Member

Posts: 37
From:Edgewood, MD, USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-06-2003 10:24 AM         

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Hi, all,

I would really like to get a small fish tank and keep freshwater fish. However, I've never kept fish before and don't really know where to begin! I was thinking of getting maybe a 5-10 gallon tank. You guys are the experts - can you recommend a good hardy fish that I can start with and a decent tank/filter combination?

Also, if you know of any good web resources for the beginner, I would be most appreciative!

Thanks,
Alison

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Member

Posts: 60
From: WI USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-06-2003 11:57 AM         

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I am new to this hobby myself, however, I've learned many things in a short time. Don't get a small tank...the water volume is so small that they are touchy...your levels will spike easily. I would say atleast a 20 gallon to make your life much easier. Danios are a great, hardy fish to start your cycling or there is also fishless cycling but I'm not at all sure what that entails. Good luck...there are many people who are a great resource at this site!

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-08-2003 02:05 PM         

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It depends if you want a community tank or a tank with an individual fish. Also, are you looking at having a planted tank? Tetras and smaller danios are good community fish and easy on planted aquariums. After a few weeks, putting in a cory might help keep the gravel cleaner. 10 gallon tanks can be run quite succesfully, I have one with a school of tetras, but research the fish you'll put in to make sure they won't outgrow it and then don't overstock it.
Good luck.

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Member

Posts: 32
From:
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-08-2003 07:42 PM         

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Get at least a 20 to start with because if you like it at all then you will want a bigger tank asap.

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Member

Posts: 32
From:
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-08-2003 07:46 PM         

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And dont scare yourself out of getting as big as you think you will ever want because if your new to it and dont know much about then all you have to do is read and do some resurch on fish like coming here to this board was one of the best moves you could have made. I have sat countless hours and read about lots of fish mostly cichlids and there is people that posts here that way above and beyond me as far as knowledge on fish goes. If you have a question or a concern come here and ask and Im sure some one here can answer it.

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Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-09-2003 10:14 AM         

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Hey Alison,
I have a 55- gallon aquarium and the filter I use works great and is super quiet. I have a Aquaclear 300 (there are different ones: i.e aquaclear 100, 200 etc., for different size tanks.) It sits on the outside of the tank as opposed to an undergravel filter. I am new to this as well and I basically purchased a variety of fish to see which ones I like best...and so far they are still alive! I am also getting interested in using live plants. One thing I have realized about this hobby is that it can be expensive....however very rewarding!
Good-luck and please let us know what you decided to go with

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Member

Posts: 266
From:Canada
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 12-09-2003 11:35 AM         

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fishybiz, I remember you had quite an assortment of interesting fish in your tank and I agree with you to a point. However, Alison, it is very important that you resaearch the fish BEFORE you get them to make sure that they are compatible with your set-up. Look at size, aggressiveness, temp., salinity and PH requirements.Many aquarists buy fish for their ten or twenty gallon tank only to find out that it grows 12+ inches long and they will have to get a larger, more expensive tank (goldfish fit this category!) Test the waters, but know what you're getting into first.

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Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-12-2003 08:39 PM         

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oops...I mean I have an aquaclear 500....

Yep, I have quite the assortment and heres one word of advice....

...........ITS ADDICTIVE!!!!

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Member

Posts: 65
From:canada
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-18-2004 06:56 AM         

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hi i would get some ciclids africann ones or 3 bala sharks and if u want to breed fish get mollies they breed easyily

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Member

Posts: 66
From:New York, Ny USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-18-2004 06:56 PM         

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im gonna sigguest barbs cuz i've always had luck with them they are easy and a good beginner fish..... hope i helped

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Member

Posts: 66
From:New York, Ny USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-18-2004 06:56 PM         

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im gonna sigguest barbs cuz i've always had luck with them they are easy and a good beginner fish..... hope i helped

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Member

Posts: 15
From:Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-23-2004 09:39 PM         

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My first tank wa sa 10 gallon and I moved up to a 20 within a few weeks. I started out with chiclids, they're pretty hardy. Make sure you cycle the tank for at least 3 weeks before adding fish, it makes a huge difference. One word of advice: Patience! Tetras are good starter fish as well. Have fun!

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