Questions on setting up a 30 gal

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mizzie

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Dec 4, 2009
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My husband and I inherited my dad's 30 gallon tank. We've had fish before, but I realize now that we made a lot of mistakes in the past. We'd really like to do things right this time, so I've been doing a lot of research, but I have a few questions.

We are going for tropical freshwater. We haven't started the fishless cycle yet, but will be soon. I will be purchasing a API test kit when we are ready to start that. We also plan on getting a Tetra Whisper Air Pump 40. The filter is the one that came with the tank. I've been using http://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php to help with stocking questions.

1. I would really like a dwarf gourami for our centerpiece fish, but my husband isn't fully sold on them. Are there any other peaceful, non-schooling fish, suitable for a 30 gallon and ok for beginners? All suggestions would be welcome. Interesting colors, shapes or behaviors a plus. Cichlids are beautiful, but it seems like they are an issue with a lot of the plants we are thinking of getting.

2. We both really like the look of ghost shrimp, but we also like peppered cories. Could we have both, or would that crowd the bottom too much?

3. Most of the fish we are looking at do fine with flake food as the base of their food (with veggies, bloodworms, etc). Is there any type that's better quality? Any types/brands to avoid?

4. We are going to do a planted tank. I'm still looking into what plants we want. I've found amazon swords, java ferns, anubias and java moss. Any other suggestions for easy, nice looking plants?

5. And, as far as the plants go. Is it better to add them before we start the fishless cycling or after? Or doesn't it matter? What about driftwood?

6. We have city water. In the past we've used some of that de-chlorinating stuff and also a water additive (that I don't remember, sorry). What is recommended along those lines?
 
mizzie said:
My husband and I inherited my dad's 30 gallon tank. We've had fish before, but I realize now that we made a lot of mistakes in the past. We'd really like to do things right this time, so I've been doing a lot of research, but I have a few questions.

We are going for tropical freshwater. We haven't started the fishless cycle yet, but will be soon. I will be purchasing a API test kit when we are ready to start that. We also plan on getting a Tetra Whisper Air Pump 40. The filter is the one that came with the tank. I've been using http://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php to help with stocking questions.

What kind of filter is it?

1. I would really like a dwarf gourami for our centerpiece fish, but my husband isn't fully sold on them. Are there any other peaceful, non-schooling fish, suitable for a 30 gallon and ok for beginners? All suggestions would be welcome. Interesting colors, shapes or behaviors a plus.

A single angel, depending on the size of other fish makes an awesome center piece.

2. We both really like the look of ghost shrimp, but we also like peppered cories. Could we have both, or would that crowd the bottom too much?

Depending on the center piece fish and other tank mates, the shrimp could be nothing but feeders.

3. Most of the fish we are looking at do fine with flake food as the base of their food (with veggies, bloodworms, etc). Is there any type that's better quality? Any types/brands to avoid?

It will depend on the fish you choose..you may need some sinking pellets for bottom dwellers.

4. We are going to do a planted tank. I'm still looking into what plants we want. I've found amazon swords, java ferns, anubias and java moss. Any other suggestions for easy, nice looking plants?

What is your lighting? You moght want to stick to hardy low light plants to start with.

5. And, as far as the plants go. Is it better to add them before we start the fishless cycling or after? Or doesn't it matter? What about driftwood?

Start them in the tank at the very beginning. Along with the driftwood and other decor.

6. We have city water. In the past we've used some of that de-chlorinating stuff and also a water additive (that I don't remember, sorry). What is recommended along those lines?
Click to expand...

Use Prime as your dechlor....it is all you will need.
 
Hey, there you are! :) Mostly ^ what he said! Didn't think of an angel before, that's certainly an option! My cories and shrimp eat simking algae wafers- TopFin brand, but they're not picky. They like veggies, too.

I think the ghost shrimp are worth a try- they're so cheap, it's not the end of the world if you lose some as snacks. I buy frozen bloodworms, glassworms and brine shrimp for my puffers, but my other fish gobble those up too.

The plants you mentioned sound exactly right. You may be able to do some crypts too, which could give you some color. customdrum sells all those plants, check out his sale thread.
 
Bob nailed it. I would suggest an angel too. I have one in my 30. She eats ghost shrimp BTW.
 
You know, alot of bettas get along great in community tanks. They're far more likely to get picked on than do the picking, unless you have super long finned guppies or the like. My male crowntale was very well behaved in my community tank. Now, I should clairify that when I say "alot" I mean the fish's personality. Not several bettas. You only get 1 betta, usually, but some can be delinquints. Make for a great splash of color and they really appriciate and use all the room.

Edit...yeah, what he said ^. I just used alot more words.
 
Thanks for the replies! We would actually love an angelfish, but I had heard they are schooling fish and shouldn't be kept alone. Is that false? Because if so, I think we've found our centerpiece!

Looks like we have an Aqua Tech 20-40 filter. The light is a GE Aqua Rays and I think it's 20 watt.

Thanks for that link, theicequeen. That's going to help a lot!
 
IMO, One angel is fine. I started with just one and she was fine by herself with other tank mates, But I cant just stop at one and ended up getting a few more ... for me not for the angel.
 
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