GypsyGirl71

First, this site is great! I have found so much info. My tank is about 3 weeks old. I have 3 serpae tetra and 4 silver dollars. They've been living happily for 2 weeks now; except for the one smaller silver dollar. He acts healthy but looks a little beat up. I have not noticed the others picking on him but this is LFS opinion. His fins are a little tattered. Of course, I'm dying to add more fish but will wait another week and have water tested. In the experts opinion, what would make good tank mates. I am considering more serpae tetras and a dojo loach. Thanks!

heartsongsinger

I'd add more tetras. The ragged fins could be from the silver dollars or the tetras as most are fin nippers if not kept in a large enough group

pestonoodle

I recently got a Pictus catfish. They're great! Really active (about 4 inches but require space like a 55 gallon because they swim all over the tank!) and they like to be in pairs whenever possible. They are non aggressive also which is great and they're really pretty. This site doesnt have a page about them but you can google them and find out a lot about them! Good luck. If you wouldn't mind zipping me a private message I can reccommend others. I'm just curious what you decide!

Beeker

Welcome to FishLore!

I see that your information says that you do not know about the nitrogen cycle. If that is still the case you can learn about it here: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
It is necessary that you know it if you want to keep fish.
If you don't have your own test kit, you should get one. Your LFS will test your water, and, most likely, tell you it is fine when really it isn't. Also, if your fish get sick, the first thing you would have to do is to test your water. When you have your own test kit, you can do it at any time and frequently to monitor it. Your best bet would be to get an AP Master Test Kit. Do NOT get test STRIPS, they are unreliable and inaccurate.
This is the one most of us use, it is the best.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...rmastertestkit
One important thing you should know is not to trust salespeople, even the ones at the pet stores. They want to sell and will tell you what ever they need to in order to get you to spend money. If you have any ideas or questions, come here first, we are always happy to help!

Again, welcome!

GypsyGirl71

Yes, I know what pictus catfish are, they are really pretty. Will definitely look into getting couple. Thanks!