Any tips for new fish owner?

Question

I'm planning on getting fish tonight - does anyone have tips? I'm probably be going for freshwater fish since I hear they're easier to care for and I'd like to get the hang of it before I more to more difficult. My main concern is how many fish should I buy based on the size of the tank? I'm thinking about getting a 5 gallon tank but I'm not 100% sure as of right now. Would appreciate any tips/links to good guides =)

Answer 1

In a 5 gallon aquarium, you can have a single Betta. That's it as far as commonly available fish are concerned. All other fish require more space.



However, I do recommend a Betta as a first fish. They're fantastic little critters, easy to keep as far as fish go, and as mentioned, can be kept in a 5 gallon.

Do not get whatever fish you choose the same day as you get your aquarium.

Your aquarium needs to be properly cycled before any fish are added, and this process will take several weeks at least to complete.

Here's info on that subject:

The basics - http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

Best way - http://www.csupomona.edu/~jskoga/Aquariums/Ammonia.htm



Here are the basics you need to know for your Betta to live a long and happy life:

1. A cycled 5 gallon or larger aquarium is minimal for Betta health. Smaller tanks are impossible to safely and reliebly heat. You can cycle your tank with a Betta.

2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers. Another good option is a sponge filter. If your current filter is too strong, you can remedy it by covering the intake with a pair of pantyhose, putting a tall plant in front of the output, or follow these instructions to oufit your filter with a simple current/flow reducer: http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/

3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.

4. In a 5-gallon or larger tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the new water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc. Never change all of your Bettas water, as this shock your Betta, and ultimately weaken him. The Betta stays IN the aquarium during water changes.

5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (use live or silk plants, plastic can tear their fins,) with a cave or two for exploring and resting. The tank should not, however, be stuffed with plants, as Bettas also need a good amount of room to swim. (And swim they will if given enough space.)

6. Feed your Betta a good staple pellet or flake diet, substituting frozen foods such as brine shrimp andand blood worms several times per week. Reserve one day per week for fasting.



When properly cared for, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them to live for 6.



If you want fish other than a Betta, you'll need at least 10 gallons, though a 29 gallon is the smallest in which any sort of real community can be kept.

Here's a good list of fish that can be kept in 10 gallons, along with some stocking suggestions:

http://theaquariumwiki.com/Stocking_a_10_Gallon_Tank



Good general fish profiles:

http://www.peteducation.com/category.cfm?c=16+1911

http://www.aquariumlife.net/fishprof.asp

Answer 2

You should buy your equipment before getting any fish, as the tank needs to be set up and cycled.

Cycled means you are estalishing a colony of bacteria in your tank, so that they break down fish waste, keeping the water clean and healthy.

I would suggest a large tank. In a 5 gallon tank you can only keep a betta and some shrimps. The bigger the tank the more kinds of fish you can have.



Buy everything you need: Filter, heater, gravel, plants. And while it's cycling (it needs to be) research on the fish you can have. If you need any help I have a YouTube channel all about freshwater fish:



http://www.youtube.com/user/MyFishCare101?feature=mhum



Good Luck!

Answer 3

Get your tank and equipment tonight - no fish yet.



If you buy a 5gal tank about the only good option is a betta. Reason is, small tanks like that are actually harder to maintain than a bigger tank, but easier to overcrowd. Betta like to live alone, are experts at surviving in small areas of water, and are one of the hardiest fish you can get.



If you go with a bigger tank you have more options, more or different fish. But look up the adult size of the fish you need. The pet shop will usually quite happily sell you a fish that can grow to 12- 18" long and needs over 100gal of water.



Have a read here - good info on setting up a fish tank here.

http://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm



And some of the common fish and the conditions they need

http://www.fishlore.com/freshwaterfish.htm



Ian

Answer 4

i personally be live everyone should start with neon tetras they don't really require a lot of food and they don't really make a big mess i feel they are a generally good start for fish keepers. you could put 5 in a 5 gallon tank and they will be very happy and they should only cost about a dollar each. dont forget to cycle the tank for a few days a week is recomended but i never waited that long generally 2-3 days. iin a 5 gallon tank i would only get guppies or tetras though as goldfish require at least 10 gallons each. happy fish keeping.

Answer 5

a million. Betta fish 2. purchase 2 yet be sure you get a betta tank with a divider, the terrific one is the Aqueon Betta Bow 2.5 or 5 gallon. 3. Do your examine. different than the betta bow it extremely is a starter equipment, you will want stay gravel, betta nutrition, 2 pretend flora, 2 ornamental rocks, a fish internet, water conditioner, a image to tape on the returned of the aquarium and a betta care e book and of course the fish (all of it fee me $one hundred ten, i bought them in simple terms final week) i'm uncertain you ought to use the comparable aquarium you stored a turtle in. set up and cycle the tank for twenty-four hours earlier you purchase the fish

Answer 6

a 5 gallon is good for 2 gold fish or 3 guppies and 2 tetras. you want they're to be room for them to swim and that the tank isn't overcrowded. get a ph water tester to make sure that the water is always at 7.0 (neutral) for all freshwater fish. make sure you don't get really big and really small fish in the same tank because the big ones will eat the small ones.



hope it helps:)

Answer 7

one inch of fish for every gallon of water is generally used as a good rule to not overpopulate your tank.



also be sure to read up on CYCLING your tank, most now fish owners do not do this and their fish always die.



this is the site i used and it is very informative



http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php





good luck!

Answer 8

Fresh water Fire Oscars are really cool. Mine got to where i could hand feed them. real personality in thoses fish. really, really cool. They are aggressive though and must be with other fish of that type. Also they live a long time and depending on the tank, can get big. :) Enjoy you fish, fun hobbie and if you go for an OSCAR of any kind, you WILL be pleased, I can gaurentee that. ENJOY :)