Small tropical fish tank -- help please!?

Question

Hi.

I have been interested in tropical fish keeping for some time so I went out and got myself a small 10 gallon tank yesterday. I figured that I should start small and see how it goes. Most of the accessories (filter, etc.) came with the tank but I bought the heater separately and plan on getting the rest of the supplies probably some time tomorrow.

Here come the questions...

1. What tropical fish would be compatable with a 10 gallon tank? how many and of what species?

2. Should I set up the tank with the heater/filter running and let it stand for several days before I add any fish?

3. What about water purifiers? aside from the filter and heater, what other accessories/tests do I need to ensure that everything runs smoothly?

Any information you have on setting up a small tropical aquarium would be fantastic. My plan is (if all goes well during the set up) to purchase the actual fish this coming weekend.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Answer 1

1. You could get many different kinds. A school of Neons 5-7 of them. Swordtails are also beautiful. You will need 3 females to each male. Corydoras will also do well. They need to be at least 3 of them in a group. There are many possibilities. Depending on your taste. Just look around your pet store and make a mental note of the fish and do lots of research to see if it is compatible with the other fish you liked.
2. You should go ahead and set the tank up and get it going. Set the heater for 77F for now. You may have to adjust it depending on what fish you purchase.
3. You will need water conditioner such as Aqua Safe that will take out chlorine out of the water. Also a gravel vaccum will also be of use when cleaning the tank. You will need to get a kit to test the Nitrates and PH levels. You can buy the 5 test strips or the liquid test.
Also some fake plants would add a place for some fish to hide in.

Answer 2

Actually, the larger the tank, the easier it is to keep fish. But you've already got the 10 gallon, so let's go from there.

Yes, fill up your tank and put the heater in and let it stand for 24 hours. You also need to add commercially available dechlorinator.

NEVER, EVER use any kind of soap on your fish tank or accessories. Soap is toxic to fish and slight residue can kill them.

Add fish slowly. The tank has to go through a biological "cycle" that there's really no way to shortcut. (Google this for more info)

Start with small tetras (avoid cardinals and neons until the tank is established. They are sensitive to water changes) or barbs. Pick a fish you like and add fish around it and make sure they are compatible.

Finally, while your tank is setting up and adjusting for a day or so, check out a basic aquarium book from your library. There's more to it than adding water and fish.

Answer 3

Let the tank filled with water set for three days or use the drops that will purify the water. Ask the people at the fish store what kind of fish are compatible. Do not over feed the fish. Fish have little stomachs, so like three flakes for five fish should be enough. If you feed them like this you will never have to change the water. Clean the filter once a week. Add water to the tank as needed, because it seems to dissipate.
Also, any questions you need answered the person at the pet shop you bought the fish from should be able to help. Get a book on Tropical fish, that would help a lot.

Happy Aquariumming!!!!

Answer 4

if its a new tank set up only been goin 4 a couple of weeks u dont want 2 put tetra in there they are small fish and have a small immune system i would suggest zebra danios as they are a very hardy fish and can survive quite a lot hope this helps

Answer 5

1. Any kind of Tetra, Danio, Dwarf Gourami, Platty, or Guppy is a good starter fish. I would reccomend you start with something easy like a Dwarf Gourami (any color, as long as it is Dwarf) and a school of Cardinal Tetras (not Neon Tetras because they tend to get sick very easily). Get one Gourami, 7 Cardinal Tetras, and see if you like the look of Corries (Corry Cats/ Corydas Catfish). If you decide you like Corries, get 3.

2.Yes, have everything running as you would if there were fish in it. Wash all the decorations (including gravel) before adding them to the tank.

3. You will need a chemical to cycle your tank. Try "Cycle" by Nutrafin. Follow the directions on the bottle (put this in the tank when you are running it. Add it 3 days before you get fish). You will also need a dechlorinater to remove harmful chemicals from the water. I assume a hood and light came with the tank, but if it didn't, you will need some kind of hood to cover the tank, the light is optional.

This site is great http://www.firsttankguide.net/.
If you have any questions, email me at "[e-mail]" Good luck!

Nosoop4u

Answer 6

You have to start off with cycling your tank, here is a great site that explains it all
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/articles/article14.html

And yes you set up your tank with everything that is included as well as with your heater
I also recommend very highly for you to get real plants, they are healthy for your fish and your tank
Here is a site with plants info
http://www.aquariumplants.com//Articles.asp?ID=111

You are also going to need some testing supplies, like a PH test kit and an ammonia test kit to watch your levels and everything

Personnaly I use Aqua Safe for my tanks as directed on the bottle, it makes the water liveable for your fish

When your tank is cycled, after about 10days to 2 weeks, you can start adding fish
I would start out with a school group like neons are zebra danios, they are pretty hardy
Also I would get some kind of bottomfeeder like a cory, here is a site with all different kinds and their needs
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/genus.php?genus_id=1#51

I hope that helps, if you have any other questions, feel free to email me

Good luck

EB

Answer 7

tropical fish r usually semiaggressive so i recommend getting all the same species lyke i did with my tiger barbs