New tank-suggestions and general questions?

[Ponyta]

Hi everyone,
been lurking for awhile, but this is my first post on the forum. Looking forward to learning from all of you. :)

I've decided to give tropicals another try and I was hoping you guys could help me with some stocking suggestions:

20gal tank
ph 7.8
Temp: 78 F

I was hoping to get a schooling fish, either 6 zebra danios or maybe black widow tetras..how well would they do with the pH and temp? I'm planning on doing a drip acclimation, but what about the temp? Would it be too high for the danios?

Also, some general questions:
Always wondered about this..quarantining new stock is to help prevent infecting other fish with diseases..but um what about the first batch?
Does anyone ever quarantine them too to prevent any disease from infecting the tank for future additions? Or is this just being paranoid? :confused:

I can seed the filter with the sponges in my goldfish tub, and so far I have API test kits, and some gravel all ready..just need to sterilize
any tips for decor? Should I go with driftwood? If I do rocks what kinds would be safe?

Heheh..kinda a long first post :) Appreciate the help thanks.

[williedee]

i would suggest low-light low maintenence plants like java moss or java fern for the decor. a quick test to see what rocks are safe is to pour vinegar onto the rocks, and if they fizz, they have too much lime in them and it will kill the fish. slate is a safe rock to use, they have it at many local fish stores, correct me if i am wrong. i wouldnt quarintine the first batch of fish if there is nothing in the tank. i think that you should have the zebra danios, and that will leave room for a few more fish in the future. temp is good, maybe a little high, and i dont think that the zebra danios really care much about ph. welcome to ac, and i hope that you enjoy each and every visit. what kind of filter will you be running?

[Hooked Newbie]

Hi everyone,
been lurking for awhile, but this is my first post on the forum. Looking forward to learning from all of you. :)

:welcome: To AC!

I've decided to give tropicals another try and I was hoping you guys could help me with some stocking suggestions:

20gal tank
ph 7.8
Temp: 78 F

I was hoping to get a schooling fish, either 6 zebra danios or maybe black widow tetras..how well would they do with the pH and temp? I'm planning on doing a drip acclimation, but what about the temp? Would it be too high for the danios?

pH may be a bit high for Tetras. Try to find out the pH at your LFS and acclimate carefully.

Also, some general questions:
Always wondered about this..quarantining new stock is to help prevent infecting other fish with diseases..but um what about the first batch?
Does anyone ever quarantine them too to prevent any disease from infecting the tank for future additions? Or is this just being paranoid? :confused:

If they're the first fish into the tank, you are effectively QTing them as long as you wait to add anything else for a safe period and can treat the entire tank should the need arise.

I can seed the filter with the sponges in my goldfish tub, and so far I have API test kits, and some gravel all ready..just need to sterilize
any tips for decor? Should I go with driftwood? If I do rocks what kinds would be safe?

Sounds like you're off to a great start! I'd second the low light plants and suggest DW since it will naturally lower the pH a bit.

Heheh..kinda a long first post :) Appreciate the help thanks.

Keep us updated! :)

[TropicalNorth]

:welcome:

A school of danios is a good first fish for your tank, I would skip the black widows as they can be a bit aggressive and in my opinion are suited to a larger tank. Drip acclimitisation isn't really necessary for most fish, just float the bag for 10 mins then add about a 1/4 cup of tank water to the bag, wait 15 mins add another 1/4 cup, wait 10 mins then you can put the fish in. I keep all my tanks around 78F, its fine for most tropical fish.

Like the others said no need to quarantine the first lot of fish as there are no fish in the tank to be affected by the new comers.

With decor it all depends on the look your going for. Plain uncoloured gravel, driftwood, rocks and live plants will give the tank a nice natural look. Ornaments and fake plants can look just as good if you go with a theme. It all depends what you like really. Also most driftwood will soften (lower the pH) the water slightly.

Good luck :).

[theotheragentm]

Harlequin Rasboras. They're tough little fish and they stay little.

[msjinkzd]

see, now i did qt the first batch of fish because my qt is a 16g and my community is a 36g that is planted. I decided to qt because if i had to treat even the first batch of fish, meds are much more affordable for the 16g vs. the 36g and also, my plants could have been detrimentally effected by some meds.

[Ponyta]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I may go with the danios :)
But I think I may postpone getting the fish for awhile..the goldfish started to act funny yesterday :headshake2: so dunno if I should use the filter squeezings from the tub..will see if anything changes in the next couple of days..if it really doesn't work out, I could always fishless cycle I guess.
About filtration, I have a penguin biowheel 150, does that sound ok?

Still thinking about it, but if I go planted, what would I need for low light plants (ie amnt of lighting, CO2 (is this necessary?) etc)

Anyhow, I'll be cleaning the tank out tonight, and start setting up later this week..will keep you guys posted, thanks.

[Hooked Newbie]

Hope the Goldie gets better... Have you tested your water? A good liquid test kit is a great fishkeeping investment if you don't have one.

For filtration, the 150 should be sufficient as long as you stock conservatively. I tend to go a bit overboard and stock heavier myself, but that's personal preference. There are advantages to runing multiple filters though. i.e. You can clean one without worry of destroying your cycle, backup in case one fails, if you start a new tank you can just move one over, etc.

If you stick to the low light plants, stock lighting should be adeqate without any CO2.

[OldMan1947]

If you stay with low light plants, 20 to 30 watts should be plenty. It will support java ferns, java moss, hornwort and duckweed at least. The duckweed is good for small fry because it harbors microscopic life forms that they can eat. If it starts to get out of hand, you can always move some to your goldfish tank / pond. It won't survive long there because the goldies will use it as a treat.
For a new stocking in a cycled small aquarium, I just love Endlers live bearers. They are quick little guys with vibrant colours. Not available easily in your local fish store but easy to get on line and a very hardy, prolific fish for high pH hard water.

[irishspy]

:welcome:

I think danios or harlequin rasboras sound perfect for your tank: easy to care for and very entertaining (especially the danios). I'm not familiar with the Whisper 150, but the Whisper 30 is rated for 30g tanks and should be just fine for yours.

I'd advise low-light plants, too, and between 20-30w of light on the tank. You'll have plenty (http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=1&filter_by=2) of choices (http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=1&filter_by=3). Add some driftwood and you'll have a lovely tank and happy fish.

:grinyes: