks dixaisy,

I added filter media and food. I was advised to start the tank off with Zebra Danios as they are hardy and supposed to go well in a community tank, any other suggestions?
Mick.

 

[dixaisy930]

If you added food, then your tank should be cycling. Just keep adding food and keep checking parameters. You'll want to add any fish when your ammonia is 0 and the nitrite is 0. As long as you wait for the parameters to be ok, I think you could add any healthy fish to the tank (probably wouldn't want it to be more sensitive or delicate fish though)

I think the danios will be fine additions, as long as you don't have any other top dwellers. I think they are really fun fish to watch (constantly swimming and darting around the tank). I would suggest doing a search of "danio" on this forum, and just read peoples' experiences with them.

You might want to think about a nice school of cories or kuhli loaches. You should have atleast 6 of either one, but I really like both of these fish. I know people have reported hardly seeing kuhlis after they were added to the tank, but I find when there is a good group of them (I had around 8 in my tank, and I always saw them scooting around the bottom). But I think you said you have gravel, right? Kuhlis and cories seem to do better with sand though....oh...sorry for that unsolicited tanget.

One key to stocking is to get the right number of fish at each swimming level (top, middle and bottom).

 

[mick1408]

If you added food, then your tank should be cycling. Just keep adding food and keep checking parameters. You'll want to add any fish when your ammonia is 0 and the nitrite is 0. As long as you wait for the parameters to be ok, I think you could add any healthy fish to the tank (probably wouldn't want it to be more sensitive or delicate fish though)

I think the danios will be fine additions, as long as you don't have any other top dwellers. I think they are really fun fish to watch (constantly swimming and darting around the tank). I would suggest doing a search of "danio" on this forum, and just read peoples' experiences with them.

You might want to think about a nice school of cories or kuhli loaches. You should have atleast 6 of either one, but I really like both of these fish. I know people have reported hardly seeing kuhlis after they were added to the tank, but I find when there is a good group of them (I had around 8 in my tank, and I always saw them scooting around the bottom). But I think you said you have gravel, right? Kuhlis and cories seem to do better with sand though....oh...sorry for that unsolicited tanget.

One key to stocking is to get the right number of fish at each swimming level (top, middle and bottom).

Thanks for that, i think most of the fish i mentioned in my original post are middle dwellers??? Any other suggestions.

Mick.

 

[stang1]

When your tank is fully cycled start by adding 5-6 fish. Keep an eye on your water by testing it every couple of days and if, after a week, the water is fine then you can add another 5-6 fish. Keep doing this and before you know it you'll have a beautifully stocked tank.
Another fish to consider is Harlequin Rasboras, they colour up a lot as they get older and are a peaceful community fish.
If you are not too sure on the danios then try White or Gold Cloud Mountain Minnows. Another peaceful fish and very hardy.