Hi Phishie! Welcome to the fishforum! You'll find a lot of help on here from very experienced aquariasts (if that's even a word).
I am also new, and the best advice I can give you as a new fish keeper & water keeper is: Try your hardest not to get in a rush! Patience will help you to be successful! I know you probably want to run out and buy your beautiful new tank and load it up with fish, but this is not a good way to get started. The fact that you're asking questions on this forum means that you're doing your homework, and you want to do it right, so good job! As a new fish keeper, here are some things that I would suggest you keep in mind about fish selection:
1. Freshwater or Coldwater?: It's been mentioned before, but try to decide fisrt if you want tropical fish or coldwater fish. This will determine whether or not you need to purchase a heater. Coldwater fish include goldfish. Tropical fish include cories, platies, mollies, tetras, gouramis, and many more. Tropical fish will require a heater to keep the water at a nice, warm temperature (most tropical fish prefer temps of 76-80 degrees, but there are definitely exceptions, so do your research). Honestly, I think you will have a greater selection if you go with tropical fish.
2. Cycle with or without fish?: Read all about cycling the fish tank BEFORE you purchase any fish. This is where the patience part comes in. You will need to decide if you want to do a fishless cycle or a traditional cycling with fish. If you go to your local fish store, they will probably recommend a traditional cycling with fish (this happened to me). But, there IS a way to cycle your tank without fish. There are pros and cons for each process. But whether you choose to use fish or not, you will still need to be educated on the process you select and what to do. There is a pinned topic on the "Beginner Questions" board about fishless cycling that you should check out.
3. Total Number of Fish?: When selecting fish, always keep in mind the rule: 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. So, if you have a 20 gallon tank, you can have a maximum of 20 inches of fishes (not one 20 inch fish, but several fish all totalling 20 inches). And, keep in mind that most fish in stores are juvenile, so they will grow. You don't want to overstock, so do your homework to find out how big each fish will get. And, the thing about "the fish will only grow to the size of the aquarium" is not true.
4. Stocking Timetable: Do not purchase your entire stock of fish all at once. The fish need to be added slowly, and some fish do better in a mature tank (plecos, for instance, are best to add once a tank is at least one month old). In fact, depending on the fish you select, it may take up to 6 months to safely stock your tank. I would recommend that you select one type of fish to start your tank with.
5. Needs: Even if you follow the 1 inch rule, not all fish will be appropriate for your aquarium. Rainbowfish, for example, are active fish that typically need at least a 4 foot tank so that they have ample swimming room. Even though the 1 inch rule would allow you to have a Rainbowfish, your aquarium won't be long enough. (I learned this the hard way- I wanted Rainbowfish & purchased an aquarium that is too short before doing my homework. So, now I can't have Rainbowfish. Maybe one day....
) Discus get to be about 5 inches, but these guys are huge and really need a large tank. So, even though they would be ok per the 1 inch rule, they won't be a good fit for your aquarium. These are just examples; there are other fish with special requirements. So, once again, do your homework. You can always ask here if you have doubts.
4. Company?: Some fish strongly prefer to be kept in schools: Corys, tetras, and barbs (for example) all enjoy each other's company and should be kept in schools of 5-6 fish. This also makes them MUCH more interesting to watch. And, in fact, if you are looking for the most interesting fish, this is a personal preference, but I really enjoy watching schools of fish (I like schools of corys and tetras best). Additionally, keeping some fish in groups can cut down on their aggression (barbs, for instance will nip at other fish's fins, but when kept in schools, this behavior is not as detrimental to tank mates b/c they focus more on each other).
5. Temperament: Not all fish are compatible as you've mentioned. When I was selecting fish, I found a fish I really loved (Pearl Gourami), and then I knew all of my other fish had to be peaceful community fish. So, you might try to find a fish that you really love and go from there.
6. Environment: Research what kind of environment your fish prefer before purchasing gravel, plants, airstones, etc. Some fish like lots of plants and some fish like open swimming areas (some like both). Some fish like driftwood in their environment. Some like dark colored substrates and some don't care. Some like gravel and some prefer sand. (once again, I learned this the hard way because I purchased gravel. Now, I want cories and they prefer sand. So, I'm going to have to spend more money to change my substrate out to sand) If you don't provide the appropriate environment, it can cause stress and sickness in your fish community.
7. Buy a Master Test Kit for Freshwater aquariums. I have used mine every day to test the water, so I think you'll find this to be very useful. (When you read all about cycling, you'll realize why you need this)
8. Finally, read about aquarium maintenace to make sure that you're up for the committment.
I hope some of this is helpful! Have fun picking out your fish and learning all about the world of fish keeping!
"Will keep on asking... for tips... I am just starting "
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