starting a new aquarium?

Question

i would like to make a new aquarium for my betta,and some friends eventually. how do i start a new 20 gallon tank safely? and what fish would make good companions for him?

Answer 1

When ever you mix a male Betta with other fish it's a risk. It works out fine for some, and not for others.

If don't want to risk it, then just add a bunch of female Betta's with him and maybe a few African dwarf frogs.

If you want to risk it:

Either pick semi-aggressive tropical fish or community tropical fish.

Do not try goldfish, they rarely mix well.


For setting up the aquarium you are going to need a filter, and a heater (for the tropical fish).

You need to fill up the tank and add water conditioner to remove the chlorine. Add all wanted gravel and decor.

Get the filter running and the heater on and set and let the water run in the tank for at least 24 hours. I recommend 48 hours for a 20 gallon tank. After the water has been running in the tank for 48 hours you can now add fish. Go a head and add your Betta (they are strong so you could add him sooner then 24 hours, but I don't recommend it).

The water temperature should be at 78 degrees, give or take.

Only add new fish slowly. So don't go buy 10 fish in one day.

You need to add 2 or 3 and then wait a few days before adding more. After a few days, add 2 or 3 more. etc etc.

Doing this allows the bacteria and system to build itself up.

Do not overstock your tank, or your fish will not be healthy - and eventually die.

The general rule is for every inch of fish there needs to be a gallon of water.

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You will need to clean the tank once a month.

Change the filters once a month too.

Use a gravel vacuum (cheap and easy to use) to remove 25% of the water (and waste settled in the gravel). Add new water and water conditioner and you are done.

Get an algae eater after your first month. He will help keep the tank free of algae.

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Answer 2

If you have a male betta they need to be in a tank or bowl all by themselves, they are extremely territorial and will fight to the death. To start a 20 gallon tank I would advise boiling the gravel before you add it. Also let the tank sit for a day or two with the filter and heater running with all the gravel and decorations in it. That way the aquarium will be ready for fish. If you have a female betta make sure you have lots of hiding spaces because they like to be able to hide.

Answer 3

I thought this was a great link someone posted once. It's for matching up ideal tank mates. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1911&articleid=3284

Also I have read that you basically can't put a betta fish with anything with a flowing tail. They'll get jelous. (example: no guppies or gold fish)

If you're going to try for some tank mates with your betta try a group of fast little swimmers and hope that your betta isn't an agressive type.

For more information on starting a brand new tank start with this link. They guys story is really long; but it will give LOADS of information.
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/start_up.html

Answer 4

I have found betas live longer and are happier in a tank without filtration the film that builds on the surface aids in building the bubble nest something the male will continue to try to do and with the surface moving he cant. Don't add a female unless she is ripe and ready to breed or he will end up killing her if they lay eggs remove her. i would use the 20 for other fish and leave him where he is. ps i put some thoughts on starting a new tank on "how many fish can i put in a 36x26x18"

Answer 5

Read this article of mine, it will put things in perspective.

Answer 6

go here.... http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tropical_fish/98164
or
http://www.kidspoint.org/columns2.asp?column_id=983&column_type=kpfun
its about setting aqu.....