Ollie555777
Aquarium Advice Newbie
Yes, I should have known better and done research before trusting the "expert" at Petsmart. I have a 30 gallon tank with a penguin 150 filtration system, aqueon heater. I have a few questions for those of you with experience. My sister gave me her tank set up after having some fish live for over 14 years. I added tap water, a de-chlorinator (sp?), waited about a week, then added safestart, waited about 2 days. then went to Petsmart several times to have the water tested. When it finally tested right (according to them) I asked them to pick out 3 fish for me that would be peaceful and happy together. I also told them I eventually wanted a school of neon tetras, but I read they do not do well in a brand new tank. The girl picked out the following:
1. dwarf gouarmi (excuse my spelling, and I actually asked for one of these)
2. Mickey Mouse fish
3. Rainbow fish (the Praecox i believe). Yes. ONE of them. She didn't tell me it was a schooling fish. Yes. I should have researched.
Surprisingly the Rainbow seems happy a clam, and I now love him. The Platy is happy too. The dwarf Gouarmi is a grouch, and was picking on the rainbow, but now just hides under my driftwood.
We went back to petsmart a couple days later, and a different girl was there that knew more, and bought a black molly (my 9 year old wanted this fish for weeks), and she is hiding at the top of the tank near the filter, looking miserable. it makes me feel awful for her.
Finally my question!
1. My tank is only 30 gallons. I love the rainbow, and he seems really happy considering he has no buddies. I'm thinking of scrapping the neon tetra idea and just getting more rainbows (but expensive!). How many will my tank hold considering the other fish. what is the lowest number I can ethically get for him, and can they be males? or will they fight? Will they become aggressive in numbers towards the other fish in the tank?
2. Should I take back the Gouarmi if I get more rainbows?
3. Will another Molly make my girl molly happy? I think she may be pregnant.
I'm sorry and I know I have no idea what I'm doing, but I really am excited about this new hobby. It's extremely difficult for me not to get attached to these little fish and not worry about them being stressed, getting along together, being happy, etc. My sister keeps making fun of me.
I'm planning on going back up to Petsmart today to get my water tested again to make sure everything is going okay. They will take back any fish I have, but we want to keep the molly and Mickey Mouse for sure. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Sincerely,
A newbie (Please be kind)
1. dwarf gouarmi (excuse my spelling, and I actually asked for one of these)
2. Mickey Mouse fish
3. Rainbow fish (the Praecox i believe). Yes. ONE of them. She didn't tell me it was a schooling fish. Yes. I should have researched.
Surprisingly the Rainbow seems happy a clam, and I now love him. The Platy is happy too. The dwarf Gouarmi is a grouch, and was picking on the rainbow, but now just hides under my driftwood.
We went back to petsmart a couple days later, and a different girl was there that knew more, and bought a black molly (my 9 year old wanted this fish for weeks), and she is hiding at the top of the tank near the filter, looking miserable. it makes me feel awful for her.
Finally my question!
1. My tank is only 30 gallons. I love the rainbow, and he seems really happy considering he has no buddies. I'm thinking of scrapping the neon tetra idea and just getting more rainbows (but expensive!). How many will my tank hold considering the other fish. what is the lowest number I can ethically get for him, and can they be males? or will they fight? Will they become aggressive in numbers towards the other fish in the tank?
2. Should I take back the Gouarmi if I get more rainbows?
3. Will another Molly make my girl molly happy? I think she may be pregnant.
I'm sorry and I know I have no idea what I'm doing, but I really am excited about this new hobby. It's extremely difficult for me not to get attached to these little fish and not worry about them being stressed, getting along together, being happy, etc. My sister keeps making fun of me.
I'm planning on going back up to Petsmart today to get my water tested again to make sure everything is going okay. They will take back any fish I have, but we want to keep the molly and Mickey Mouse for sure. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Sincerely,
A newbie (Please be kind)