Which Fish To Start

[tez2k007]

In process of doing fishless cycle and just wondering what is the best way to start off with regards to adding fish.

I was thinking along the lines of a few neon tetras and just wondering what else is easy to add when starting out.

Dont really want any that lay eggs left right and centre though.

 

[Schmill]

Sorry to say but I think most people on here are going to advise against Neon Tetras as the first fish. Despite the tank being cycled apparently Neons tend to prefer a 'mature' tank, which people seem to class as one that has been running for 6 months or so.
Not sure what to suggest to get, but just thought I'd drop you that bit of info

 

[Goodygumdrops]

What size is your tank?Gouramis are lovely fish,you could have a couple of the bigger ones like pearl gourami,beautiful markings,or a small group of dwarf gouramis,really intense colouring.

 

[tez2k007]

What size is your tank?Gouramis are lovely fish,you could have a couple of the bigger ones like pearl gourami,beautiful markings,or a small group of dwarf gouramis,really intense colouring.

Sorry its 33 Gallon

 

[Goodygumdrops]

Well that's a decent enough size to give you plenty scope.I suppose it's all personal taste.But for a tank that size,I'd go for 2 or 3 of the bigger gouramis.You could also get a small group of angelfish or dwarf cichlids like rams or cockatoos.These more than likely will breed but if you add other fish to the mix fry will become fast food.
Then some bottom feeders,cory catfish are great fun to watch,you could have a small group of these,or maybe a couple of bristlenose plecs.(Be very careful buying plecs at the fish shops as the most commonly sold ones grow mahoosive).

 

[tez2k007]

Well that's a decent enough size to give you plenty scope.I suppose it's all personal taste.But for a tank that size,I'd go for 2 or 3 of the bigger gouramis.You could also get a small group of angelfish or dwarf cichlids like rams or cockatoos.These more than likely will breed but if you add other fish to the mix fry will become fast food.
Then some bottom feeders,cory catfish are great fun to watch,you could have a small group of these,or maybe a couple of bristlenose plecs.(Be very careful buying plecs at the fish shops as the most commonly sold ones grow mahoosive).

Lol yeah they sound pretty good. I have seen some plecs in shops and they are well big. Can you get like smaller dwarf ones?

 

[Goodygumdrops]

Yep,check out the catfish section on here and you will get loads of great info on plecs.In fact I'm sure there's a pinned thread on types and sizes.
Get a nice bit of bogwood and a couple of hiding places for your bottom feeders,plecs graze on the wood and it apparently is recommended for their diet.For hidy holes,I got a few coconut shells off ebay,dead cheap.
In fact,have a browse through all the type specific forums on here.Obviously your tank rules out anything huge,but I'd look at gouramis,have a look at the smaller cichlids in 'New World Cichlids',(including angelfish),stay away from discus fish this early.
One other thig I would suggest also,is to check out the for sale forum here for tank bred fish near you,then you're less likely to be introducing any nasty diseases that shop fish may bring.

 

[gilly640]

I'd recommend Leopard/Zebra Danios, i got them when i first started with my 1st tank they're an excellent fish to watch they never stop moving, get a group of 6/7 & you're sorted!

 

[Goodygumdrops]

Yep,danios are really pretty.Not as in your face colouring as most tetras,but up close,beautiful.Diamond tetras are a favourite of mine,and my bro has a shoal of cardinals,they're all getting quite big now and look stunning.

 

[vinylman]

Neither Cardinals nor Neons will do well in a newly-cycled tank, I'm afraid. Angels? Depends on tank dimensions; I wouldn't keep them in a tank less than 16'' tall. Angels like top-notch water quality, so may not be great straight away, either. As you're still cycling, have a good look at all the different species listed in the pinned threads around the site. The best thing you can do for whatever fish you eventually keep is to research and research. PH isn't vitally important, as long as it's stable and you avoid fish that need to be kept at either extreme. Doing a fishless cycle is the best thing for whatever fish you choose. After that, the only thing you should need to put into your tank is food and fresh dechlorinated water at water changes. Don't be talked into getting bottles of this and that at your LFS.

 

[stickyemu]

i'v been told that Harlequin Rasboras do well in a newly cycled and they Shoal pretty good to

 

[Keithoms]

harlequins were my first fish, very nice! A Bristlenose plec is quite small if you are wanting a small one. Chichlids are nice fish!

 

[OldMan47]

The rasboras make a very nice, good looking and hardy fish. Right now the bristle nose plecs are all the fad so they should be able to find. They are not small but should top out around 4 or 5 inches long.

 

[RushingChamp28]

Im with gilly on this one, Danio rerio is the way to go. Zebra danios are some awesome fish.

and as an added bonus they are very durable...

 

[Goodygumdrops]

In my experience I've found angels pretty bulletproof(I kept them when I was a very young teenager and even managed to bring up a couple of youngsters to full size in the main tank).It's only when you get into breeding that you have to worry about ultra water cleanliness,which you've already said you're not interested in.
Bearing in mind though that there are so many different varieties now and the fancier ones will be a little more delicate.Your normal zebras are pretty tough and beautiful to boot.They do appreciate softer water though,so maybe you should look at your local water supply parameters before choosing your fish.
I've no doubt that water changes and good tank care will not be an issue judging by the interest you show before you've eve added any fish.