Plans for my first tank...

[BigD]

Hello all, my name is Damien and I recently became the recipient of a brand new 40 gallon fish tank from one of my old roommates who never used it. I just moved into a new house and I plan on utilizing the tank. Now, I've done a little research and came to the quick realization that a freshwater tank would be the best way to go since I am a complete novice.

That said, I was wondering what type of fish are good starter fish (pretty hardy, don't require too much maintenance). The only "catch" is that I'm all about shock value... I really want to get some nice fish that aren't your run-of-the-mill types. One of my old bosses had some that were related to piranhas (can't remember what they were called), but I don't know if something like that would be too much to start with.

Anyways, any help and input would be greatly appreciated... and feel free to drop some links for me as well.

Thanks in advance!

-Damien

 

[N8DOGG]

hi and welcome.
I think the fish your talking about is a Pacu. You need a 200+ gallon for one of those. a small to medium cichlid would be good. There are a lot of other freshwater fish that I'm sure someone will tel you about. I like cichlids but there are many more fish that would work in your tank. do you want a lot of small fish or maybe 1 or 2 medium fish? Also read up on the fishless cycle.

 

[Captain Hook]

For shock value here are a few suggestions:

Bichirs
Butterfly fish
Puffers
Smaller Cichlids

You could also go for a large school of 1 or 2 types of smaller fish if that interests you. Some examples would be cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras, harlequin rasboras, or cherry barbs.

Please note I am not suggesting all of these fish will be compatible with each other. Do your research before buying any fish and make sure you are able to provide as close to their ideal habitat as possible.

 

[BigD]

hi and welcome.
I think the fish your talking about is a Pacu.

THAT'S THE NAME OF THEM!! LOL... anyways, being that they need all that room, that's not the way I would like to go.

Thank you both for your prompt responses, I will defnitely look into all the fish you named....

As for amount of fish, I think having maybe one medium and a few smaller fish would be really nice, but I'm definitely open to anything. Time for more research!

-Damien

 

[BigD]

Actually, after looking at this tank again and measuring it... i think it's closer to 55 or 60 gallons. The dimensions are 48"L x 20.5"H x 12.5"W

 

[tel0004]

Yes, its about 55 gallons. 55 gallon tanks are 48"(long) x 13"(wide) x 21(tall)"

 

[BigD]

I've seen a few different species I like... any input on them is appreciated:

Gold Veil Angels
German Blue Ram
Cockatoo Cichid (kinda pricey)
Discus
Firemouth
Senegal Birchir
Rainbow Shark
Redtail Shark

Now I know these probably aren't all compatible with one another, and I'm not sure if any of the fish are schooling fish.... so much to learn, I'm confused!!! lol...

 

[Indigo]

From everything I've read, Discus are a little challenging (and pricey) for beginners. My best suggestion is to take your list of fish and research research research

my fave sites for species info are:
this one www.aquariacentral.com - profiles
www.fishprofiles.com
www.fishgeeks.com
www.liveaquaria.com (a retail site, but good info nonetheless)

I wander into my LFS and write down names of fish that interest me, then I go home and look them up I've fallen in love with a small school of clown loaches at my LFS but I've learned that I don't have the space for them in a 25g.

Be careful with cichlids, american and african have different water requirements. Some are quite peaceful, or just territorial, or only nasty when spawning, or just plain old aggressive.

But with the tank you have, you'll have lots of options Good luck!

 

[N8DOGG]

I've seen a few different species I like... any input on them is appreciated:

Gold Veil Angels
German Blue Ram
Cockatoo Cichid (kinda pricey)
Discus
Firemouth
Senegal Birchir
Rainbow Shark
Redtail Shark

Now I know these probably aren't all compatible with one another, and I'm not sure if any of the fish are schooling fish.... so much to learn, I'm confused!!! lol...

You can't keep all of those fish in the same tank. If you want to get a few firemouths they will be good in that tank and will be an easy fish to breed. They aren't rare or expensive but will give a good show. Look at convicts and other fish in this family they will take on fish 10 times there size when breeding, they will attack the glass when protecting their fry. You'll want to get fish that will stay under 8" and then you could only have 2 of those.
Then if you want a more graceful fish the angels will be your choice. You coould get away with 5 in the 55 till they paired up and spawn, then you might have to remove some. Also the rams are a nice dawarf cichlid that will be just at nice but it won't be that kind of killer you might want. These are sometimes pricey for some of the strains out there. But these will allow you to have some top swimmers and a few more fish.
Just keep asking about names and you'll get some info also read up on the fishLESS cycle and your tank will get ready while your researching fish.

 

[Cat]

Mmmm, shock value, it depends, are you more looking for attractive fish, or ones with more personality?
It might be worth going for a couple of small/medium cichlids, like you mentioned angels and firemouths as they are more interesting to watch behavior wise IMO. You could keep a couple 6" fish (perhaps Blue acaras) and a few schooling fish etc. If you wanted something querky how about an eel? It like keeping fish and a snake.
Plus with cichlids, feeding time is especially fun, giving them live food
Check out my 50gal spec (a little over stocked a the moment I know)