Stocking My Aquarium

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billyharless

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Jun 16, 2004
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Hello,

I am a newbie. Purchased a 29gal tank and stand from Petsmart. I have been reading up on the internet and in magazines. Hoping I can get some good advice here.

Here is what I have. 29gal tank with heater (temp stays around 78-80 degrees).

I put the following fish in so far.

2 Black Mollies

They are doing well but they seem to skim the surface a LOT! Is this normal?

2 Red Platties

They are doing well but seem shy. They hide a lot and stay away from the the other fish. One is fat and I wonder if it is pregnant.

6 Blue Neon Tetras

They are pretty and fun to watch swim around in their school. Last night I came home and one was dead. Looks like something was eating on it.

2 snails

They are all over the place.

I would like to add a couple of big fish that might do well with these and maybe a couple of crabs.

Any thoughts?
 
Well first of all PetSmart isn't a great place to buy fish for a number of reasons. Second, did you cycle your tank? this is pretty important for your tank and will help you avoid disapointment with your fish. Also, with they size of your fish and tank I don't think it would be a very good idea to put in any large fish. As a general rule don't put in if if they can fit into anothers mouth!! Also crabs might not be a good choice either, one because they need to accces the surface to breath (at least MOST freshwater spieces do) and they are carnivorus and will take out little fish if they get to close. I really don't mean to shoot you down and discourage you with your new tank, it's just many people are misinformed about this hobby. If you are looking for questions to be answered, this is the place!! There are TONS of knowledgable people here that are willing to give you all the advise you need, so if you have questions ask them! We may even answer some you don't ask. But with a little information you can make your tank a beautiful little get-away, that is triving. Good Luck, and Welcome!
 
Amen to that vato

The combination of fish you have so far is okay.
However, If you purchased the tank, stand, and fish at the same time, I would assume that your tank is not cycled yet. Cycling a new tank is CRUCIAL. Other members can help you with cycling.

I don't know many big fish that would go well with these little fish. Same with the crabs

Welcome to the hobby! Dont be daunted, fishkeeping is fun
 
I APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE

Thanks for the quick replies. I appreciate your advice. Like I said this is all new to me and so far I have only been able to go by the advice I received by the kids a the Petsmart and that is not good because I get different advice depending on who is working that day.

I did not know anything about cycling my tank. Can you ellaborate? I hope my fish are not going to die now. Yikes!

When I mentioned big fish, I guess I really meant something bigger than a neon tetra. Maybe something the size of a small silver dollar? I was also thinking of some type of small shark and/or catfish.
 
Snails are like rabbits. I wouldn't worry about control until it happens though. I've bought 3 snails for my tank and only 1 is still alive. No babies.

P.S. What filtration do you have on the tank?
 
Re: FILTRATION

Originally posted by billyharless
I also have a heater installed in the tank. I set it at 78 degrees.
Click to expand...
The thermostats on those heaters often aren't very precise. Be sure to check the thermometer in the water to make sure you're actually close to what you want.
 
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