i bought a fishtank. now what fish should i put in it?

[K-TRAIN]

I just recently bought a 30 gallon fishtank from a friend who used it to keep Cichlids. He gave me everything needed to keep them, the filter, heater, etc. even food and gravel. So i decided to keep fish in it.
So far i've only had experience with keeping a Betta, and doing maintenence on fishtanks at my school. After looking for hours at the different freshwater fish you can buy i narrowed it down to three fish i really like. I know how agressive they are and things like that, but not if they would work in a 30 gallon tank.
The fish are Giant Danio, Merigold Swordtail, and Red Tailed Shark.
Does anyone have experience with these fish? Would that combination of fish work in a 30 gallon? And how many should i get of each if it does work?
Im looking to start with something for beginners, which these fish apparently are.

 

[Choobaine]

I want to get a tank myself, when I was little-er and keeping fish I wanted to keep newts too, my parents promised me and then never got them so that's probably what I'd go for.

I've kept swordtails before, purely by accident we bred them! But that was a loooooong time ago. Pretty things they are though.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

The first thing you need to do is research the ADULT size of the fish species you want, and allow roughly one gallon per inch of adult fish.

I don't know anything about those specific species however, so I can't get into who's likely to maim who, or who needs to be in a school of their own kind to be happy, or who produces a lot more waste than usual and so needs two gallons/inch of fish or whatever.

While we do have some good fish people around here, you're probably better off looking up a forum specifically FOR fish-keepers, you'll get a lot more specific advice with a lot more experience behind it.

EDIT: Do not I repeat DO NOT neglect to look up things like fishless cycling and how to manage/understand things like ammonia and nitrates and ph, or you're just going to unnecessarily kill a lot of fish if you just fill it with water and start the filter and throw some animals in there. You may already know that part, but it's always important to be sure.

 

[K-TRAIN]

I want to get a tank myself, when I was little-er and keeping fish I wanted to keep newts too, my parents promised me and then never got them so that's probably what I'd go for.

I've kept swordtails before, purely by accident we bred them! But that was a loooooong time ago. Pretty things they are though.

i always wanted a tank but im better at keeping reptiles. but its never to late to get started with other animals right? im sure its gonna end up like the tarantulas. i got one, soon i ended up with ten, and now im looking at alot more.

your right though, swordtails are beautiful fish.

 

[K-TRAIN]

The first thing you need to do is research the ADULT size of the fish species you want, and allow roughly one gallon per inch of adult fish.

I don't know anything about those specific species however, so I can't get into who's likely to maim who, or who needs to be in a school of their own kind to be happy, or who produces a lot more waste than usual and so needs two gallons/inch of fish or whatever.

While we do have some good fish people around here, you're probably better off looking up a forum specifically FOR fish-keepers, you'll get a lot more specific advice with a lot more experience behind it.

EDIT: Do not I repeat DO NOT neglect to look up things like fishless cycling and how to manage/understand things like ammonia and nitrates and ph, or you're just going to unnecessarily kill a lot of fish if you just fill it with water and start the filter and throw some animals in there. You may already know that part, but it's always important to be sure.

Thanks for the advice Mushroom Spore. I did look up adult size, but i didnt know the ratio for fish to gallons. I plan on looking up a fish forum too, i just havent had time to search yet.
The nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, ph levels, and things like that i do have some experience dealing with, because my school is in a program called "trout in the classroom", and i do water changes from time to time in the tank. So i learned alittle bit. I plan on learnin more though before i accually buy the fish.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

The nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, ph levels, and things like that i do have some experience dealing with, because my school is in a program called "trout in the classroom", and i do water changes from time to time in the tank. So i learned alittle bit. I plan on learnin more though before i accually buy the fish.

Good, good, and more good. If you've never actually started a tank yourself before, it's a little tricky compared to just maintaining one, by my research, but it can be done. (Also look up Biospira, widely regarded as both awesome and the only beneficial-bacteria-for-sale that actually works.)

 

[rollinkansas]

Are you looking at setting up FW or SW? Both are pretty easy, and can be made into nice looking tanks, but I prefer my coral SW tanks over FW...of course they will cost more money though.

It all depends what you are looking for.

 

[K-TRAIN]

Are you looking at setting up FW or SW? Both are pretty easy, and can be made into nice looking tanks, but I prefer my coral SW tanks over FW...of course they will cost more money though.

It all depends what you are looking for.

im going for a freshwater tank first. i'd love to have a salt water setup with clownfish and stuff like that, but at the moment i couldnt afford it. (i have 26 animals in my care currently) i can afford the freshwater though, and it will be good practice to prepare me for a saltwater tank. i like to do things in levels, so in the fish case, its betta-------freshwater---------brackish-------salt water.

i prefer looking at tanks with coral in them myself, but unfortunatly right now its out of the question. when i get a better job i might look into either a new fish tank or ferrets. im not sure yet though.

 

[mrbonzai211]

I would say no to a red tailed shark because they will quickly outgrow your tank and they get aggressive when they mature. I would stick to danios, platties, mollies, and guppies for that size. Also, do not buy a pleco because they grow fast, mature at about 12 inches, and only eat algae when they're very young. A whip-tail catfish would work perfectly if you can find one. I read that your friend used to keep cichlids in that tank, but I wouldn't make that mistake again if I were you. Cichlids are far too territorial and get too big for a tank that size. I would only suggest a cichlid if you go two at the most and if the species only maxed out at 4-5 inches.

 

[rollinkansas]

im going for a freshwater tank first. i'd love to have a salt water setup with clownfish and stuff like that, but at the moment i couldnt afford it. (i have 26 animals in my care currently) i can afford the freshwater though, and it will be good practice to prepare me for a saltwater tank. i like to do things in levels, so in the fish case, its betta-------freshwater---------brackish-------salt water.

i prefer looking at tanks with coral in them myself, but unfortunatly right now its out of the question. when i get a better job i might look into either a new fish tank or ferrets. im not sure yet though.

Well if your ready for it, you can make some relatively simple cichlid tanks with nice rockwork and live plants. Maintenance isnt too hard either. 30 gallons will make a nice display for these fish, as opposed to the $2 guppies at the petstore I think.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Also, do not buy a pleco because they grow fast, mature at about 12 inches, and only eat algae when they're very young

On this same note, there are a few species that DO stay small and eat algae all their lives - though you'd have to be very sure you were getting the right kind and not a mislabeled one. Bristlenose plecos are the best.

All plecos poop a lot, though.

 

[dtknow]

Unless you really want the "shark" I'd skip it. Can get aggressive and get pretty big(6" or so).

Have you looked at lyretail swords or variatus platies? Not sure what you mean by marigold swords but the ones I see at the LFS are a dull yellow with no distinct markings at all. I much prefer the red swords and their are some pretty strains of neon(wildtype body with yellow fins) out there. If you added danios that might make for a rather hectic tank. Aesthetics wise I'd get a large school of giant danios and then possibly some calmer fish. Could go with a SE Asian theme.

 

[mrbonzai211]

There's nothing like a tank full of the dwarf species of gouramis. All of the smaller species have the best patterns and coloration. They're some of the most beautiful freshwater species available. Plus, they are labyrinth fish and are related to bettas which you already have experience with.

Be careful though, I got a common blue gourami that was listed with a max size of 4-6 inches but she made it to 9 before I sold her. With the dwarf species though, you'll be lucky if they hit 4 inches (you're most likely to see 2-3 inches).

 

[Aschamne]

I know that some my disagree, but in a tank that small saltwater would be easier to maintain than freshwater. Now I will give you my reasons for this.

Saltwater

1) If you start you tank with both live rock and live sand, they will act as your filtering system and maintaining most of your water parameters

2) It is very simple to make an auto top off(use freshwater), which will maintain the salinity between water changes.

3) You will only have to change 15% of the water about once a month.

Freshwater

1) In a tank that small expect to do weekly 15% water changes, just to maintain proper water parameters.

2) This is the only thing that is better for freshwater. You can use the lighting that your friend is supplying, where with salt water you will have to upgrade to at least 128W compact florescent 50/50 fixture and bulb.


I setup a 7 gallon saltwater tank a few years ago and it is easier to maintain than my 125 gallon freshwater tank which is way easier than the 29 gallon freshwater I use to keep.

For information on how to setup a small reef tank go to www.nano-reef.com just remember take it slow no matter what you decide.

Art

 

[Ewok]

Nano-reef.com is a great site. I had a 5 gal reef about 2 years ago that did better than my 20 gal haha. I miss having a reef tank. I'm in an apartment, and don't know how long i'll be here, so I don't want to set one up and have to tear it down again haha

 

[Ewok]

On this same note, there are a few species that DO stay small and eat algae all their lives - though you'd have to be very sure you were getting the right kind and not a mislabeled one. Bristlenose plecos are the best.

All plecos poop a lot, though.

Also they need some driftwood for their fiber.

L46 zebra plecos stay small, but are not cheap haha, I alway wanted one of those

 

[K-TRAIN]

Well if your ready for it, you can make some relatively simple cichlid tanks with nice rockwork and live plants. Maintenance isnt too hard either. 30 gallons will make a nice display for these fish, as opposed to the $2 guppies at the petstore I think.

im accually staying away from cichlids, not that there not good pets or anything, i just dont like the colors. i'd prefer alittle more then one color in a tank. and i want a tank without the hassle of worrying if my fish are too aggressive towards the others. (which i know i have to watch anyway, but my fish choice seems to be better because only the shark is aggressive. and even the shark i might not get.

Unless you really want the "shark" I'd skip it. Can get aggressive and get pretty big(6" or so).

Have you looked at lyretail swords or variatus platies? Not sure what you mean by marigold swords but the ones I see at the LFS are a dull yellow with no distinct markings at all. I much prefer the red swords and their are some pretty strains of neon(wildtype body with yellow fins) out there. If you added danios that might make for a rather hectic tank. Aesthetics wise I'd get a large school of giant danios and then possibly some calmer fish. Could go with a SE Asian theme.

im accually starting to not like the shark idea. if i get good at fishtank keeping, i may buy a 55 gallon tank at the petco $1 a gallon sale, and set it up for fish. then i'd buy a shark.

the marigold swords are a type of swordtail that are a yellow color. they have them for sale at "that pets place".

is variatus platies a scientific name? im wondering because im good with reptile, amphibian, and insect scientific names, but not fish. i will be soon though.

and a SE asian theme would be what kind of fish in general? are they close to bettas?

There's nothing like a tank full of the dwarf species of gouramis. All of the smaller species have the best patterns and coloration. They're some of the most beautiful freshwater species available. Plus, they are labyrinth fish and are related to bettas which you already have experience with.

Be careful though, I got a common blue gourami that was listed with a max size of 4-6 inches but she made it to 9 before I sold her. With the dwarf species though, you'll be lucky if they hit 4 inches (you're most likely to see 2-3 inches).

im not sure what gouramis species are. do you happen to know a common name for the species? sorry like i said above i dont know the scientific names yet.

I know that some my disagree, but in a tank that small saltwater would be easier to maintain than freshwater. Now I will give you my reasons for this.

Saltwater

1) If you start you tank with both live rock and live sand, they will act as your filtering system and maintaining most of your water parameters

2) It is very simple to make an auto top off(use freshwater), which will maintain the salinity between water changes.

3) You will only have to change 15% of the water about once a month.

Freshwater

1) In a tank that small expect to do weekly 15% water changes, just to maintain proper water parameters.

2) This is the only thing that is better for freshwater. You can use the lighting that your friend is supplying, where with salt water you will have to upgrade to at least 128W compact florescent 50/50 fixture and bulb.


I setup a 7 gallon saltwater tank a few years ago and it is easier to maintain than my 125 gallon freshwater tank which is way easier than the 29 gallon freshwater I use to keep.

For information on how to setup a small reef tank go to www.nano-reef.com just remember take it slow no matter what you decide.

Art

thanks for the link. im not going to make a salt water tank yet, but i will look into it. i wish i could make one now, but i dont feel ready for it and the stuff i got to maintain the tank was, like i mentioned, used for freshwater fish, so i dont want to risk putting copper in the tank. i was told that copper is bad for a saltwater tank. (the tank was accually my environmental teachers tank, who gave it to my friend, then i got it from him.)

 

[froggyman]

On this same note, there are a few species that DO stay small and eat algae all their lives - though you'd have to be very sure you were getting the right kind and not a mislabeled one. Bristlenose plecos are the best.

All plecos poop a lot, though.

no no get an Otocinclus sp. the stay small and eat algae plus no huge poop like a plec

 

[naturejoe]

tank care

I had a 29 gal tank in freshwater for 6 years and never cleaned it. I had to trim the plants from time to time though. It all depends on how you set it up and how many fish you put in it. I have kept fish for 20 years and have not done a water change in at least 15 years. I don't want to do that much work. Keep the fish load down, add lots of inverts (snails, shrimp, crays and such), use only live plants and don't skimp on the filter. My favorite is an undergravel with at least 4 inches of gravel, more gravel = better filter, driven by a powerhead. I have used this system in 5 gal to 200 gal with great results in all of them. I found the less I mess with the tank the better it became.

Good luck.

 

[Aschamne]

I had a 29 gal tank in freshwater for 6 years and never cleaned it. I had to trim the plants from time to time though. It all depends on how you set it up and how many fish you put in it. I have kept fish for 20 years and have not done a water change in at least 15 years. I don't want to do that much work. Keep the fish load down, add lots of inverts (snails, shrimp, crays and such), use only live plants and don't skimp on the filter. My favorite is an undergravel with at least 4 inches of gravel, more gravel = better filter, driven by a powerhead. I have used this system in 5 gal to 200 gal with great results in all of them. I found the less I mess with the tank the better it became.

Good luck.

With having a 15" Tilapia buttikoferi keeping plants is impossible as they would be eaten almost immediately after be put into the tank. I also have a 12" Polypterus palmas which keeps me from keeping inverts. So therefore a monthly water change is necessary to remove detritus and maintain the ph.

I use a wet/dry filter which is superior to a undergravel filter on all levels. The sump increases the volume of water thus decreasing the bioload ratio. Also, as evaporation occurs the tank level remains constant(the sump level drops). When the fish do aquascaping that removes all the gravel from one part of the tank the filtration is not compromised.

Art