View Full Version : Suggestions
cmazz70
08-15-2008, 2:26 PM
I'm a first time poster. I'm starting my first fish tank in 10 years. I'll be setting up my 12 gallon tank for cycling this w/e. I'm looking to several plants, rocks, driftwood. After the cycling process I looking to purchase some neon tetras but I haven't come to a conclusion on what else I want in the tank. I would like to have fish that accomadate 78-80 degrees and that are easy to care for. I'm looking for advice from some experienced aquarists.
jglover
08-15-2008, 2:32 PM
Are you planning to do a fishless cycle on the tank? If so, then you have several weeks to decide what fish to get.
In a 12 gallon tank, a school of about 6 neons, some cories and maybe a sparkling or dwarf gourami would make a nice set up. As far as plants, stay with low light plnats, anacharis, java fern, hornwort, etc. and you'll be just fine. Float some of the hornwort on top of the tank as well, as some fish (esp. gouramis) love floating plants, both for cover and to munch on a bit. :)
John
gustavo85
08-15-2008, 2:54 PM
Are you planning to do a fishless cycle on the tank? If so, then you have several weeks to decide what fish to get.
In a 12 gallon tank, a school of about 6 neons, some cories and maybe a sparkling or dwarf gourami would make a nice set up. As far as plants, stay with low light plnats, anacharis, java fern, hornwort, etc. and you'll be just fine. Float some of the hornwort on top of the tank as well, as some fish (esp. gouramis) love floating plants, both for cover and to munch on a bit. :)
John
I agree, but neons are a little finicky; I would get rasboras (harlequins) which are nice strong school fishes!:naughty:
Hooked Newbie
08-15-2008, 3:09 PM
You indeed have many options. If you like the look of the neons, opt for Cardinals which are very similar in appearance but a little hardier. I'd suggest 6-8 and for another fish for that temp range, you can check out Apistos (including Rams).
:welcome: to AC!
jpappy789
08-15-2008, 3:48 PM
:iagree:
a school of cardinals or another small species of tetra would look nice with a pair of rams or in a planted tank
:welcome:
cmazz70
08-17-2008, 1:34 AM
all good suggestions, ty. i started a fishless cycle today, my sis' gave me some dr. tim's and some krill. she said that it will help the cycling process. i hope to be able to plant soon. I like the plant suggestions especially the hornwort (i forgot about floating plants). i think all in all, that i am going with some tetras, corys, and either gouramis or rams. for some reason i thought rams would be hard to manage.
cmazz70
08-17-2008, 1:40 AM
i heard some people have problems with the tetras. they say they r overbred. how many rasboras would i keep in a 12 g tank?
Rbishop
08-17-2008, 8:04 AM
4-6 would be nice depending on what else you get. Is this a tall tank?
If this is an Eclipse 12 gallon you may want to forgo getting neons and Rams as they will all hang out near the bottom leaving lots of empty space above. You might want some fish that swim in the middle and upper waters. Harlequin Rasboras would be pretty good at filling out the tank, better than most small tetras. Six Harlequins and 8 pygmy cories would be one way to go.
Silvertip tetras are one tetra that will swim all over the tank and are very active. Or male Endler's livebearers. You could put in lots of them.
A dwarf Gourami will also swim all over the tank.
jpappy789
08-17-2008, 12:51 PM
I find that rams stay more towards the middle of the tank than at the bottom...
jm1212
08-17-2008, 2:24 PM
try here (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120193) for some more suggestions
cmazz70
08-18-2008, 9:15 PM
If this is an Eclipse 12 gallon you may want to forgo getting neons and Rams as they will all hang out near the bottom leaving lots of empty space above. You might want some fish that swim in the middle and upper waters. Harlequin Rasboras would be pretty good at filling out the tank, better than most small tetras. Six Harlequins and 8 pygmy cories would be one way to go.
Silvertip tetras are one tetra that will swim all over the tank and are very active. Or male Endler's livebearers. You could put in lots of them.
A dwarf Gourami will also swim all over the tank.
It is an Eclipse 12. You think I can have that many in the tank. I never seen those Endlers before, they're cool. It sounds like I would have more options with the harlequins rather the neon tetras based on their preferred water conditions.
cmazz70
08-18-2008, 9:21 PM
4-6 would be nice depending on what else you get. Is this a tall tank?
The tank (Eclipse 12g) is about 15 inches high. What complimentary fish would you recomend?
If you like catfish you can put in quite a few provided they are pygmy cories, which only reach an inch or so in length. Corydoras Hastatus is my favorite pygmy as they swim in middle waters more that most. They can be hard to find however, at least where I live.
So 8 pygmies and up to 6 harlequins is quite doable I think provided the tank is properly cycled.
Endlers are very small, especially the males. You could put in up to 20 if they were the only fish in the tank.