Hi, I'm a newbie fish geek :)

[11bkd]

Hi Guys,

I'm a stay at home mother of 2 in Scotland who has only recently started keeping an aquarium.

My mum bought my 4 year old a 5 gallon tank, gravel and lots of fish. They died. They were replaced. Unknown to me this cycle went on for around 6 months.

Five months ago I found out the mortality rate they had racked up between them and despite hating fish I confiscated the tank. I got good advice from a local fish specialist, got a filter and various other bits and bobs and started a new tank to try to keep our 2 surviving gold mountain minnows. Since then I have become obsessed with them! I also have not lost a fish

I couldn't wait to get rid of the tiny tank and today I set up our new 45 litre tank. If you had told me 10 years ago how excited I would be about a fish tank I'd have called you a liar!

I'm here to expand my knowledge before I upgrade to a bigger tank (My husband thinks we don't have space for a bigger tank but I'll sell the kids on ebay if I have to) so please feel free to chip in your tuppence worth.

Nice you meet you guys

Sarah X

 

[plantedtankman]

I remember my first fish tank when I was in the first grade. I had guppies and mountain minnows. Now since you just started out, I would recommend that you stay with freshwater fish. What types of fish would you like? I myself like more peaceful fish rather than aggressive fish. I also like smaller fish that are easy to take care of, colorful, and are a schooling fish.

 

[11bkd]

I'll be sticking with fresh water for a while as I'm not that brave yet!

I'm hoping to get some fish that are quite colourful as the danios and minnows have almost vanished in the larger tank. I have no idea if I could keep shrimp in an ambient tank, I've always thought they look cute. I saw a stunning fighting fish at the retailers and fell in love with him but I'd be heartbroken if he bullied my minnows (we've come a long, long way together!)

Populating a tank is seriously difficult if you have to consider temperament, temperature, gravel vs sand, healthy water to fish ratio, hiding space etc etc. It took me 3 months to pick my zebra danios and I only picked them to see if I could keep them alive. The minnows seem to be indestructible! One jumped out of the tank on my second day of looking after them. I found him half an hour later covered in dust behind the bookcase the tank rests on. I was shocked to find out he was still alive. He's thriving now somehow.

I'm excited to be looking for new additions. Any suggestions would be great. I am also considering some real plants although it seems even scarier than fish keeping!

Nice to meet you

 

[plantedtankman]

Here is a link to a website that has all kinds of fish information http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=830+2855
I think you should look into getting fish like Neon Tetras, Cory Catfish, and Oto Catfish for algae control. They could live with your minnows. If you would want a Siamese Fighting Fish you could get one male or many females. Some easy plants include Java Ferns, Water Sprite, and Banana Plants. If you have any questions feel free to ask! It is nice to meet you too!

 

[11bkd]

Woah! How funky looking are banana plants?!?

I've just ordered one and a java fern to start me off in the world of aquatic plants.

Next on my list (once I get my water testing kit through the post) is a pair of ghost shrimp, a bronze cory catfish and maybe an oranda or something colourful. There's not much choice here so I'll have to get everything online - something else for me to worry about!

Thanks for the advice, I can't wait to show the banana plant to my wee boy

X

 

[librarygirl]

Hi and welcome! This guide might help you as well: Guide to Starting a Freshwater Aquarium - Aquarium Advice