could anyone advise me on what are the best tropical fish to start of with?

Question

this is my first tropical fish tank, i now have tank all set up correctly, i would like to know best fish to start with

Answer 1

There's no good way to answer your question. A lot will depend on the size of the tank you're able to use (how much room you have, how much you want to spend), whether or not you want to have a heater, chemistry of your water source, and your own preferences.

All fish have the same basics for care - a properly sized tank, good water quality (not just clean, but pH, hardness, and salinity can be factors), and proper feeding. Some species are hardier than others, so the hardier the fish, the better they might do for a beginner. Take some time to figure out what YOU like - walk around a few stores, write down some species names, and look up info about their needs, go from there. You can also use the internet to look at some pics of the more common aquarium species. Something fishy's already mentioned the Elmer's aquarium website - that's a good one for photos, basic care, and planning fish communities (what will work together). Here are some others:
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16 - fish, invert, plant info for fresh and saltwater
http://www.fishlore.com/ - fish profiles and general aquarium info
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/aquaria/general-faq/firstfish/ - some recommendations for beginning fishkeepeers

But, you should pick what you like - not what anyone else thinks would be "best" for you.

Answer 2

size of tank, filtration (and as long as you have a good heater or heaters for the minimum wattage for gallonage or more).

That info would let people help you much better.

Do you want a lot of fish or just one fish with a wonderful personality?

Large tropical fish with great personalities lies in the Cichlid family. Oscars can be hardy, just don't over feed and do regular water maintenance if you have a big enough tank. (1 per 50-75 gallons). Jack Dempseys are cool too, (1 per 40-55 gallons), Electric Blue Jack Dempseys are exceptionally beautiful. Convict Cichlids are strong as well.

I would say research and find what you wouldn't mind looking at for the next 10-15 years+ ... That is how long most tropical fish will live if well cared for. There are a ton of forums and websites to gather information.

Answer 3

If you want something more impressive than a tetra or neon then try a three spot gourami, they are pretty cool, although I don't recommend in a pair as it's hit or miss whether one bullies the other, I've been told sometimes they can be fine in two's. Also a plec is fairly hardy as can live in tropical or cold water (altho I've never tested to see if they're ok in cold water). I'm a beginner too and I have all the above, I also have a few Yamato Shrimp that are funny and cool to look at.

=:-)

Answer 4

As per everyone else, I heartily recommend the mighty guppy as they are very sturdy. If you go for this, avoid some of the other peoples choices, especially barbs as they enjoy eating guppy tails. Try to go for fish that live at most levels. Guppies, with a Siamese Fighter Male(my fave) and zebra danios for the top-mid, Swordtails, dwarf gouramis and platties for mid -lower levels and a nice bronze catfish for bottom with a good mix of cardinal and neon tetras.A sucking loach is easy to keep,will eat some of the algae and are quite fun.Avoid most cichalids, such as Angels as they can be very agressive and snack on smaller fish(but they are lovely) They also can get quite big-avoiduntil you are more experienced.Also avoid Plecs. They can get bloody huge.
Take your time and have a good look about-there are loads of gorgeous species to choose from and get a decent book.
Good luck

Answer 5

Since you are new at taking care of fish, i would go with some small cat fish or shark like a Rainbow Shark or some small fancy tail goldfish. These are easy to take care of and dont need much attention.
Once you get a little more experienced go ahead and start taking care of Cichlids like yellow texas and electric blue. And once you know what your doing buy a Red Devil or Flower Horn

Answer 6

Bloodfin Tetra

Cherry Barb

Dwarf Gourami

Gold Barb

Goldfish

Platy

Serpae Tetra

White Clouds

Zebra Danios

Are the best starters.
But you want to evenly distribute top, bottom, and middle feeders to have a good cycle.

Answer 7

If you are talking about correctly setting up your tank COMPLETE with cycling, I would suggest zebra danios. They are very hardy and great for cycling. Plus they are very fun to watch.

I have had my danios for about a month and a half to two months. I just introduced a betta two weeks ago. And I am going to introduce neon tetras if the water quality is good in my tank this evening. Yay!

But, anyways, zebra danios!

Answer 8

First trpical fish would definitely be.....

for tetras, get neon tetras, they are beautiful small creatures that are rather easy to maintain.

Tiger barbs are also easy to keep though keep more than a pair so they spread out their bad pecking order habits amongst themselves rather than one victim.

Finally, i guess for livebearers, mollies and swordtails would be a good start but have a lid if ur takin care of swordtails, they are good jumpers.

Above all else, fish rearing is a wonderful sport, enjoy it but remeber to give ur fish the vare they deserve and welcome to the hobby brother!

Answer 9

Guppies and Mollies are good but they breed easily they have live young so you can end up with a lot more than you bargained for.

Neon's and Angelfish are nice as well they adapt quite easily to new surroundings.

You want some sort of bottom feeder to help keep your tank clean I'd recommend a pleck.

Answer 10

I would suggest Cory catfish, Platies, Tetras, & Rosy Barbs.
Only a few to start since your tank is new. You didn't say what size the tank is so. I'm not sure how many to suggest you start with.