i have many questions about fish so look at my details!?

Question

whats better for a fish tank, gravel, or sand? does sand get stuck in the filter? do real live plants die if they are planted in gravel? do fish like a place to hide? does a flouresent light keep fish warm? whats better, real plants, or fake? do i need an air pump? is there a chance of fish eating each other if they are the same size? I NEED HELP!

Answer 1

You need to read some books... here's two good ones that are free.
http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/bag.pdf
http://www2.tetra.de/tet_internet_import/import_data/The%20fascination%20of%20aquariums_GB_2006_T062048.pdf

Answer 2

I second the opinion that you should read some books. Go to your local library. I site that I have found very useful is http://www.aquahobby.com/age_of_aquariums.php
They have a forum where people can ask questions and get answers, from people who have been in the hobby for decades.
""whats better for a fish tank, gravel, or sand?" Depends on the tank, and the person taking care of it. Some things work for some people, and not for others. Go with gravel, it is harder to mess up with.

"does sand get stuck in the filter?" Not in my experience, but I've never used an undergravel filter. Most others should be fine.
"do real live plants die if they are planted in gravel?" Not if they are real aquatic plants. Many of the plants available for aquariums are actually land plants, and will die if submerged. Additionally, some aquatic plants float, and should be left to their own devices.
"do fish like a place to hide?" Yes. It will make them much less stressed if they have somewhere to hide.
"does a flouresent light keep fish warm?" No. You need a heater for that.
"whats better, real plants, or fake?" Real, because they make oxygen for your fish, and take up the fishes wastes (poop) and use it as fertilizer
" do i need an air pump?" If you're filter is powered by it, yes. If not, no.
"is there a chance of fish eating each other if they are the same size?" Any fish may eat any other fish, if it fits in it's mouth.

Please, get a good book, and research.

Answer 3

You can use sand for a freshwater aquarium (not live sand) unless you are keeping goldfish. Fish like places to hide, but if they feel safe (if they have a place they can run and hide in), they will not use it(only certain types of fish NEED hiding spots, it is more of a comfort thing). Real plants will also provide a hiding spot. Some plants cannot have roots under the substrate, others need to be planted. If you have an exterior filter, you don't need an air pump unless you have a larger tank. Certain fish will be more aggressive towards certain fish. Do not put an Oscar in with Neon Tetras, they probably won't make it through the night. Flourescent lights will not keep fish warm, get a heater (unless keeping goldfish).

Answer 4

Yes you do need help,you have alot of questions.For one,I believe live plants are alot of trouble to keep alive especially for a beginner.Fake plants are just as good.A light does help the water temp alittle but you need a tank heater most definantly!And you absolutly need a air pump! Fish need oxygen to survive besides goldfish and bettas.If the fish are the same size and are not aggressive they should be ok.But if you have aggresseive fish like a jack dempsey, he will eat whatever will fit in his mouth! Good luck!

Answer 5

For freshwater or saltwater? For freshwater I recommend gravel, for saltwater live sand! Live plants are all ways best! They will thrive in most tanks, and mine do fine planted in the gravel. You do need filtration, heater, hood and light, gravel vacuum, nets and lots of research! You can get aquarium kits that come with most everything you need to start, walmart carries 10-55gallon kits for a fare price. I would start with 10-20 gallon tank! Some fish will fight, before you buy any fish make sure you do your research on it! At most pet shops they will give you a care sheet on any fish you are interested in for free!