ollyaaa

Hi!

New to these forums, looks like its full of very knowledgeable people, so thought I would try to get some advice.

I have kept fish for a number of years, but got rid of my large tank because I left for uni and couldn't look after it anymore.

Since then I come home every weekend and would like to set up a low maintenance, cheap, small but healthy tank.

Unsure on tank capacity in terms of liters, but from what I remember its about a ft and a half wide, a ft deep and about a ft high, so its very small.

I want to set up a tank that replicates a real habitat for the fish I keep in there, I would ideally like to replicate a habitat that has barely any plants, not sure how feasible this is though.

I know this is a big ask, but could some people please please recommend the following things

- PH, Nitrogen levels etc.
- Possible Habitats to replicate
- Species of fish (including ground feeders etc)


I will use my existing heater and filter (the type that uses a sponge and creates a current, sorry forget the name).


Please bear in mind I would like a realistic, interesting, non ambitious project that I will come home to on the weekends (I can get my family to feed them during the week).

ALSO - harmony between the inhabitants is my main goal, nothing more frustrating than having a nice looking tank, but a pair of gouramis fighting constantly!

Many thanks in advance

Olly


PS - Although I want to keep it simple, the more obscure the suggestion the better + I would favor keeping less fish that are slightly bigger than keeping schools, however this isn't a bit issue.

UPDATE : ok the tank is ABOUT 31 liters or 7 UK gallons (I think thats about 8.5 us gallons)

jsalemi

I'm following a South/Central America theme in my 56g (pics in the Member's Tanks forum); the current inhabitants listed in my sig are all from that part of the world. I'll be adding probably more platys and 2 angels in the near future.

There's also South Asia themes, and African Lake themes that some folks here follow.

pH depends on the fish you decide on, but with few exceptions, most fish adapt to the pH that comes out of your tap. This is especially true of fish you buy locally, since they're already used to the same or similar water you're going to put in your tank. As for 'nitrogen levels', read this about the nitrogen cycle: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

And welcome to FishLore! You'll find a lot of great info and helpful folks here.

Rbacchiega

Sounds to me like your tank is a 10 gallon, which in some regards limits you but not alot. If your looking for something out of the ordinary, look at puffers. 1 or 2 figure eight ot green spotted puffers would do well for a while in a 10 gallon, but you'd have to upgrad later. Or get 2 oe 3 dwarf puffers. these little guys stay pretty smal, but have attitude!

I like Sparkling Gouramis for a 10 gallon. Full size for these guys is 1.5 inches, so a group of 1 male and 2 females would do well along with 3 ottos and 3 dwarf corydoras. Then it's up to you what you can add if anything else, but keep in mind they need to be the same size or smaller than the gouramis

other than that, standard fish IE guppies, mollies, platties would work, any assortment of them.

Depending on which ones you pick will determine water characteristics, but if you'd like I can let you know about dwarf gouramis

ollyaaa

Thanks for your replies.

I haven't seen what puffers look like, and I don't know anything about them, but i will take a look now!


hmmmmm, i'm not so sure about 10 gallon, may be slightly smaller, I need to find out.

jsalemi - thanks for your suggestions, nice tanks too!

keep the advice coming!

Olly

ollyaaa

ok the tank is ABOUT 31 liters or 7 UK gallons (I think thats about 8.5 us gallons)


Olly

ollyaaa

Ok, I like the idea of puffers.

I would only bother with the dwarf ones though, and only 2 of them.

Im not sure if they are totally suitable yet, so my mind isnt set at all.

Could I house them with any catfish?

Also, I cant be dealing with the fish fighting, so these well may not be for me?

Regards

Olly

ollyaaa

Ive read a fair bit, thinking they might be a bit difficult to keep, shame.

Barbrella

Glad you're reading about this. Dwarf puffers must be kept alone as they are very aggressive and require quite a bit of attention.

I assume you don't want any livebearers dropping fry constantly, so In 10 gallons, you could have

- a school of 6 small tetras or rasboras and 3 cherry barbs. This would make for a very active, colourful, yet very peaceful community that is super easy to feed and care for.

- a female betta and 3 small corydoras.

- a school of White Cloud Mountain minnows/pencilfish/zebra danios.

To the above, you could add 3 or 4 oto cats, but only when the tank is fully cycled with excellent water parameters and algae for them. OR, 3 dwarf corydoras.

ollyaaa

Whats the best UK online distributor if anyone can help please

Rbacchiega

with enough hiding spots (ie each has it's own territory) I'v successfully kept two dwarf puffers in a 10 gallon for over 2 years. Making sure each gets food and providing plenty of cover I think is the success. Mind you, this could be just a lucky chance.

ollyaaa

What gender are they both?

Thanks

Barbrella

Anything is possible, even keeping two dwarf puffers together. But for someone who wants minimal maintenence and who won't be there to monitor them all the time, I think a more easy-care community is better.

Any petstore will have the species I've named, since they are staples in the tropical community choices.

ollyaaa

Yea, I agree.

There is the possibly of keeping some small chiclids in there, but again, might be a bit tough.

I tend to get carried away when it comes to setting up tanks, and this time, im really trying to stay modest!

But also interesting and realistic....

Barbrella

If you want cichlids, apistogrammas could live in a 10 gal, but need attention as to specific water qualities, mate selection, tanks for extras, yet more tanks for fry to grow out etc.

Some species, like A.Borellii, are hardier than others, but again, not exactly the kind of easy-care setup you're looking for.

ollyaaa

Sorry about yet another question but...

Im thinking it would look much nicer with an external filter + I need the room.

Any suggestions on the most suitable?

Im trying to find out this myself but there is a lot to take on board and research!

Barbrella

Everyone has a preference, but I've been using Auquaclear filters forever and have had no problems with them.

http://www.mops.ca/cgi-bin/SoftCart....b24+1196641684

ollyaaa

Right, I think I might try getting a pair of Cockatoo Dwarf chiclids now.

I need to establish the best way of filtering, and if I can also house 1 or 2 algae eaters.

Any help please?

I have a much larger 50g tank if it all goes **** up.

ollyaaa

can someone please explain how a hook on filter works?

And is there anything else u need to buy to go with them?

Do u get a strong current?