Any suggestions?

Question

I am getting a 65 gallon freshwater tank. I want it to look like a saltwater tank but without all the hassle. Any suggestions on what would make it look like a saltwater tank? I was already thinking about white rocks and fake anemone type things. Any cool fish that are colorful and would go together? I don't really want cichlids because they all basically look the same. Any good websites to get fish stuff?

Answer 1

There are a number of tank backgrounds with saltwater scenes, use white gravel to simulate crushed coral (the actual coral will raise your pH).

There are lots of "fakes" from corals and anemones, to clams and seastars, to silk versions of marine algae: http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_ProductList_PC_productlist_Nav_220_N_24+105+30+5600.aspx
http://www.petsmart.com/global/search/search_results.jsp?In=Fish&N=2030107&Ne=2
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/22958/size/24/off/24/category.web - see bottom of page
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/22958/size/24/off/48/category.web
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/22958/size/24/off/72/category.web

Since most saltwater fish are brightly colored, you might want to find some of the brighter freshwater species - orange mollies, guppies, swordtails, platies

Maybe a school of silver/white fish for "sharks"- some tetras would be a good choice

Since you have a large tank, some marble angelfish - these remind me of Bangaii cardinals from saltwater

Maybe some weather loaches for the bottom - they could be your "moray eels".

Here's a few websites with freshwater fish photos - you can use the "fish" button on the first to change to saltwater species to get ideas for other look-alikes: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=830
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16

Answer 2

You can now buy polyresin coral pieces fromthe fish stores. Pet supplies plus has lots. These were made with teh freshwater aquarist in mind. they look like beautiful colorfull pieces of living coral, but they are actually a poly acrylic. Hard to tell the difference with them in the tank. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. Even fake clams and other types of corals. I would suggest female beta or even just one male. You have a lot of water to work with here so this will be a wonderful project to fill it up.

A few tiger barbs perhaps, or a rope fish (to mimic an eel)

Or how about fresh water puffers? Then no one will really know it isn't salt!

Rasboras are interesting colored fish
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=16&cat=1952

Answer 3

I dont personally have a SW tank but my son does. He says that a SW tank, once set up and cycled, is actually a lot less hassle than FW but a lot more expensive. Water changes don't have to be done nearly as often.

If you do decide to go FW, there aren't nearly as many colorful fish available. As for cichlids they definitely don't all look the same. They are probably the most colorful FW fish available. Just do a search and you can find all sorts of fish to choose from. But make sure you research them to make sure they are compatible with each other and with the parameters of your tap water. And do a fishless cycle before adding fish (link below).

Answer 4

Yeah you are already on the right track.Try to include white pebbles and fake anemone type things.Also try to buy a background to stick on the back wall of your tank.It gives it a seawater-like look.Fishwise, try sunset platys, neon tetras, angel fish and various others.Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Get some Australian Rainbow fish. They are really colorful and cool. Angelfish are pretty too. And gouramis are nice. I have 2 dwarf gouramis that are gorgeous.