Newbie help -stocking.

[Tjt34]

I am new to this hobby and to these forums, although I am already grateful for all the useful info in the 'getting started' stickies.

I recently bought my first aquarium & equipment (unfortunately before I found these forums) and am now trying to be patient whilst it cycles (no fish yet).

The aquarium is only 23l and I now know that a smaller size can be harder to keep and so I want to get some advice on stocking.

Basically my local shop will only have 'common' fish but I want to get some opinions on suitable numbers of suitable sized fish for a beginner as I'm keen not to overstock.

Any help much appreciated!!

-TJT

23 litre aquarium
No live plants
Heater (so tropical fish please)

 

[Tjt34]

P.S 23l is 6 US gallons (I think).

I would be interested in shrimp or snail as well as a couple fish but not sure I can mix and if I would need live plants?


-TJT

 

[Fishy Aston]

Tetras , Research them and find your favourtite type of Tetra.

they are perfect for your size tank get about 5 - 6 of them!

 

[Aces11]

You could do a betta fish with shrimp and/or a snail. You could also do a few guppies or endler's livebearers. Nano fish such as celestial pearl danios or chili rasbora may also work.

 

[Mrc8858]

You could do a betta fish with shrimp and/or a snail. You could also do a few guppies or endler's livebearers. Nano fish such as celestial pearl danios or chili rasbora may also work.

+1 being your first tank and its small imo id go with either danios or a betta

 

[Chronos313]

-1 danios need room to swim, they are fast moving and should be in at least a 20 gallon long. Nano fish would be more at home or a Betta.

 

[Tjt34]

Ok. Having visited a few local fish shops and getting my aquarium all set up, I have the following initial thoughts as to my stock.
Can anybody suggest why any of this would not work;

1 male Betta
4-5 Celestial pearl danio
1 Amano shrimp

Remember 6 gallon tropical tank with no live plants.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Tjt34]

Anybody?
Would those fish get along?

 

[Chronos313]

Depends on the attitude of the Betta, if you want to try that have a backup plan in case you need to rehome the Betta. The other fish will definitely be fine

 

[Tjt34]

Well I had to be patient but tank is finally cycled and I need to make a decision about stock. I'm thinking probably CPDs and Amano shrimp.

But do shrimp need live plants?

If they do then I might just go with single Betta instead but the LFS hasn't had any healthy looking ones recently.

Also, if I go with either of these options then it seems to me that the bio load is fairly low - how often should I be looking to rinse the filter media & what about vacuum gravel?

Thanks for help & advice!

 

[librarygirl]

Well I had to be patient but tank is finally cycled and I need to make a decision about stock. I'm thinking probably CPDs and Amano shrimp.

But do shrimp need live plants?

If they do then I might just go with single Betta instead but the LFS hasn't had any healthy looking ones recently.

Also, if I go with either of these options then it seems to me that the bio load is fairly low - how often should I be looking to rinse the filter media & what about vacuum gravel?

Thanks for help & advice!

I have CPDs, they are cute and fun little fish!

I would do 6-8 in that tank plus the shrimp (you can get more than one shrimp ). I wouldn't put anything else in there though in a tank that small. If you wanted a betta I'd do the Betta OR CPDs. CPDs can be very shy if they feel threatened too so a Betta might be too intimidating for them plus depending on the Betta they might not get along and a 6 gal would be a bit crowded for both IMO. Shrimp don't need plants. I'd put some fake ones in there though to create some hiding spots for the CPDs; they safer they feel the more you'll see them.

For maintance I'd do a 50% water change weekly as standard practice. For cleaning the filters, once or twice a month just swish the filter media out in tank water during a water change.

 

[Coursair]

If you just tie some Java Ferns to wood, rocks or decor they will offer hiding places and are typically very easy.

 

[Tjt34]

I have plenty of fake plants in there (i wasn't sure about live ones since it is my first tank) so I think CPDs & shrimp is the way forward.

Thanks very much for the advice everyone - I know my fish will he happier & healthier because I found these forums. Will post a pic after I get the fish - probably at the weekend.

 

[Coursair]

I would not add a Betta with CPDs. CPDs are shy fish and will not do well with such a large fish in the tank.

CPDs and Shrimp will do well together.

If you have a screw in light fixture you can swap out the bulb for a 6,500K ushaped mini CFL.

I got mine from Amazon.
But many LFSs may carry them.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003QZF7JA/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

 

[Tjt34]

Just 2 fish & an apple snail for now to ease in the bioload.

 

[Coursair]

Just 2 fish & an apple snail for now to ease in the bioload.

What kind of fish ? You'll need to feed the snail, he'll starve in a new clean tank.

 

[Tjt34]

Two endlers. Yeh I started a new thread to ask how to care for snail so think I've got it covered.

Thanks for everyone's advice - fish seem happy and active (been in for 2 days now, amm & nitrites both zero).