Just Starting.....Need Some Help!

I was just wondering what fish I could put together...I would like a very big variety of fish from plain to colorful......any good algae eaters.... ???

 

First of all, please post the tank size, other fish, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.

 

My signature has all my tank specs and inhabitants. I just set it up yesterday and added an Iridescent Shark (I know they can get big, but it's only 2 inches for now), and an Angel Fish today to start the cycle. My roomate has a saltwater reef but doesn't know much about what freshwater fish will go together well (hes obsessed with corals and saltwater fish only). It is 29 gal and since it just started, the readings will all read zero so there isn't any point in testing them at this moment. Like I said I want a large and colorful variety of fish. I understand the rule is about 1 fish per gallon with freshwater? Is that right? How often can I add a fish? My roommate says maybe 1 every week or 2. THANKS in advance! ;D

 

That's not a bad rule but you should go with a fishless cycle and you know depending on what type of iridescent shark you have they can get a mimum of a couple of feet. And as adding fish goes make sure your tank is fully cycled before you add anymore fish and go on google and look at different type of fish that you would like let us know and we can help with compatibility and what to get but don't get any more fish. what type of filter do you have?

Austin

 

maybe that will change your mind about an iridescent shark

Austin

 

Okay, now that we know your shark will outgrow your tank, let's deal with the now. Please do not add any more fish to your tank until it's completely cycled. You will probably lose your angelfish, but let's try and not let that happen. You definitely need tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate right now, so you can monitor your parameters and do water changes when needed to keep your fish alive. My recommendation is to get a master test kit from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. They usually cost about $15.00 online, and if you copy the add on the PetSmart website, they should honor their lower online price at your local store. Locally, they usually sell for around $30.00, so that's quite a savings! The reason I recommend this master test kit is because it's accurate, it has all the tests you need to start off with, and it's relatively inexpensive as far as test kits go. Make sure the master test kit you get contains the nitrate test. There are 2 AP master test kits, so get the one with the nitrate test. Test strips are a little easier to use, but are known for their inaccurate readings, and are more expensive to use than the drops.

As far as the shark goes, you have 2 options. You can either try and trade him back to the store for a different fish more compatible for your tank, or plan on getting bigger tanks, and possibly donating him to an aquarium that has a tank big enough to house these adult fish. They are beautiful, and you are not the only one who has one in a tank at home. Pacus are another fish that should not be sold to hobbyists because of their huge adult size. WalMart sells them by the thousands. Anything for a buck.

We're glad you decided to join us, and hope you will continue to come back to FishLore for answers and help!

 

Thanks All! I will take the comments in to consideration and I will keep you guys posted.