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I have never had a fish tank before, with the exception of bettas and goldfish. I need to know some good fish to start with, preferably something thats compatable with most fish. thanks

What is the tank size? Depending on the tank, there are several species of fish that would work. Most start off with Zebra danios to cycle the tank-have you read about cycling? After it is cycled, then you can add some other interesting fish (yet still fairly easy)
good luck

I enjoy my White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They are very undemanding fish, and are coming out in more varieties now.

um, tiger barbs are hardy.

Generalist fish are a great way to start, omnivores are easier to feed. Labyrinth fish like the betta and gouramies can be good as their breathing techniques can be an advantage when water qualities drop during your first mistakes.They can be a bit territorial though, so youd have to watch your stocking levels.

Barbs are tough but can often be fin nippers, ( note a technical term used by aquarists to inadequately describe the total mutilation that can occur ) so good and bad in equal measure. Ive found scavenger species like some cories pretty tough as long as you remember theyre salt intolerant .

Danios can be really tough, but a lot of them are on the cooler side of tropical to coldwater so often not really suitable for the warmer tanks you will probably end up with.

Platies are pretty tough as are some tetras, but the choice can be bewildering and youd really need to look into which species are suitable. Often the most commonly available captive breds are good choices - you can ask your fish stockist about them. They breed well and come in a myriad of colours usually because theyre hardy and well suited to community tanks.

In any eventuality mistakes will occur and if youre gonna kill a fish no matter how unintentionally, its better to do it to a fish that breeds well and is eminently replaceable than with a rarer wild caught fish.

Basically avoid anything like large predators,angels , discus, and 99% of all cichlids , and brackish species like archers etc ,until youre well informed on water quality and territoriality.Fish that eat only livefoods can be a nightmare to provide for and specialised feeders are a damn sight worse. based on the average size of tanks that most people are prepared to fork out fo , I would also avoid fish that get over a few inches in length, the size requirement for larger fish often increases dramatically, dont assume the tanks in fish stockists are sufficient for proper care of the fish, most pet store tanks are overcrowded often 10 to 20 times the ideal. You can learn very little about the limits of overcrowding from looking at shop tanks- except that you shouldnt do as they do.

The mistake commonly made is to overstock- dont buy too many fish too early and plan for their eventual size- the primary cause of MTS ( multiple tank syndrome) is people overfilling tanks with young fish. ( I have been guilty of this many times , but then ive always had the budget and the space to cope) .Without planning your only other options other than MTS is:

1) F.L.I.D.S (fine, let it die syndrome).
2) N.E.W.T.S (never even wanted the trouble syndrome)- Serial behaviour when people buy fish they cant cope with and give em back to the shop or wrongly assume that zoos and rescues will want them.

and lastly

3)F.I.N.S ( flush it now syndrome.)

The sufferers of these ailments while often inspiring pity, can be easily cured by administration of a weighty piece of bogwood, applied sharply to the side of the head at a relative velocity of about 70 mph...

If you think the tank is looking a bit empty its probably better to try your hand at aquatic horticulture, and make a really stunning display with plants which will highlight the fish nicely, it will also advance your knowledge of the hobby to a significant degree.It will prepare you well for moving on to bigger and better things.

One thing you could do is browse the internet, books and magazines, and come up with a community tank species shortlist and post it here. We just love picking those apart and youd learn a lot about fishy interspecies relationships on the way.Its something you can do while your cycling your tank without fish.

Remember tropicals and goldfish really dont mix due to disease and differing conditions of keeping, so best leave the goldfish out of your plans. Goldfish be pond fish not aquarium fish





Last edited by longhairedgit at 07-Sep-2005 20:36

Last edited by longhairedgit at 07-Sep-2005 20:41

Barbs & Danios are quite hardy & they are good to cycle tanks. If you want a community tank, they it's better to do a fishless cycle & then start adding fish after the cycle has completed.
How big is the tank & which are the fish you like most?.



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we have cycled 3 tanks now, one with danios, one with plattys and one with cherry barbs. all have proved to be hardy as we only lost 1 platty during the cycling process.

White cloud minnows were very hardy, and of course the danios as well. Used bigger tiger barbs before as well, no losses ever when cycling

I currently fishless cycle my tanks, so I can add what I want. I cycled my first Tank with Black Ruby Barbs- 6 of them- not one died during the cycle and they lived for about 6 years.

http://www.fishprofiles.com/site/aquarank.aspx

Harlequin rasboras are nice and hardy, and get along well with everything we've put in with them

I used 3 Harlequins to cycle my 20 gallon. Don't worry I added 3 more when the cycle was done.

20 Gallon Long:
Aquaclear 300
2 Bolivian Rams, Mikrogeophagus altispinosus: Gumby and Pokey