AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
Question I am a beginner and have just bought my first tank. Its 70litres (18gallons I think) but I dont fill it right to the top. I have a cool water setup and have already put the gravel, pump and water in for the tank to run fishless for a few days. Its been running for 3 days now and I would like to get fish tomorrow but am not sure about what to get and how many of each kind. I dont want fish that omit too much waste and I want them to be nice to look at. I have done quite a bit of research and have these options on my list: Cherry Barbs, Glowlight Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, White Clouds, Zebra Danios, Fancy Guppies and Ghost shrimp. I would like there to be a bottom feeder as well and therefore think the Ghost Shrimp would work. I would prefer having smaller fish so I can have more in the tank. Please advise me on which fish and how many of each to choose? Thanks so much!
Answer Hi Kim,
First of all, when you get your first batch of fish, DON'T add them all in one time! First, add 2-3 hardy fish, like Zebra Danios. This is because your new tank is not yet 'cycled', or in simpler terms, it has not yet established the beneficial bacteria that remove fish waste. During this first period, toxin levels are extremely high in your fish tank, and only hardy fish can survive during this period.
You mentioned that his was a cold-water setup. This will NOT work for any of the fish you mentioned except the White Clouds, Zebra Danios and Ghost shrimp. Unless you want to only have those three species in your tank, I recommend that you get a heater. A 100-watt heater would be most suited to your setup. A heater, if you get one, should be set to 78F.
I would like to point out that all the fish above are peaceful community fish, and except the Guppy, they are all shoaling fish. This means that they must be kept in a group of 5 or more. If they are not kept in groups, they will be stressed/unhappy and may not eat, become sick, and they will definitely not show off their best colors. So, this limits your tank to two species plus Ghost Shrimp.
It's really a matter of personal preference of what you choose. All of those fish are great with each other in a tank with a heater, except for a couple points:
-Tetras are stressed by super fast fish like Zebra Danios.
-Livebearers like Guppies generally prefer more alkaline water than Tetras.
So, here's some ideal stocking plans:
-6 Zebra Danios >>
-6 Cherry Barbs or White Clouds
OR
-3 Fancy Guppies*
-6 Rasboras
-5 Zebra Danios or White Clouds >>
OR
-6 Glowlight Tetras
-6 Rasboras or Cherry Barbs >>
If you do not have a heater:
-6 Zebra Danios >>
-6 White Clouds
Ghost shrimp can be added to ANY of those setups.
Remember to add only 3 fish during your first stocking. These fish will be the only fish in the tank for the first month! They will be hardy fish, and I've marked the hardiest fish in each setup with a >>.
During this month, perform 20% water changes every other day to keep down toxin levels. After the first month, you can add fish slowly, about 2-3 per week. You can also switch to a normal water change routine of 20% of the water changed once per week.
