Granddaughter wants a fish tank and?

Question

Well to be honest, I would like one too, but I don't know about them. I would like to get us some guppies, maybe to start, but what kind of salt do I put in their water?

Thanks, does that mean a larger tank will be even a bigger problem ?

Answer 1

If you really are interested in setting up a fish tank I really suggest dong some research first. Buy a good book, visit some forums for helpful tips and advice. There are many things to know to achieve success, and many things useful to know to make life easier. Anyone who thinks maintaining a tank is a PITA is doing things the hard way.

www.fishforums.net/ is a start.

Larger tanks are actually easier to keep then smaller, as more water results in more stability. The trick to keeping an aquairum is regular maintenance - a properly equipped and maintained tank will never have to be taken apart and cleaned.

One last thing - you mentioned your granddaughter and I'm assuming you are sharing the tank, as a child will never care for the fish properly without a good deal of help, and they tend to lose interest quickly.

Good luck

Answer 2

Guppy, platty, and swordtails are all hardy memebers of the live bearer group. They will do well in 5+ gallon tanks. They can take a lot of salt, and if it's all live bearer tank it's a good idea to add some salt. This tends prevent a number of diseases. If you think you might want to put oter types of fish keep the sal to 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons. (If not add 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon per day for 5 days.) Be sure to disolve the salt in a cup of tank water 1st.

Your fish store will try to sell you aquarium salt. In 99% of all case it's a waste of money. Table salt is okay, and kosher salt is slightly better. You can get both from the local store. Don't believe the "iodine will kill your fish" people. It's good for you, and your fish. Plus aquarium has a lot of iodine too.

PS- Other fish to look at are:

danios- Cheap and hardy. They don't need a heater.

Bettas- Beatiful, and very hardy. They really do best alone, but they easy to care for. http://bettatalk.com/basic_care.htm

PPS- Be sure not to over feed. Be sure clean the gravel regularly. Read up on the subject at the attached links.

Answer 3

well you can get a tank- fill it w water and let it run for at least 24 hours w no fish- and never add salt to fresh water fish- guppies are fresh water- mollies and platys are good for starters and not too expensive, there are fish that are more agressive so you want to ask before you buy- I would get a biofilter- you can probably buy a nice tank w the filter and all that at walmart- if the tank is near the sun it will probably grow more algae than usual- so buy a good algae eater- and enjoy!!!! D

Answer 4

gennerally speaking,Guppies don't need salt.Especially if you have hard,alkaline water.They are hardy livebearing fishes.In fact they don't need air pumps if you only keep a few,and limit their food intake.In the begining of the hobby,people kept them in bowls like goldfish.Just keep the water clean and they will prosper.
Oh yeah,the bigger the tank,the better the water.Which means the water will not turn nasty as quickly.
I suggest you go to your local fish store and purchase a book.Some libraries also have them.Oh yeah,I almost forgot,Guppies, Mollies,and Swords can take salt but are not saltwater fishes.Some people use Epsom salts to help induce labor,however Epsom salts are not really salty.
Get a book,educate yourself,and enjoy!.........
Good luck!.......

Answer 5

please do not put SALT in the water w/ FRESH water fish, salt only goes in the water if you are getting salt water fish.

You can get advice on how to start a tank @ any pet store, but it's a pain to get started & it takes time to get the water just @ all the correct levels for the fish, it's also a bit costly, better to just get her a hamster.

good luck !

Answer 6

Get fresh-water fish. They need no salt.
It's a PITA to clean. I had a small tank, and it was a big headache.