First tank!

[BlueAnchors]

I have a 29 gallon freshwater tank, I have been patient for about three weeks now setting it up and finally I got four red eye tetras and I am planning on getting 2 more. Now I am wondering what else should I put in there? I was never really planning on getting red eye tetras but... they were on sell and I was tired of being patient. Can I get some advice please!

 

[celticfan]

Depends on what kind you want or like really. Do you want fancy coulourful fish to look at, fish that will breed etc

 

[Homedog98]

Do you know about cycling? Is it a 29 gallon long or tall? What type of filter do you have and how powerful is it? Do you have a liquid test kit? If so what are your water parameters? Sorry for all the questions, but we can't really answer this without some more info. welcome to tank ownership!

 

[BlueAnchors]

ahh I forgot to put all the specs, sorry! Well the measurements are 30*12* maybe 22. and I have 0 ammonia and I am not sure on nitrites and nitrates because I think I bought the wrong test kit.... I do know about cycle and I am pretty sure my tank is cycled. I also would like a colorful fish because I want the tetras to be like a back ground fish. Also I want them to be peaceful and like to play in plants!

 

[Deep Seven]

I like AqAdvisor - Intelligent Freshwater Tropical Fish Aquarium Stocking Calculator and Aquarium Tank/Filter Advisor as a tool to help on deciding what to stock.

Just make sure you're testing often for ammonia and nitrites when you add new stock. If you don't have one yet I highly recommend you get a liquid freshwater test kit that contains ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate tests.

 

[BlueAnchors]

Deep Seven- first of all I like you name is it suppose to be like deep 6? also I love that website you just posted I think that would really help me! I was just thinking I would love for someone to make a website like that!

 

[tyspot1000]

Welcome to AA!

What test kit are you using for ammonia? What kit did you get that you thought it was the wrong kit? I would recommend you know what your parameters are before adding anymore fish.

Out of all the tetras, the Red Eyes (Lamp eye; Same thing) are my 3rd favorite (Neons and cardinals are 1st and 2nd). They are great fish, not much of a fin nipper In my experience (Had them with an angelfish. Never really bothered it as far as nipping goes).

Have you considered Cherry barbs or neon tetra? If I were you, I would do: 6 lamp eye tetra, 6 cherry barbs, 6 corydoras, 1 bristlenose pleco (needs driftwood and a algae supply), and a Centre piece fish (Like a goaurmi; Pearl to be specific.

Enjoy the forum.

 

[Homedog98]

Watch those calculators, use them as a guide, but back up what they say with research. For a 29 gallon you have lots of options, but I'd feel much better helping you stock if I knew the nitrItes and nitrAtes first. I hate to be stubborn, but I don't want to give bad advice.

 

[BlueAnchors]

whoa tyspot1000 that sounds lovely! and all of that will fit in a 29 gallon?

 

[BlueAnchors]

oh p.s I got the API Ammonia NH3/NH4+ Test kit. but it only test for ammonia....

 

[tyspot1000]

Yep, close to what I got.

 

[BlueAnchors]

isn't NH3 and NH4 nitrates and nitrites?

 

[Homedog98]

Nope, No2 and No3 Are nitrites and nitrates.

 

[Deep Seven]

Deep Seven- first of all I like you name is it suppose to be like deep 6? also I love that website you just posted I think that would really help me! I was just thinking I would love for someone to make a website like that!

Yes, my first choice when coming up for a name was Deep Six, but I didn't really want the death moniker, and since I spend a lot of my profesional time at around 70 feet below the ocean's surface I went with Deep Seven.

Yeah, that website rocks. It was created by a member of these forums. The only criticism I've heard is that it's too conservative. Well, for new owners, thats not a bad thing. As you understand how your aquarium works, have enough filtration, have a good water change schedual, and know what your fish need to thrive, you can think about overstocking.

 

[BlueAnchors]

Deep Seven- I love it! Personally I spend most of me time at 30-40 below, but to each his own. Secondly love the website once again I feel like I will be less overwhelmed. Thirdly my red eye tetras are all swimming together but one is all by himself... is that normal? lastly I love this website and everyone on here, you guys are so nice and helpful!

 

[Homedog98]

The little guy could be sick, keep an eye on him!

 

[BlueAnchors]

he is sick so they kicked him out of the group? :C that is horrible!

 

[tyspot1000]

Yeah, that website rocks. It was created by a member of these forums. The only criticism I've heard is that it's too conservative. Well, for new owners, thats not a bad thing. As you understand how your aquarium works, have enough filtration, have a good water change schedual, and know what your fish need to thrive, you can think about overstocking.

+1

Check this out: AqAdvisor
this is an article on why to only use it as a guideline

 

[Homedog98]

Ya, but it's survival of the fittest! He also could be doing it on his own because he doesn't feel well, like he can't keep up kind of.

 

[BlueAnchors]

Homedog- I have been watching him and I think he is doing it on purpose the group keeps on approaching him like trying to be nice but then is always like "nah". How should I go about finding out what is wrong with him?