LilMan

Hello Everyone.

About 2 weeks ago while at walmart we went through the pet aisle. The simple thought of fish put an idea into my head. I didn't look at the fish, for I knew their condition, and looked at the tanks to see how much it might cost me to start one, that is if I could get permission (and money) from my parents.

So at this thought I did some research on the internet and low and behold I found FishLore. After reading just about every article in the freshwater section, I moved on to the forum and read post after post for days. I found much more information about the fish, and what they needed to survive (nitrogen cycle).

I talked about it for about a week, I think everyone thought I was joking. I went to PetSmart and looked at fish that I thought looked cool, wrote down names and prices. Then onto to PetCo on the way home, where I found a nice tank kit with everything I needed. I added up the cost and asked my parents. It took a little convincing that I would maintain it, but they said yes. I was so thrilled after seeing pictures and videos all week. I think I even dreamed about fish a couple times.

I got the tank, and we will build the stand tomorrow. Need to order some TSS and supplies soon, and I can't wait. (I dont even have this one set up and I'm planning a beta tank lol)

Anyway, , I'm glad to be here. Thanks for the help I have gotten and the more I am sure is to come. (And since everyone loves pics so much, I'll be sure to have some ASAP)

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore...yep we love pic!

MissMTS

Welcome to Fishlore! Congrats on doing your research before setting up your tank. It will make things so much easier for you What size is your tank? What kind of fish do you plan on stocking? Good luck with everything.

LilMan

Thanks, its a 29 gallon tank. My stock list keeps changing. Alot.

Some of the ones I've looked at are Guppies, Mollys, GloFish, Tetras of all sorts, Corys, Cherry Barbs, and Zebra Danios. I thought about Dwarf Gouramis but I might wait for another tank, depending on if I have room.

It's the amount and which I am working on, trying to have a variety without over stocking or leaving a species lonely.

Lucy

If it helps any, I have a 30g.
It's home to 1 DG, 10 cardinals, 3 lyre tail guppies, 1 GBR, 2 pygmy cories and a snail.

LilMan

I will take that into consideration. Thanks

One DG will be alright alone? What is the good/bad with snails?

Lucy

One DG would be fine.
It depends on the snail. You'll need to do some research before getting one. Some can get very large, some are pests. If overfed you can have a snail invasion, most, if not all don't need a mate to procreate.
My snail goes along with bottom and eats left overs. He goes along the sides too, but I don't see him doing a terrific job on algae. He's pretty cool to watch.

LilMan

So he wont get all aggressive as long as I dont overstock?

Lucy

I can't say all aren't agressive. Mine isn't, although he does occasionally dart after the guppies, he's never hurt them. My guppies are a crazy group. lol Same with the GBR.
He ignores the cardinals.

LilMan

Thanks for info, very helpful! Still so much to decide.

Time for bed, gotta wake up and work on that stand.

Lucy

You'll find lots of help on the forum. Just do a search or ask, the members are always happy to help.

Good luck

aquarist48

WELCOME to Fish Lore!

Lifesabeach

Yes, welcome to fishlore. Whatever you do, don't rush it. You will actually enjoy the time in setting up your tank. Half the fun is knowing you're doing it right along the way when you see the results. If you're not sure of something, there is a very good chance your query would have been asked many times over before, and there are lots of members out there who have their own experiences, and learned from their own mistakes (well I speak for myself there), who will help in some way.
I only joined earlier this year, and had no trouble getting useful info in setting up my tank, without feeling I have to buy something for the help!
Good luck with it - look forward to seeing your setup.

haedra

Butterfly

Welcome to Fishlore !
Carol

Chrisson

Welcome to fishlore! I pretty much have the same story as you.

LilMan

Thanks everyone, glad to be here. We just got back from Home Depot with the wood.

kimb

Welcome Lilman! So nice to see a young person taking the time to research, ang d take note of how big a responsibility fish keeping can be! What are you planning to put in your tank?

TedsTank

Welcome to FishLore. It sounds like you have every planned out perfectly!!! Just remember patience during the cycle time. I remember always rushing it a bit....just can't wait to see a fish in the tank! Have fun and enjoy.

LilMan

Thanks Ted

So far the stocking list is narrowing down to:

1 DG
3 Corys
6 Schooling Fish (Tetras, Barbs, Danios, I can't decide)
3 Guppies (Male)

With the 1 inch per gallon rule I think this is all I can fit, using fishlore profiles.

carlos413

Welcome to Fish Lore, you stocking plan looks really good. As for the schooling fish: barbs danios & tetras would go grate with you setup once your tank is cycled. Id go with neon’s or cardinals my self. ( sorry for the bias input since I prefer tetras) So far you sound like you got a good solid plan.
PS. If you are planning on using TSS. Make sure your pH is not to low otherwise the bacteria will not reproduce, (they go dormant if ph is to low). Also make sure you have ammonia in you tank so the bacteria has something to feed on. And last but not least, when you add the TSS. Be sure you leave the water alone no chemicals at all leave the water alone for 7 to 10 days. Id do water test on a daily bases and write down your results so you can see the cycle progress. That’s my two cents, good luck.

LilMan

I was looking toward tetras. I will use prime, wait a day then add TSS and some fish. My tap pH is about 7.5 to I wont have to worry about the ammonia becoming ammonium.

Thanks for the advice

Chrisson

That's exactly all the fish I want, even the same numbers! xD I would chose tetras since they are peaceful and to me it seems like danios become carnivores at night and when you turn on your tank lights one of your fishes are missing. ._. I keep hearing comments on youtube where one of there fishes mysteriously disappear and all of them having danios in there stocks. My friend had the same experience. Danios may also nip the guppies fins.

LilMan

Yeah only reason Danios is on there is because I liked the GloFish, but now that I think about it they wouldnt really fit in the tank. Barbs are on there because everyone says they are good beginner fish. So that leaves tetras, which are the ones I like and will probably end up getting. Now to decide which ones lol.

I can't wait!

catfishlover123

Welcome to the forum!

LilMan

Thanks catfishlover ...hmm I love catfish too...Fried xD