What kind of fish and tank should i get??

Question

I am only 13 and need a fish or two that is easy to take care of. I'm getting one of those little tanks so my fish can stay in my room. Also, i'm not quite sure how to proplely take care of the tank. I dont want really big fish, but i dont want really small ones either. Give fish suggestions and list the steps to get the tank ready and how to take care of ot later on. Thanks so much!!

Answer 1

When I started with my fish tank, I read Aquariums for Dummies. I think you'll feel more satisfied by reading a book rather than having someone tell you exactly how to do it.

Answer 2

Before deciding on your fish you need to know a lot about aquarium care. The first item is to understand the Nitrogen Cycle,and the bacteria that support it. An aquarium is not just a container of water with fish in it. It is a living system.
Also important is learning the proper method of cleaning and maintaining your system. An established aquarium is never completely disassembled and cleaned out. Cleanliness is maintained by siphoning a portion of the water out with the "stuff" that accumulates on the bottom of the tank and in the gravel. This is done weekly to avoid illness and death of the fish.
Also you would do well to look into a process called "fish-less cycling". This is a method of establishing the bacteria colonies that will support the fish life in your tank. Cycling a tank means that colonies of bacteria known as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are grown attached to the solid surfaces in the tank,(the gravel,porous material in the filter,rocks,etc.). These bacteria require well oxygenated water to do their jobs. And they take a few weeks to grow.
Also it's important to know where to seek advice about establishing your tank. The sales people at the big stores usually don't know much about taking care of fish. If you have a small privately owned pet store in your town,you are very lucky. This would be the best source of advice about fish and caring for them.
Do some research on the net,but remember that this advice too can be well intended but wrong also. A good book would be a good starting point. You can at least learn to ask the right questions when you find a good source. Read some of the questions and answers on this site and look for website references that relate to setting up aquaria.
Good luck.

Answer 3

What size tank are you getting? Since you a beginner I would suggest getting something like a Betta, extremely easy to take care of. Do some research about fish tanks. Any container that will house a fish needs to go through a cycle. Also make sure to use a good water conditioner. It would help to know exactly what size tank that you are planning to get. Then I would know more on how to advise you.

Answer 4

How little is little? 20-29 gallons is the large side of small and the ideal range to start.

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
Here two good free books.

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h701elmers_freshwater_handbook.htm
Anything in category 1 if it is only 10 gallons. If it is 20-29, categories 1-3.

Common Glass Aquarium Sizes

5.5 Gallon 16x8x10 (128 sq. in.)
10 Leader 20x10x12 (200 sq. in.)
10 Hexagon 14x12x18 (127 sq. in)
15 Gallon 24x12x12 (288 sq. in.)
20 High 24x12x16 (288 sq. in.)
20 Long 30x12x12 (360 sq. in.)
25 Gallon 24x12x20 (288 sq. in.)
29 Gallon 30x12x18 (360 sq. in.)
30 Gallon 36x12x16 (432 sq. in.)
30 Breeder 36x18x12 (648 sq. in.)
33 Long 48x13x12 (624 sq. in.)
37 Gallon 30x12x22 (360 sq. in.)
38 Gallon 36x12x20 (432 sq. in.)
40 Long 48x13x16 (624 sq. in.)
40 Breeder 36x18x16 (648 sq. in.)
45 Gallon 36x12x24 (432 sq. in.)
50 Gallon 36x18x18 (648 sq. in.)
55 Gallon 48x13x20 (624 sq. in.)
65 Gallon 36x18x24 (648 sq. in.)
Petite body fish
1” per gallon or 1” per 12 sq. in. of surface
For example 20 long has 360 sq. in. surface area
360/12=30
Can a 20 long support 30” of fish? Probably not.
A 20 high has only 288 sq. in. surface area
288/12=24
Can a 20 high support 24” of fish? Probably not.
A 25 is also 288 sq. in. surface area
288/12=24
Can a 25 support 24” of fish? Probably.
I like to average the two for a more accurate capacity.
For the 20 long, 30 by surface area, 20 by volume averages to 25”
Can a 20 long support 25” of fish? Probably.
For the 20 high, 24 by surface area, 20 by volume averages to 22”
Can a 20 high support 22” of fish? Probably.
Why does the 20 long support 3” more fish that the 20 high?
A larger surface area allows a greater oxygen exchange, which is as important as volume of water.
Large bodied fish, such as gold fish you need to double or even triple these numbers, i.e. 3 gallons per inch and 36 sq. in. of surface per 1” of fish.
This is not the only consideration for fish tanks. Types of fish will appreciate one type of tank over another. For example, fast swimmers like Zebra Danios, Pearl Danios and Blue Danios will do best in a tank that is at least 30” long. They would be better kept in a 20 long rather than a 25. Giant Danios would do best in a tank at least 48” long. They would be better kept in a 55 rather than a 65.
On the other hand, slow, tall bodied fish like Angel Fish and Discus will do best in a deep tank. They would be better kept in a 65 rather than a 55. They, like other cichlids also need a bit more than the 1” per gallon and/or 12 sq. in. surface.

Answer 5

Get a 5 gallon tank kit that comes with a filter. You will also need: Gravel- one pound per gallon, Plants, and decorations. You should follow the rule of an inch of fish per gallon. I suggest you get 3-4 guppies, platys, or mollys. They are all very good and sturdy fish. Here are the steps to setting up your tank: 1. Wash gravel plants and tank. 2. Set up filter system add plans gravel and accessories. 3. Add water and the starter liquid that should come with your tank set. 4. Add water and let sit one week before adding fish to make sure your ammonia levels are correct. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

get a 10 gallon tank and make sure it is well planted
u should put in a school of neon tetras like probally 20 in the tank they are very beautiful fish and make sure you have a light in the tank

Answer 7

I think you should just scrap the idea, Because for a tiny tank and a couple of fish isnt really worth all the hastle, You need to get test kits, ph,ammonia,nitrite,nitrare, which arent really cheap,