View Full Version : Help a noob out choosing fish for a 30 gal
So Im going to get a tank for the first time since i was a kid. I've been reading up about cycling and maintenance and I think I've got the basics down. I need some help with choosing fish and plants. I would lilke to have a couple low maintenance easy to keep plants. Maybe one small grassy or mossy plant and one that would grow taller. As far as fish go I want to get some nice brightly colored fish. I know it may be a dumb way to choose but I just like the bright, brilliant colored fish that seem to glow.
So I'm thinking
1 pair relatively mild mannered small cichlids
6 or 8 brightly colored schooling fish
1 small bottom dweller to clean up I dont want something that will get too large
hopefully 1 or 2 other fish
I am asking for your opinions as to do this right in the first place instead of killing a bunch of fish and then asking for help lol.
Im thinking i will let the tank establish for a month or so or whenever its done cycling (can i add plant before the cycle is finished) add the smaller fish first then add the bigger fish last so the small guys are comfortable and healthy to deal with the bigger guys .
thanks for the help in advance
RDTigger
10-02-2009, 10:17 AM
You are in the right place..
Good idea is to visit the LFS and see what you like. If you find your centerpiece fish...it will make the selection process of the rest of your tank more defined..
Eupterus
10-02-2009, 11:19 AM
Depending on where you live, have you considered glo fish?. Genetically engineered zebra danios.
They do glow under the right light, they are easy to keep and would fit nicely in the tank size you have.
RDTigger
10-02-2009, 12:06 PM
Depending on where you live, have you considered glo fish?. Genetically engineered zebra danios.
They do glow under the right light, they are easy to keep and would fit nicely in the tank size you have.
They are also very fragile and not much more than a fad... like emo kids...
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 12:09 PM
Depending on where you live, have you considered glo fish?. Genetically engineered zebra danios.
They do glow under the right light, they are easy to keep and would fit nicely in the tank size you have.
Why would you suggest that to a begginner?!? You're just telling him that it's OK for him to buy tortured, genetically modified fish! What if I take you and tattoo you all over, so you have lips like those Flowerhorns out there?!? Or if I make YOU bright pink and glow under the right light??!
GEEZ!
Sorry for the lil' outburst. :| I apologize.
Wycco
10-02-2009, 12:17 PM
Why would you suggest that to a begginner?!? You're just telling him that it's OK for him to buy tortured, genetically modified fish! What if I take you and tattoo you all over, so you have lips like those Flowerhorns out there?!? Or if I make YOU bright pink and glow under the right light??!
GEEZ!
Sorry for the lil' outburst. :| I apologize.
They're not tattoo'ed... they're genetically modified- that means the original glo-fish had dna inserted into their eggs... All Glo-fish now are descended from the original glo-fish and raised exactly how you would raise any normal non-genetically modified fish.
That's not to say that there wasn't mistakes made during the development of the first glo-fish, nor that there arn't other possible ethical concerns...
... but no torturing occurs to any currently living Glo-fish to make them the colour they are. They are born and can live happy lives just like any other Danio.
Personally, I think the natural coloured ones, or the golden ones look prettier than the Glofish- but I see no problem with Glofish. And, Danio are a very ideal beginner fish- active, playfull, non aggressive and can be kept with just about anything that can't eat them.
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 12:23 PM
I wasn't saying the Danios were tattooed, I was saying that other fish, along with the Zebra Danios (being turned into Glo-Fish) are genetically modified.
Like so:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GzXYfK-lDG4/RoXOeEOa4lI/AAAAAAAABOI/UikvZ8HumAA/s400/tattooed%2Bparrot%2Bfish.jpg
And GLO-Fish:
http://www.sawse.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/glofish.jpg
Wycco
10-02-2009, 12:39 PM
Eupterus suggested Glo fish and your response was:
"Why would you suggest that to a begginner?!? You're just telling him that it's OK for him to buy tortured, genetically modified fish! What if I take you and tattoo you all over, so you have lips like those Flowerhorns out there?!? "
That to me insinuated that there is some form of torture involved in getting Danio's to glow. I don't see the similarity between glo-fish and the horrendous tattooing done to flowerhorns.
Glo-fish are simple products of their genes- just like any other animal... It is their genetics that make them what they are.
... the only difference being they are descended from a fish that whilst a newly fertilised egg, had jellyfish DNA inserted into it. I'm not saying that there isn't reason to be ethically upset by that- but it is a rather grey area and people are going to have different opinions on that subject... certianly very different to tattoo'ed fish.
With the strain developed, there is no difference in raising Glo-Fish to Danios.
Perhaps one could say that some dogs and goldfish bred to absurd deformity could be more of an ethical issue considering that does effect their health, well-being and quality of life- unlike glo-fish which are every bit as hardy as their Danio cousins.
Back on the subject of great fish... I always recommend Corydoras- bottom dwelling fish, that, come in a lot of variety- and are much more active than any other bottom dweller- meaning they are interesting to watch.
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 12:45 PM
I'm very sorry Wycco, I should have done my research before putting out my personal opinion. I strongly believe that we shouldn't tamper with the genetics like that, coming from a very Christian family. So, I apologize sincerely.
On the other hand... Great suggestion on the Corydoras! :)
Gentlemen, thanks for the concern, and the education on some abominations of the fish world. I agree that the tatood monstrsities are terrible, and the glow fish are debateable, but I'm sure there are better threads to debate the whether glowfish are ethical, for now I would consider them an option.
I am goign to be buying a used setup and came across a 37 gallon setup complete with a couple fish for 125, which seems like a good deal. My only thinking is that the extra volume from a 30 gallon comes in the form of height not length. This means that I will be paying for the extra expense of a larger tank but not getting the benifit of a longer tank, more room for fish to swim. What are the thoughts on taller tanks.
And I do like the corydoras, I saw one that had a sort of leopard pattern that looked very cool
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 12:56 PM
What you saw was probably a False Julii Corydoras:
http://www.aqua-fish.net/imgs/fish/false-julii-cory-3.jpg
And I'm going to my LFS sometime next week to get a group of 5 or 6!
For info, you should always get Corys in groups of 3 or more, if I'm correct, Wycco seems to know a lot about Corys, I'd talk to him first before buying.
joel.uejio
10-02-2009, 1:19 PM
I think a 37g is a good shape for an Angel. How about:
1 Angel
10 Corys
6 Silver hatchet fish
...maybe another small school...?
Are you saying, though, that you're getting the tank with some fish already stocked?
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 1:22 PM
PSHH! Get that angel some friends! With that height, you can at LEAST get 2! Call you LFS and see if they have an Angel pair, or get a group of Juvies and as they pair off and die from natural causes, pick a pair and keep it. I'm in that process right now. I have 2 pairs, now I just have to see which one goes farther.
Hmm so I could put 2 angels in the 37. That might be better than 2 cichlids because I could put more other fish without the worry of fighting.
About the 37 I could get it with or without the fish, I would probably get it without so I could get the exact fish that I wanted
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 1:36 PM
Yeah, without would be the best bet. You don't know the past of those fish, and what kind of living situations they've been in. It's also easier just to start completely from scratch then to go around obstacles.
Angels are amazing, i've had 4 Albino Pearl Scale Angelfish since April. I bought them at an auction 8 fish for $20, I was the only one that bid. :) I bought them as little 3/4" and now they are breaking 4 inches. They're an amazing fish, an entertaining fish, and they have been the highlight of my life for 7 months and going strong!
Angel's are beautifull fish... they are cichlids BTW! I've never kept them- but they're a fish I've always wanted... One day I'll have some angels!
Shame they're not compatible with shrimp or I'd have a pair in my community tank.
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 2:23 PM
Here are my four angels, I love 'em a ton! I'd go get some Wycco! You won't regret it!
Hmm heres an odd question from a noob, do you guys find that fish are bothered by loud noises. This would be in my living room where I have my home theater set up which can get pretty loud for extended periods.
FindingBlemo
10-02-2009, 3:20 PM
I have loud speakers in my bedroom (where my angelfish are) and I sometimes blast my music. Just picture yourself underwater somewhere and someone blasts speakers above the surface, all you'd hear is a muffled sound and feel some vibrations. Mine don't seem to mind.
Reframer
10-02-2009, 3:29 PM
A pair of pearl gourami with about 5 cories (you do have to get more than 1 because they school) and a small school of danios, or tetras.
IMO, I have had both glofish and regular danios and the glofish always die young of mysterious problems so I think they are inferior.
BagelDog
10-02-2009, 7:31 PM
I think the best way to go about picking fish for your tank is to first establish what you are going to make your tank look like. Some tanks have tons of rock work, some have a lush garden of aquatic plants, some have gobs of tacky manmade decorations and some are practically bare bottom. (My first tank had an Obi Wan Kenobi action figure in it, so I was guilty of that too)
Certain fish thrive in certain conditions just like certain fish thrive with agreeable tank mates. Or like someone suggested earlier, pick your "centerpiece" fish and work the tank and other fish around that.
So, what'll it be?
RDTigger
10-02-2009, 7:48 PM
I think the best way to go about picking fish for your tank is to first establish what you are going to make your tank look like. Some tanks have tons of rock work, some have a lush garden of aquatic plants, some have gobs of tacky manmade decorations and some are practically bare bottom. (My first tank had an Obi Wan Kenobi action figure in it, so I was guilty of that too)
Certain fish thrive in certain conditions just like certain fish thrive with agreeable tank mates. Or like someone suggested earlier, pick your "centerpiece" fish and work the tank and other fish around that.
So, what'll it be?
If he chooses a harry Potter figurine as his centerpiece and puts glo-fish in it...society is doomed....:duh:
PS-Obi-Wan Kenobi is awesome, but R2-D2 is the shiznit...Carry on...:Angel:
froglover007
10-02-2009, 7:55 PM
I would do an apistogramma species, some small south american tetra species, and a small pleco species. Not sure about the bottom dwellers, but corys would work if you got at least three. Now all you have to do is find your "centerpiece"
RDTigger
10-02-2009, 8:09 PM
I would do an apistogramma species, some small south american tetra species, and a small pleco species. Not sure about the bottom dwellers, but corys would work if you got at least three. Now all you have to do is find your "centerpiece"
Speaking of smaller CA/SA Cichlids.. How bout some ram's!!!
GBRams... "I am colorful and small!"
http://aquatic-jewels.com/images/german%20blue%20ram.bmp
So in an interesting turn of fate, I found a good deal on a complete tank setup. 29 gallon, stand, filter, 2 old filters, extra light, heater oh and 1 adult male and a complete brood of about 20 firemouth cichlids :nilly:
Heres some crappy phone pics
107254
107255
I know this is way too many for the tank, but I think they're doing fine since they grew up this way. I'm surprised at how much of a size difference there is between the ones that were all born at the same time. They range from about 1.25" to 3" The daddy is pretty cool looking. Oh and there is also a bristle nose pleco.
I'm still trying to decide if I want to get rid of them all and start from scratch, git rid of most and add other fish. I'm concerned if I get rid of all but 1-3, they will torment whatever I add because they've already established their territory. Any way I'm happy with it, the driftwood in the tank is really cool, and the gravel is kind of bad, just looks like a dirty brown color.
Here a question how much/ how often should I feed them. I've got omega one small cichlid pellets. Also some other food that says grow pellets with spirulina, could this be for the pleco. I'm going to ask the previous owner tomorrow.
FindingBlemo
10-03-2009, 9:48 PM
The usual, feed them twice a day feeding them as much as they can eat in 5 minutes, scoop out all uneaten food. Make sure with cichlids, that you clean the substrate more frequently then with other fish. Big fish, big feces.
RDTigger
10-03-2009, 10:35 PM
The usual, feed them twice a day feeding them as much as they can eat in 5 minutes, scoop out all uneaten food. Make sure with cichlids, that you clean the substrate more frequently then with other fish. Big fish, big feces.
True dat.. They look severely stressed tho. Mine are much darker, the largest being almost black.
And LOL, Harry Potter. Love the sig....:clap:
Yeah I saw some glo fish at the store today, they're not for me. But I am still going to put my harry potter action figure in there.
Dwarf Puffers
10-30-2009, 2:54 PM
In my opinion a 29 with adult firemouthes in it makes adding more fish a bit of a stretch. The parents are awfully small for firemouthes too. At least, I thought they got about 6 inches? Of course, I find my biggest problem with getting fish is a reliable source where I can get a large variety of healthy fish, as opposed to fish that die well within the guarrantee. So you already have some good healthy fish.
If I were you I would trade in/sell the young firemouthes, and the adults as well if you aren't planning to get semi agressive tankmates. A free bristlenose is an awesome deal, they're tough, easy on the eyes, love algae and breed readily in material as cheap as 1.5" PVC. I would get a couple more, or if it's old enough to be sexed, a mate. The young are easy and fun to raise, and easy to sell.
As for colourful fish, I love my ember tetras, and they've been through hell. Not even 1" long but taller bodied than neons and the like. They kind of glow like embers, which is obviously how they got their name. Quite cheap as well. I seem to never see embers any more, only flame tetras, which are vaguely similar I believe. Sharper colours, more silver to them, a bit larger. Microrasboras are nice, I think they're supposed to fair pretty well but I haven't got any experience with healthy ones to back that up.
As for cories, peppered, bronze, sterbai, panda, any of the species sold under "leopard" are all hardy fish (if you can find healthy pandas that is). Pygmies are nice too, but are very shy. Other bottom feeders you might consider are upsidedown catfish (who get about 4") or raphael catfish (you wouldn't see them much, but they're some of the few bottom feeders that don't need schools. They may snag small fish though). Cherry shrimp are nice, small and colourful. A bit too small for firemouths, but fine with anything else. As there are probably more people breeding them than there are not keeping them, you'll find them for sale in the classifieds ranging from 0.50$ to 1$.
Good luck with your tank, make sure you plant it and don't put in a Harry Potter figure that can leak toxins in and kill your fish ;)
Jspigs
10-30-2009, 4:54 PM
Good luck with your tank, make sure you plant it and don't put in a Harry Potter figure that can leak toxins in and kill your fish ;)
:iagree:
Make sure anything you put in your tank is fish safe.
Also if you decide to start from scratch and clean out the tank DON'T USE SOAP IT IS TOXIC TO FISH!