Totally New....... :s

[Jennie]

Hi guys.

I was going to get my mum some tropical fish for her birthday (22nd Sept), as they would be a great addition to the household, and I have an interest in them myself.

Unfortunately, I do not know anything at all about fish!!

I don't know how to keep them, which ones to get to start off with, how to feed them, what equipment to get or anything.

Would anyone be able to give me some tips on the above, even about buying a tank too.

Thankyou, and great to be on here!!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

hello and welcome to the forum.

good on you for coming on to do some research before you just launch into something. So you've already made the best possible start to fishkeeping.

Your next step really is to think about what you want from the tank, have a look through the members pics section and get some inspiration. When you've some ideas about what you want from the tank then we can give you some more specific advise.

There's a post here with a lot fo beginner FAQ's, have a read through them as well.

 

[Jennie]

Hi ya,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I have a friend who keeps tropical fish, and I have been talking to several people in work who also used to keep them.

I purchaced a glass aquarium starter tank, which consists of a glass Tank (31cm long x 18cm deep x 24cm high), electric pump / filter, fish net, fish food, tank backing, plastic plant & lid.

If you wish to look at the tank yourself, here's my starter fish tank

Speaking to several people, apparently I have to prepare the water about a week in advance. I need to get some gravel, and also more food, and purchase some books before I even think about buying fish!!

For a starter aquarium, the fish that I have been advised on is the following:

2 catfish
6 cardinal tetras
1 gourami / angel fish
3 zebra danios

He explained that fish live in different levels of the tank, and that all of these fish would be able to live together.

How to I prepare the water, and is it worth me buying some tester kits?? Also, how much and which type of food should i put in the water??

 

[jtnova13]

hey jennie. How many gallons is that tank? I don't think you can keep an angel with cardinal tetra or in a tank that small. There are alot of posts about cycling a tank whether fishless or with fish. You should get an ammonia/nitrite/nitrate test kit for cycling.

It takes about a month to cycle, maybe less if you're lucky, but look up some posts about cycling a tank!

also, make sure you get small catfish like cory's!

finally, what kind of filter is it? I know some of those starter kits come with underpowered filters. You want to turn over the water in your tank at least 2-3 times, preferably 3. IE: if your tank holds 10 gallons, you want a filter that will filter 30 gallons per hour.

Hope this helps, there are tons of start up questions , try the beginner forum!

good luck