What are the best start up tropical water fish for beginners ?

Answer 1

These links have all your answers:

http://ezinearticles.com/index.php?Tropical-Fish-for-Beginners&id=121329
http://www.aquariumlife.net/articles/beginner/54.asp
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/beginner.htm
http://au.geocities.com/bg2tf/

Best of Luck

Answer 2

This will largely be a matter of tank size. And many of the same considerations that I mentioned in the answer to your saltwater question will apply here too - fish size, activity level, compatibility. But in freshwater, you'll also need to consider the water chemistry needed by some species - pH, and hardness, especially. Rather than trying to change these (which usually involves fluctuating levels, not the stable environment most fish prefer), it's best to find fish that are compatible with what you'll be using as your water source. You can find out your pH and hardness by buying a water test kit to use with the aquarium, or taking a sample of your water to a fish/pet store and having them test it for you - most stores will do this, although some might charge a small fee. You should also consider the social habits of the species - some are schooling fish and need to be kept in groups of five or more.

My advice would be to take a look at some of the fish carried by your local stores, or that you'll find listed on websites. Find out their requirements and determine what can go together in the size tank you would want (and have room for).

Some places to start:
http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h701elmers_freshwater_handbook.htm - this site lists several ideas for community types and lists the fish that would be suitable for that type - some fish are in several communities. The first three communities would be the easiest for a beginner, and the species that are listed A or AA in their profiles will be the hardiest and easiest to keep.
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16
http://www.fishlore.com/

Answer 3

As a beginner i am assuming that you are planning to set up a tank or starting one from scratch. Do not start with expensive. Can not stress it enough. When first setting up an aquarium there will be a short period where your ph levels will spike and kill your fish till it is balanced out.

Barbs are hardy fish, almost anything that ends in barb at the end will suit you fine in setting up your tank, mollys are also pretty and hardy. Before you move on to get more advanced fish get a water testing kit or take a bit of your tank water to your local pet store and have it tested.

Answer 4

You need to start with the water in the tank. Test it and use the chemicals to balance it. You also can bring test water to your local fish store and they will test it for you. Than you get starter fish to put in your tank "Danio's" I think the are called. After a few weeks you need to test your water again and when it is in a good Range, you can swap your started fish for the kind of fish you want to keep in your tank. Just be care full what fish you choose, some fish are community fish that live peace full, and than there are aggressive fish that eat other fish or fight.
I don't know much about salt water fish! That is a whole diferent system.

Answer 5

I find Tetras are the best. You can find a ton of varieties of them. As long as they are a nonaggressive variety--few are aggressive. Zebras are also good. I had one Zebra that lasted seven years. My Black Finned Tetras are now 3-4 years old.

I've also had good luck with the two blind cave fish I've had throughout the years.

Avoid any aggressive species.

And avoid Petco. Almost every fish I've ever purchased from there has died and I've had tank contimination from a purchase I made there.

This site has A LOT of good information: http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Choosing.htm

From my experience I would avoid Mollies, they look pretty but seem to carry more diseases. Guppies also look great but often have their tails eaten off and when they reproduce the babies are either eaten or you have to seperate them. Live plants can be used for them to hide in, but that can be messy.

A single Beta has also been a good when the tank is less crowded.

Answer 6

Zebra (striped) Danios. Get a small school of them. They were the first fish I started with and outlived many of the others I added (and lost) in my aquarium. They are peaceful too. Won't pick on other fish as they get added.

Answer 7

Zebra Danios

Answer 8

To keep it simple?

1) Buy a tank
2) Buy a heater. (Very cheap at pet stores)
3) Water conditioner.
4) Keep the temperature leveled.

I hope everything works out for you!

Answer 9

guppies , and mollies are strong , along with danios, cory cats, and otto's .. stay far away from the trap of gold fish , as they are cold water fish, and require cold water , loads of filtration, no gravel ( unless your goin to vacumm it daily)

Answer 10

platys can get used to mistakes a beginner makes.
guppies are lowmain entence unless they get preagnat..they can starve for two weeks without food.