Just bought my first fish!

[Mikey101]

Hello everyone. I just registered here and kinda just wanted to introduce myself because I plan on becoming part of this community.

Yesterday I bought my first aquarium, a small 5 gallon, and 3 fish! I bought a Yellow Guppy, a Tequila Sunrise Guppy, and a Dalmation Molly. Oh and Plus 3 ghost shrimp.

I was kinda curious about a couple things if someone could answer. The Tequila Sunrise Guppy, is it a mix of a red and yellow guppy? Also, would it be possible for my two guppies to breed? And my third question, how can I determine the sex of all 3 fish?

Thanks! And I'm very excited about becoming part of this forum!

EDIT: Heres some pictures!

My Shrimp 1 of 3

The Molly

Tequila Sunrise, sorry best picture I could get of it.

And Yellow Guppy. Again sorry for bad quality

My pictures arent working what am I doing wrong?

 

[Mikey101]

Sorry to double post but I figured out the picture thing and it wouldnt let me edit the original.



So:
1-Shrimp
2-Molly
3-Tequila Sunrise
4-Yellow Guppy

Sorry for bad quality. I gotta figure out how to take the pictures.

 

[Lab_Rat]

Hi Mikey,

Congrats on the new fish! If you just bought the tank yesterday, it isn't cycled. You'll want to read this thread for information on cycling: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598 You'll need ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate test kits and be ready to do a lot of water changes to keep the fish alive as it cycles. I'd recommend returning the fish, and fishless cycling the tank.

Guppies both look male from what I can tell. Can't tell on the molly from those pics. Mollies get too big for a 5g tank, I'd at least return it even if you decide to keep the fish and do a fish-in cycle.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Also unless you are feeding them in the photo gulping at the top is an indication that the water may not have enough oxygen or that their little gills are being damaged by either un-conditioned water or rising toxins. Since its only a 5 gallon you may be able to get a hand full of fresh old filter media loaded with bacteria the fish shop has on hand or throwing out. If you stick that in your filter it will almost certainly instantly cycle your tank. I cycle my tanks this way and it always works and I never lose a fish.

 

[wackorash84]

We've all been there starting with several fish from day 1. Do take the advice given by lab_rat. It's not easy but it will help you as you won't be sad when losing any1 of them.

 

[Mikey101]

Wait what? My fish are going to die???
Helllp. I gotta save them. The pet store doesnt allow returns.

 

[Ballyhoo]

they aren't going to die.
Follow Lab_rat's instructions, she knows what she is talking about.
you've caught the issue in time to fix it, no worries it'll be ok

 

[Jayhawk]

If you can find Bio Spira refrigerated at a petstore (you usually have to ask for it), you can add the right amount to the tank and that'll take care of the most of the cycle. I don't trust any other products that claim to cycle because only Bio Spira (and it must be kept cool to keep the bacteria alive) has live bacteria.

Otherwise, follow the advice above.

Eric

 

[Optimus]

Ahh mikey

I have some sad news for you. The moment your fish poop in your aquarium they are on a path to certain death.

Why?

Because you haven't cultivated the bacteria needed. Bacteria that will eat the harmful by products your fish produce when they poop.

I'm sorry if the above sounds harsh but it is reality! I know from first hand experience because I made the exact same mistakes you made today.

Plus your fish are in need of oxygen!

I strongly recommend a ehiem external filter and also that you take your fish back and start a fishless cycle!

 

[Zaffy]

...

I strongly recommend a ehiem external filter and also that you take your fish back and start a fishless cycle!

Mikey, you don't need an external filter. From the pics, it looks like you have a filter hanging on the back of the tank. That should be plenty for a 5gal tank.

What the people are talking about is the Nitrogen cycle, long story short is that fish will pee and poop in the tank, that stuff needs to be cleaned out otherwise it becomes toxic and can kill the fish.

You should read the link that Lab_Rat gave, it's full more in depth information. It takes time, but it's very important for the health of the fish that you allow a bacterial colony to grow. The bacteria will break down the toxic compounds that fish release and transform them into much less harmful compounds. Once that is established you'll still need to occasionally change some water out of the tank.

Don't panic, just take some time to read the link if you don't understand it, just ask.