What fish would be good starters for a tank and bowl?

[Leader of Men]

Maybe I'll pick some up tonight or tommorow

The tank has been running since early yesterday, and I added declorinator... think I could add anything yet?

[shawmutt]

Opinions differ on cycling, and I'm not too strong in the cycling area. I was lucky enough to "inherit" a tank that had been running for 10 years, so there was no cycling. From what I could tell, and what I would do if I did have to cycle a tank, would be to buy 4 cardinals for it. Watch the water parameters, wait for the ammonia spike and the subsequent bacteria bloom, and BAM!--cycled tank. Then I would add a few more fish every week until my population is where I want it.

Opinions also differ on the hardiness of cardinals. I find they are very hardy, I have been slowly adjusting the water parameters in the tank with no loss. Plus a lot of people say to use something like zebra danios or such, but I've always wondered--what do you do with them after the tank is cycled? I for one don't like them.

[Leader of Men]

How much Cardinal Tetras run?

I also dont have a problem with zebra danios...

[amakin24]

Hey can anyone answer LOM's question about the two beta's (female and male together? I wondered that myself. I also have a 2 gallon beta bowl. I didn't know that beta's breathed air. Is it ok that I have a plant on top?

[Leader of Men]

Originally Posted by amakin24

Hey can anyone answer LOM's question about the two beta's (female and male together? I wondered that myself. I also have a 2 gallon beta bowl. I didn't know that beta's breathed air. Is it ok that I have a plant on top?

As long as they can get the air, I assume they would be fine. And they answered my question in a different thread, they need a big aquarium for both the male and female bettas.

NEVER put two males in the same place.

[shawmutt]

How much Cardinal Tetras run?

Hmmm...you know what? Now that you bring that up, I guess it does make sense to use danios--they are a lot cheaper than cardinals. The only lfs that stocks them in the area charges $15 for four cardinals. Zebra danios are about $1.25 each.

[Leader of Men]

Originally Posted by shawmutt

Hmmm...you know what? Now that you bring that up, I guess it does make sense to use danios--they are a lot cheaper than cardinals. The only lfs that stocks them in the area charges $15 for four cardinals. Zebra danios are about $1.25 each.

Well I already went with the penguin tetras

[ConanTheLibraia]

I didn't know cardnal tetras were that hardy. I thought that the reason certian companys didn't ship them was because they werent that hardy and stressed easily. you have more experience than me with cardnal tetras though, as I don't even keep them.