Getting New Fish Tank!! Need to know what are good breeds!!?

Question

I am thinking of getting a 10-20 gallon fish tank and I think that I'm going to get exotic fish in it instead of just the plain old goldfish. I was thinking some fish along the line of Oscars and Gouramis but it seems like every time I get a gourami it just dies. I needs to know a combination of fish that you like or think I should get! and any information about caring for the fish would be helpful!! Thanx!!!

I've owned tropical fish before. I just wanted your input. I didn't want you to treat me like I'm a 7 year old wanting a puppy.

Answer 1

Oscars can grow to 16 inches, so are not suitable for someone without years of experience and a tank of at least 60 Gallons, preferably more.
Firstly, you need to cycle the tank. Many people keep tropical fish and don't know of this, so I'm not treating you like a 7 year old, just making sure. If not, do as much research as possible, the fishless cycle is far better than cycling with fish, as no pain has to be endured for the fish, and as you are adding pure bottled ammonia, there are not fish, so they can't die and pollute the water.
When your tank is cycled, and your nitrite and ammonia is 0.0, and the nitrate under 20ppm, you can test your pH and hardness. If you have soft water, fish like Tetras, Gouramis, Corydoras and Rams are best, but if you have hard, alkaline water, livebearers like Mollies, Platies, Swordtails and Endlers are better.

Buy the biggest tank you can afford. The bigger the tank, the easier it is to maintain, as any toxins or pollutants are diluted more in a larger body of water, making it less harmful to the fish.


Some random info now...

You need to do weekly water changes of 20 to 30 percent, and make sure the gravel is clean every month or so. Never do a full 100% water change, or replace the filter pads, unless they are physically falling to pieces. Clean hald of the filter media in tank water every month. Check your tank water for nitrite, ammonia and nitrite regularly.Be careful not to overstock your tank; have no more than 1 inch of fish per gallon.
And most importantly, do as much research as humanely possible! The more you know, the better equipped you are to look after your fish. Always keep a bottle of Melafix handy, in case your fish contracts fungus, columnaris, white-spot or any of the other common illnesses, you can treat it asap.

Best of luck!


EDIT: PyRo, 20 Gallons is not enough for Angels. They need at least 30 gallons, or else they will be stunted and feel cramped.

Answer 2

A 20 gallon would be too small to house an oscar indefinitely, although you could keep it in the tank for a while. And oscars, as cichlids, are aggressive and don't do well with tankmates, except as juveniles.

For the size of a 20 gallon, I would suggest some bright colors and schooling fish. Maybe a group of 5-6 danios, smaller tetras, or cherry barbs, a few platys or swordtails for brighter color, and a male betta or dwarf courami as a "centerpiece" fish. For the bottom of the tank, maybe a group of 3 corydoras catfish or 3 kuhli loaches for something a little "different".

You can find photos and care information in these links: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=830
http://www.fishlore.com/

Answer 3

Oscars are far too big and messy for a 10-20 gallon. They need 55 at least, If youv never had tropical fish before i suggest you start reading books,search the internet, And start off with a simple fish like a guppie,mollie,platie,swords.(livebearers)

Answer 4

I have a 10 gallon tank with some guppies and a couple of cory cats. Very active tank with very good looking fish. And very easy to care for!

Answer 5

i would go with the 20, and get an angel and a few tetras. angel in a 20 tall, the long may be to shallow. or there may be a few species of dwarf cichlid

Answer 6

Here are some sites that might be helpful

http://groups.msn.com/Breedingtropicalfish/guppies.msnw

http://www.oursimplejoys.com/freshwateraquaria/26-faq-breeding-livebearers.html

http://www.tropicalresources.net/TR_profiles/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=bddc88d515f0ffa411243ff0af520da5

http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general.cfm?general_pagesid=326

Hope that helps
Good luck