ok so heres th deal my parents have a sucsesfull tropical tank with lots of fish its bin going for a few years

Question

im goona try and make my own tank so i can aleast have braging rights about mine being better ive bin growing up with fish all my life. im goona get a 20 gallon tank. with a heater and stuff also i saw this funny looking thing at the bottem of the tank that shot bubles what was that
also to help with cycleing was thinking of adding live rock even though this isent a coral tank. my choises for fish are 5 mollies
my male betta extremly friendly 2-3 small cory cats 5 neon tetras and some guppys what do u think of my choises?

Answer 1

That funny looking thing at the bottom of the tank that shot air bubbles is an air stone. A small air pump pushes air thru it. The bubbles generate water circulation, which improves oxygen absorption at the tank's surface.

Cory cats will do well in a properly maintained tank in singles, twos or threes. Neon tetras, and their close cousins cardinal tetras, are best displayed in large numbers, but as one answerer pointed out, they are not intolerant of tanks that are not scrupulously maintained. Most other tetras are easy to keep - black tets, serpae tets, rummy nose, head-n-tail light, etc, Rasboras are easily kept. Unless it is a big fish store you'll likely find only the rasbora heteromorpha. Bettas prefer languid water and most tanks with pump/filters move the water faster than they like.

You should have have your tank up, running and stable for several days before you stock it. While your insuring that your tank is operating properly, visit your local aquarium store(s) before you stock your tank to get an idea of the many varieties of fish that do well in community tanks.

Answer 2

Live rock in a fresh water tank? Is there such a thing?

I don't think that your guppies will agree that your Betta is extremely friendly. Betta's are typically fin nippers and will tear up those pretty flowing fins. Cory cats should be in groups of 6 or more and with a 20 gallon tank and with your other choices thats not possible. Mollies will breed like crazy and provide fresh live food for the other fish. Neon tetras are neat looking fish, but many have a difficult time keeping them alive.

Do a search for fish forums, join one and learn all that you can about the different fish and equipment. Many people don't give fishes comfort much thought because they think they are just fish. Set it up right in the beginning and it will give you great joy for years.

Best of luck

Answer 3

The beta might try to pick on the guppies if they are very colorful. But they should be ok together. That sounds good for a 20 gallon tank.

But...all those fish you listed are freshwater fish. Coral and live rock can only survive in saltwater. So no...definitely do not put any live rock in there....or anything that lives in saltwater.

The funny looking thing is an air stone. Its connected to an air pump and keeps the water oxygenated. Without sufficient surface agitation or an air stone the fish will suffocate.

Answer 4

I am pretty sure that live rock is only for saltwater tanks. If your parents are so experienced, why did you have to ask us how to cycle a fish tank? Try this site http://www.firsttankguide.net/. I am pretty sure everything you need to know is on there somewhere. Your choice of fish is pretty good, but instead of Neons, get Cardinal Tetras (they are less likely to get sick) and change the totals to:
1 Betta
7 Cardinal Tetras
3 Corrys
4-5 Guppys
4 Mollys
You have enough room to do that. Think about getting some live plants so you really have something to brag about! Good luck!

Nosoop4u

Answer 5

NO! the betta may attack the guppys thinking their other betta. beside that every thing else is fine. live rock isnt really a rock thats alive but its called live rock 'cause live organisms grow on it and it needs to be in water (salt or fresh) for 30 days before it starts growing these live organisms.

Answer 6

great together

Answer 7

they live perfecly together