New 45 Gallon Tank

[Jessica Lawson]

Hello friends. I am new to this forum and slightly new to keeping aquariums. I've had a couple 5 and 10 gallons that I had betta in while I was in high school. Wasn't super serious about it then. I set up my aqueon 45 gallon tank a week ago with some Carib sea and nat geo substrate. I have some anubias, dwarf hair grass, and Amazon sword in it right now with a big rock from petsmart. I used apI conditioner and the apI test kit. Everything was close to 0 and the ph was 7.6 I think (don't remember off the top of my head) . No fish yet. Was just looking for recommendations about maybe upgrading the lights, maybe adding CO2, and what fish to put in it. My first thought was a betta sorority but the filter I have would need some modification so the current wasn't as strong and I kind of want to get into some new fish (have looked at loaches, gourami, cichlids, and tetras). So any recommendations on where to buy, what to do, and good pairings and stuff is welcome! I really only have access to petco, petsmart, and online so any information is appreciated! (I've also filled the tank up more, I filled it to the black border part on top. The picture is from the night I set it up)

 

[Bryangar]

Welcome to fishlore!

That’s a nice sized tank so you can keep most common fish that pet stores have. If you do plant to go with the betta sorority. You should heavily plant it with taller stem plants. The plants behind the rock are called ribbon plants, a type of lucky bamboo. They will rot if left full submerged.

If you barely set it up then you probably don’t have a working nitrogen cycle. This is what converts the ammonia that the fish create into nitrites then into nitrates. Ammonia and nitrite are toxic at level over .25ppm. Nitrate is less toxic at little amounts under 20ppm. To lower these numbers, a water change is to be done. It is included on the weekly maintenance.
Start by adding a pinch of food to add a source of ammonia to feed the beneficial bacteria. Continue every other day until you read 0/0/20.

You can baffle the filer with a water bottle. There are a few videos on youtube about it. Search water bottle baffle.

Personally I love the look of angels. You can have a pair in there. Maybe with a school of bottom feeders.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

Welcome to fishlore!

That’s a nice sized tank so you can keep most common fish that pet stores have. If you do plant to go with the betta sorority. You should heavily plant it with taller stem plants. The plants behind the rock are called ribbon plants, a type of lucky bamboo. They will rot if left full submerged.

If you barely set it up then you probably don’t have a working nitrogen cycle. This is what converts the ammonia that the fish create into nitrites then into nitrates. Ammonia and nitrite are toxic at level over .25ppm. Nitrate is less toxic at little amounts under 20ppm. To lower these numbers, a water change is to be done. It is included on the weekly maintenance.
Start by adding a pinch of food to add a source of ammonia to feed the beneficial bacteria. Continue every other day until you read 0/0/20.

You can baffle the filer with a water bottle. There are a few videos on youtube about it. Search water bottle baffle.

Personally I love the look of angels. You can have a pair in there. Maybe with a school of bottom feeders.

The plant behind the rock was labeled as striped Amazon sword so I guess petsmart lied/mislabeled? Should I remove it or what? Thanks for the help too!

 

[Bryangar]

Here is a thread about the plants.

They definitely mislabeled it . I would remove it.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

Here is a thread about the plants.

They definitely mislabeled it . I would remove it.

Thanks for letting me know!

 

[Adriifu]

Looks beautiful. Make sure to cycle it completely before adding fish. Here's an idea:

2x angelfish
9x corydoras
1x bristlenose pleco
9x lemon tetras
4x nerite snails
6x platies

 

[ValerieAdams]

Hello friends. I am new to this forum and slightly new to keeping aquariums. I've had a couple 5 and 10 gallons that I had betta in while I was in high school. Wasn't super serious about it then. I set up my aqueon 45 gallon tank a week ago with some Carib sea and nat geo substrate. I have some anubias, dwarf hair grass, and Amazon sword in it right now with a big rock from petsmart. I used apI conditioner and the apI test kit. Everything was close to 0 and the ph was 7.6 I think (don't remember off the top of my head) . No fish yet. Was just looking for recommendations about maybe upgrading the lights, maybe adding CO2, and what fish to put in it. My first thought was a betta sorority but the filter I have would need some modification so the current wasn't as strong and I kind of want to get into some new fish (have looked at loaches, gourami, cichlids, and tetras). So any recommendations on where to buy, what to do, and good pairings and stuff is welcome! I really only have access to petco, petsmart, and online so any information is appreciated! (I've also filled the tank up more, I filled it to the black border part on top. The picture is from the night I set it up) View attachment 447444

Welcome! CO2 wouldn't be necessary for the plants you have, I don't think upgrading the lights would need done either. But other plants might need those if you're planning on getting more

Also, if you have your anubias in the substrate, you need to make sure the rhizome is not under the substrate

 

[Jessica Lawson]

I don't think I covered them but I will check when I get home later. I appreciate the advice!

Looks beautiful. Make sure to cycle it completely before adding fish. Here's an idea:

2x angelfish
9x corydoras
1x bristlenose pleco
9x lemon tetras
4x nerite snails
6x platies

Thanks for the recommendation, I really appreciate the direction! Do you think any tetras would be ok (such as black neon tetras)? I'm not 100% sold on the corydoras (kind of think they're ugly lol) and am somewhat worried about the bristlenose pleco growing too large for my tank.

 

[ChrisTheFishkeeper2004]

As a tetra I would start out with 6-10 neon tetras as a starter because they are hardier than the black ones... in my opinion. First r fish you could do these...
5-6 guppies (males only if you don’t want 100s of baby fish in your tank)
10 neon tetras
6 Cory catfish
5 Amano shrimp( best cleanup crew to clean algae and uneaten food)
5 Otocinclus catfish
And maybe 1 female Betta if peaceful

 

[Jessica Lawson]

As a tetra I would start out with 6-10 neon tetras as a starter because they are hardier than the black ones... in my opinion.

Yeah I know they are hardier and I probably should go with those (also more readily available to me), but the black neon ones are soooo pretty imo

 

[IHaveADogToo]

Hey, if you're not sold on corydoras, look up kuhlI loaches. They are a bottom feeder with barbel mouths, like corys, but they actually look like tiny eels. Most loaches get too large for a tank that size, but kuhlI loaches only reach a maximum of about 4 inches, and their body is no thicker than a drinking straw (like I said, they look like tiny eels). They'll spend most of their time moving from hiding spot to hiding spot, and weaving in between the blades of grass and the leaves of your plants. The only thing is, they need a sandy substrate, not a gravel substrate. I can't tell from your photo if you got the finer sandy stuff or the thicker gravelly stuff. The reason kuhlI loaches (and corydoras, ironically) need sand is because they actually sift the sand through their gills looking for tiny food particles to eat. Also, they like to slither on (and sometimes burrow under) the sand, and if you use gravel it could cut or irritate their skin. Although, I've never seen a kuhlI loach burrow. I think they only burrow if they don't have adequate hiding places (caves, plants, low overhangs, etc). They will swarm underneath that rock you have. They need to be kept in a shoal of at least 6, although they really shine when you have 10 or more.

 

[Will Boyer]

First ( this isn’t necessary but it’s what I’d do) is let the plants grow a little before adding fish. This tank could be a great looking community tank. If you want a lot of small fish, I’d recommend maybe putting in black skirt tetras, platys, mollies, dwarf gouramis, or guppies. If you wanted bigger fish, you could make it a cichlid tank, or put in some bigger gouramis. But your original idea would also be great.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

Hey, if you're not sold on corydoras, look up kuhlI loaches. They are a bottom feeder with barbel mouths, like corys, but they actually look like tiny eels. Most loaches get too large for a tank that size, but kuhlI loaches only reach a maximum of about 4 inches, and their body is no thicker than a drinking straw (like I said, they look like tiny eels). They'll spend most of their time moving from hiding spot to hiding spot, and weaving in between the blades of grass and the leaves of your plants. The only thing is, they need a sandy substrate, not a gravel substrate. I can't tell from your photo if you got the finer sandy stuff or the thicker gravelly stuff. The reason kuhlI loaches (and corydoras, ironically) need sand is because they actually sift the sand through their gills looking for tiny food particles to eat. Also, they like to slither (and sometimes burrow) under the sand, and if you use gravel it could cut or irritate their skin. Although, I've never seen a kuhlI loach burrow. I think they only burrow if they don't have adequate hiding places (caves, plants, low overhangs, etc). They will swarm underneath that rock you have. They need to be kept in a shoal of at least 6, although they really shine when you have 10 or more.

I have the finer sand! And I have actually been looking at khulI loaches and really like them! I just didn't know if they'd be a good option with the dwarf hair grass and other plants. Do you think they'd do ok with angelfish and tetras like suggested above?

 

[Sarah73]

I saw kuhlI loaches and started reading the thread. KuhlI loaches are very peaceful bottom dwellers. Are there any specific ones you want? The black kuhlI loach or just the kuhlI loach?

 

[Jessica Lawson]

First ( this isn’t necessary but it’s what I’d do) is let the plants grow a little before adding fish. This tank could be a great looking community tank. If you want a lot of small fish, I’d recommend maybe putting in black skirt tetras, platys, mollies, dwarf gouramis, or guppies. If you wanted bigger fish, you could make it a cichlid tank, or put in some bigger gouramis. But your original idea would also be great.

I was planning on waiting at least another week before adding fish (pay day and to let it cycle and grow). Also want to look more into the fish I plan on getting so that I can provide to the best of my abilities for them! I really want it to be a community tank though!

 

[IHaveADogToo]

My kuhlI loaches literally hide in between the blades of dwarf hairgrass I have. They love it. Imagine a snake in tall grass. That's how a kuhlI loach interacts with dwarf hairgrass.

They do get along fine with tetras, but IDK about angelfish. Angelfish will eat anything that fits in their mouths, and kuhlI loaches do kind of look like worms...

 

[Jessica Lawson]

I saw kuhlI loaches and started reading the thread. KuhlI loaches are very peaceful bottom dwellers. Are there any specific ones you want? The black kuhlI loach or just the kuhlI loach?

I really like either! I think a kuhlI loach would stand out more against the solid black substrate, but I also really like the look of the black khulI loach and think they'd look good against the green plants and lighter colored rock I have!

My kuhlI loaches literally hide in between the blades of dwarf hairgrass I have. They love it. Imagine a snake in tall grass. That's how a kuhlI loach interacts with dwarf hairgrass.

They do get along fine with tetras, but IDK about angelfish. Angelfish will eat anything that fits in their mouths, and kuhlI loaches do kind of look like worms...

I'll look more into how compatible they are with angelfish! Did you get yours from somewhere local or online?

 

[IHaveADogToo]

I got mine at a local fish store. Chain pet stores typically don't carry them.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

I got mine at a local fish store. Chain pet stores typically don't carry them.

Yeah, that is also an issue I have with them is availability. I will keep looking though! Thanks!

 

[Sarah73]

I have 4 small angels and one grown male with my black kuhlI loaches. Never have any of the angels once tried to go after the kuhli's. I have white filter sand with my black kuhlI loaches.

 

[IHaveADogToo]

Google fish stores near you, look at the yelp reviews, and try a few out! That's what I did and I found 3 fish stores I didn't even know existed. 2 of them sell Kuhlis.

Yeah, that is also an issue I have with them is availability. I will keep looking though! Thanks!

 

[Adriifu]

I'll look more into how compatible they are with angelfish! Did you get yours from somewhere local or online?

KuhlI loaches, tetras, and bristlenose plecos are all great with angelfish. The bristlenose pleco will only get up to 5-6 inches and needs at least a 20-gallon tank, so it won't outgrow it. You can get six kuhlI loaches instead of the corydoras.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

KuhlI loaches, tetras, and bristlenose plecos are all great with angelfish. The bristlenose pleco will only get up to 5-6 inches and needs at least a 20-gallon tank, so it won't outgrow it. You can get six kuhlI loaches instead of the corydoras.

Awesome!! I'll start looking into getting these then!!

 

[mabobo94]

I was planning on waiting at least another week before adding fish (pay day and to let it cycle and grow). Also want to look more into the fish I plan on getting so that I can provide to the best of my abilities for them! I really want it to be a community tank though!

HI I'm a little late joining, but I would wait at least a month before adding any fish. From personal experience I was told I could wait a week and it would be okay, but I waited 2 just in case and had serious problems with my tank and it ended up with me losing all of my fish. So I seriously consider waiting at least a month while doing regular testing.

 

[Raizinhell]

If you're planning to have your dwarf hairgrass carpet, co2 is the much easier route. Without co2, it takes forever to carpet!

 

[Reed M]

If you're planning to have your dwarf hairgrass carpet, co2 is the much easier route. Without co2, it takes forever to carpet!

I've also read that you can get a much better carpet with a dry start for dwarf hairgrass, if you'd rather not do CO2 (this is the route I think I'll take some day)

 

[danhutchins]

Hello friends. I am new to this forum and slightly new to keeping aquariums. I've had a couple 5 and 10 gallons that I had betta in while I was in high school. Wasn't super serious about it then. I set up my aqueon 45 gallon tank a week ago with some Carib sea and nat geo substrate. I have some anubias, dwarf hair grass, and Amazon sword in it right now with a big rock from petsmart. I used apI conditioner and the apI test kit. Everything was close to 0 and the ph was 7.6 I think (don't remember off the top of my head) . No fish yet. Was just looking for recommendations about maybe upgrading the lights, maybe adding CO2, and what fish to put in it. My first thought was a betta sorority but the filter I have would need some modification so the current wasn't as strong and I kind of want to get into some new fish (have looked at loaches, gourami, cichlids, and tetras). So any recommendations on where to buy, what to do, and good pairings and stuff is welcome! I really only have access to petco, petsmart, and online so any information is appreciated! (I've also filled the tank up more, I filled it to the black border part on top. The picture is from the night I set it up) View attachment 447444

Depending on the lighting you have now you may need to upgrade. The dwarf hairgrass requires medium-high light and in my experience it will just die off if in low light. Others say its possible but I haven't seen it. I also haven't had it survive without co2. If you decide to go with co2 just get a regulator from Amazon along with some co2 tube then you can get the full tank from your local welding shop.

 

[Raizinhell]

I've also read that you can get a much better carpet with a dry start for dwarf hairgrass, if you'd rather not do CO2 (this is the route I think I'll take some day)

Honestly, you'll be just fine if not better just flooding it day one because these dwarf hairgrass I got blew up when I added co2.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

Depending on the lighting you have now you may need to upgrade. The dwarf hairgrass requires medium-high light and in my experience it will just die off if in low light. Others say its possible but I haven't seen it. I also haven't had it survive without co2. If you decide to go with co2 just get a regulator from Amazon along with some co2 tube then you can get the full tank from your local welding shop.

It's just the led light that came with the tank! No clue the wattage or anything like that

Honestly, you'll be just fine if not better just flooding it day one because these dwarf hairgrass I got blew up when I added co2.

I'll look into this then! I've seen elsewhere that you needed co2 with dwarf hair grass but that it wasn't super necessary. So I think I will try that!

 

[IHaveADogToo]

I just bought a ton of dwarf hairgrass instead of waiting for it to carpet. But I’ll be honest it’s been melting ever since I added floating plants.

 

[danhutchins]

It's just the led light that came with the tank! No clue the wattage or anything like that

I'll look into this then! I've seen elsewhere that you needed co2 with dwarf hair grass but that it wasn't super necessary. So I think I will try that!

The lights that come with the tanks are low light if even that. I would recommend upgrading. You can find led plant lights on Amazon for cheap

 

[Jessica Lawson]

The lights that come with the tanks are low light if even that. I would recommend upgrading. You can find led plant lights on Amazon for cheap

I'll look into this too!! Thanks!!!

 

[danhutchins]

I'll look into this too!! Thanks!!!

Nicrew and beamswork make some nice ones for real cheap just to give you something to go with. These are also found on Amazon.

 

[Jessica Lawson]

I just bought a ton of dwarf hairgrass instead of waiting for it to carpet. But I’ll be honest it’s been melting ever since I added floating plants.

I was really tempted to do that lol! I saw this listing on amazon for a giant mat of dwarf hairgrass and thought about buying it. But I figured if I got the smaller amount for cheaper then it wouldn't suck so much if I managed to kill it (which I am hoping I don't lol).

 

[davidt39]

Jessica,
I too am new to this forum but a do have a recommendation on buying fish. One of the best places is through a local fish club. They usually have periodic auctions with reasonably priced fish. You’ll also be associating with some hobbyists who can give you excellence advice. I also have purchased through Ebay with good luck. Be sure and check buyer ratings before you buy. My favorite place is the online auction site AquaBid.com. It is a free service and a place where you can buy all kinds of fish and related aquarium supplies. Again, be sure to check out the buyer ratings and comments. Good luck and enjoy your new tank.

I recently bought 6 Gold Zebra Loaches because I had a serious snail problem — my 60 gallon tank was under snail attack. After 2 days I no longer saw any snails. They are very active and my Goyder River Rainbows were somewhat disturbed because the loaches didn’t stay in their place at the bottom of the tank. However, they are getting along fine now. I really like their gold color also. I bought them at AquaBid.com.

 

[H2O Concierge]

I applaud your patience in doing a fishless cycle (usually 4-6 wks) resisting the temptation to add fish. Seachem Stability and Prime are helpful. I have been doing this for a long time and making uniformed choices have usually not created favorable outcomes. So read and search and watch youtube videos and see what works good with others. A 45g can be a good home for a variety of fish. Think of it as picking room mates for a house or an apartment building. The fish you choose make a difference in how harmonious a living environment that you have or want. Community fish get along with each other generally because they do not have strong personalities. When you get into cichlids there is more aggression with more personality and interactions with the environment in and outside of their tank. I have had as much enjoyment from just a pair of Dempsey's or Frontosa as I have with a tank filled with Bosemani, Columbian tetras, and Denison Barbs (Roseline). Remember you are choosing tank mates by their adult size. A lot of it depends on what you are willing to do to keep your new roommates happy. Have fun.