Starting A Classroom Aquarium!

Hello!! I am starting a classroom aquarium in my 3rd grade special education room. I am new to fish care and aquariums and want to make sure I am going about things right and not putting fish into a bad and stressful environment.

I have already purchased my aquarium. It is a 16 gallon tank equipped with light, filter and heater. (Link to tank. I filled it with water, gravel and decor today and plan to go next week to my local pet store for a ph test.

I know there is a ton of information I need to learn but one of my first questions involves the type of fish I should get considering the size of my tank and the classroom setting. Any suggestions or input would be very greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!!

Laura

 

Welcome to FishLore Laura!

The first thing you need to do is learn about the nitrogen cycle. (The words should be a link and clicking on it will take you to an article about it). It is really the most important thing to fully understand when keeping fish. There's nothing worse than having your students watch all the fish die from ammonia and or nitrite posioning.

Once you understand the nitrogen cycle and determine the method you are going to use to cycle the tank, we can move on to tank stocking.

 

Welcome to Fishlore

Congrats on the new tank, and well done on the 'ask first' approach

To add to jd's comments and your own, while you're going to get the pH test, grab a master kit, we all highly recommend the API Freshwater Master Kit. It has everything you'll need to get started, pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate (which allows you to monitor the cycle). Depending on your budget, I believe the API kit is still sold as a generic brand kit at Walmart, exactly the same products [made by API], just with different labels

As for which fish, well that all kind of depends on what you like. Maybe you could put it to a classroom vote, and let the kids decide?

There are many species suitable for 16G, click on my name next to this post and you'll see what I have in mine.

But as some starting suggestions:
- Many of the tetra species
- Guppies (but don't mix male/females unless you want fry every other week)
- Endlers Livebearers (same as guppies, breed like crazy)
- Celestial Pearl Danios
- Danios
- White Cloud Minnows (I think that's the name)
- Rasboras
- Otos

It's a long list of suitable fish.
And here's a list of what I would avoid:
Betta (Siamese fighting fish) - Whilst you can house bettas in a 16G, Bettas are not what you'd call 'community' fish. They can be harassed and/or do the harassing.
Gouramis - again, some species will go in a 16G, but generally it's not wise to have more than one in a tank
Tiger Barbs - are generally known to be somewhat aggressive
Angel Fish - even the small ones will grow too large for a 16G

You've got a lot of choice for some small fish, check out some of the profiles at https://www.fishlore.com/freshwaterfish.htm

And engage the kids, they'll make it fun for you, you've got time to choose while the tank cycles.

Enjoy, and good luck

 

Welcome to FishLore! You have already been given some very good starting advice. Starting a new tank properly can take some time so don’t rush into getting fish until you have read about the Nitrogen Cycle. This is required reading if you truly want to start your tank off right.

There are lots of things that effect your fish and pH is one of the last things to worry about. Ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are far more important to control when trying to keep safe. The only proper way to monitor these is by using a liquid test kit and the API Master Test Kit for freshwater tanks is one of the best.

Before rushing out to pick out some fish take the time to do your home work and read the fish profiles on the types of fish that interest you. This will help you understand how many you can keep in your tank and which ones will work together without conflicts.

 

Welcome to Fishlore Laura.
Excellent advice from those above. Maybe, while the tank cycles, you and your class could, each day, investigate and discuss a different breed of fish appropriate for your size tank. Make a project of it with a chart or something like that to narrow down the list of candidates.
Cycling can take up to six weeks so there is plenty of time to figure the stock.
Here is a link to our beginners articles : https://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm

Best of luck to you and your class. Don't be shy about asking questions!

 

I think that 3rd graders would love to see a red cherry shrimp colony. They can watch the females with their eggs and then see baby shrimplets swimming all over the tank. It's a very easy tank to keep. You could also have some pygmy corys with the shrimp. Make it fun! Go for something other than fish!

 

Wow!!!!! There's so much I don't know!!! Thank you for all of the information and the links. I was completely unfamiliar with the nitrate cycle. I'm going to purchase the Master Test Kit from amazon today. Is this kit good for a one time use or multiple uses? Also, how often do I need to purchase this kit? Will it be a regular monthly expense or is it something that I would purchase just a few times a year? I'm running off to work but can't wait to come home and check out all of the other links and info you all provided. Thanks again!!!!

 

If you're in the US, you might get a better price on kensfish.com rather than amazon. Don't get me wrong, I love amazon but kens offers phenomenal customer service and he's usually priced the best.

The API master kit will give you tons of uses, you definitely won't have to replace it within the first year.

Also, do NOT pay attention to where the manufacturer tells you to change out your filter monthly. Not true, not true. Maybe a few times a year, but not monthly. We'll give you the good dirt on tank maintenance once you're up and running. We don't want your head to explode from too much information......

 

Welcome to Fishlore. I hope you and your class enjoy your new tank. I think just about everything has been covered above; the nitrogen cycle is the most important thing to be worried about long before you buy your fish. As already recommended you need to get an API Test kit. You need to be able to test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. The last thing to worry about is Ph. Most water has acceptable Ph and unless you are buying a very specific fish that is very sensative to Ph I would not worry about it. None of the critters mentioned in the other posts fall under that category.

 

HI Laura,
What a wonderful thing you are doing for your students and I know you will all have a great time with this hobby and learn so much. I'm fairly new to a (larger aquarium) and have done many things wrong over the years but you've come to the right place and there are many, many wise folk who will help you out. They were absolutely right when stressing about reading, wish I had done more of it when I first started out buying fish years ago. I haven't checked out kens fish yet, but one other you may want to look at is - they also have very resonable prices on needed chemicals, food, etc... I wish I had known about sites to order from, they are much cheaper than the major chain pet stores. Wishing you great luck on your new hobby and don't be afraid to ask questions, I think I was the "Question Queen" in the beginning

 

Oh, and don't forget a good quality water conditioner, most of us here endorse Seachem Prime or Kordon Amquel+/Nova+ (?), Tetra Aqua Safe is also good as a dechlorinator.

Important to mention too: we're all hobbyists/enthusiasts, and I don't believe any of us work for any of the aforementioned companies. We will recommend products based on experience with them, and more importantly because they work or give good results [just don't want you thinking it's a conspiracy to sell products]

There will be products that the shops try and sell you, or tell you that you need. It has been the experience of many members that the following products are either not required, don't work, or are simply not required/appropriate for a tropical freshwater system:

- Aquarium Salt (salt irritates fish and is simply not needed)
- Bacteria Supplements (Such as Cycle and the like) - these just simply don't work long term - the exception is Tetra Safe Start (but if you cycle fishless, you shouldn't need it)
- pH Up/Down - just not necessary, and often cause more problems than they solve
- Most 'chemicals/additives' - often over complicate your setup, with good husbandry (i.e. water changes), most systems do not need anything added to them

And of course, if anything get's recommended that you're not sure of, feel free to ask the Fishlore community. More than likely someone has used the product, or as a community we can determine the merits of the product.

Just my 2c based on my experiences.... Oooh it's exciting starting a new system.

 

There is also a product that members use called Tetra Safe Start. I haven't tried yet. Tetras or rasboras and shrimp would be pretty. Since your classroom is special needs based, make sure tank is cycled to avoid deaths. Hate to upset the little ones if avoidable. Is your classroom aces sable to water for weekly changes?

 

It might be good for the kids to see that the fish also have special needs.

 

The last thing to worry about is Ph. Most water has acceptable Ph and unless you are buying a very specific fish that is very sensative to Ph I would not worry about it. None of the critters mentioned in the other posts fall under that category.

Gotta disagree here. PH and hardness are important to all fish. Some have a greater range of acceptance true, but putting livebearers into acidic water increases the chance of still births. I wouldn't want to be the one explaining why momma fish is is giving birth to dead babies.... then eating them. Which brings another point up. If it fits in it's mouth fish will eat it (there are a few exceptions). So if you were planning to breed fish to show babies you will need another tank.

 

Gotta disagree here. PH and hardness are important to all fish. Some have a greater range of acceptance true, but putting livebearers into acidic water increases the chance of still births. I wouldn't want to be the one explaining why momma fish is is giving birth to dead babies.... then eating them. Which brings another point up. If it fits in it's mouth fish will eat it (there are a few exceptions). So if you were planning to breed fish to show babies you will need another tank.

HI Ladayen, I'm with Wendy.

I appreciate what you are saying, and agree with you. But respectfully, in the context of this thread, the pH is the last thing to worry about. The first step for the OP is to get through the cycle, which will cause swings in pH to start with. Once the tank cycles, a more reliable and stable pH reading can be taken.

It is also widely accepted (by most at fishlore) that most tropical freshwater fish can be acclimated and will happily live in just about any pH from 6.5 to 8.2

Breeding is a different story, and does require more stringent control of parameters, where pH, temp, and hardness can all influence breeding.

 

Hi! What a cool idea! Fish tanks are very calming to look at and exciting to learn about, making them a great classroom tool! I agree with everything said above, they seem to know what they're talking about. I thought that you could use the API test kit as a learning tool to. You could make a poster version of the Color chart that comes with it and hang it by the tank, then when you test the kids can match it to the right color. Also as the tank will be in school most of the time, take a look at the timers you can get to plug the lights into, that way the fish get the same amount of lighting even on the weekend.

 

Welcome to FishLore Laura!
Nitrogen Cycle is very important
And I am a beginner too.
thanks for info..suggestion ,knowledge,Product recommendation.
I have learn much from this thread.
thx ,teacher.

 

welcome to fishlore! this is a great thread for anybody starting a tank, it covers all the basics,
after going through cycling choosing fish will be lots of fun with a class full of kids and opinions
one thing I suggest is that when suggestions for various species of fish come in please run them by the people here.
fish all have very different personalities so you wouldnt want to put the wrong two species together and expose the kids to bullying

for example
danios are awesome fish but tend to be fin nibblers and like to be in large groups
mollys, plecos, or fancy gold fish are slower and will become victims to quicker fish
shrimp are amazing creatures but are always at risk of being eaten because of there size,

my point is I guess to run a compatibility test past people with experience before mixing fish

lastly HAVE FUN! I know its a lot to learn for you and all the kiddies but its a hobby not a job so have fun and learn along the way

 

Hello!! I am starting a classroom aquarium in my 3rd grade special education room. I am new to fish care and aquariums and want to make sure I am going about things right and not putting fish into a bad and stressful environment.

I have already purchased my aquarium. It is a 16 gallon tank equipped with light, filter and heater. (Link to tank. I filled it with water, gravel and decor today and plan to go next week to my local pet store for a ph test.

I know there is a ton of information I need to learn but one of my first questions involves the type of fish I should get considering the size of my tank and the classroom setting. Any suggestions or input would be very greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!!

Laura

Wow glad you made sure to ask first, great job! Ok, so now for your aquarium (please note that my answers are not promised and ask other members for conformation).

To start you need to learn about the nitrogen cycle. I recommend getting a API Freshwater Master Test Kit for your tank. Also, make sure to cycle the tank (double check).

Now for fish recommendations.

1) 8 Neon Tetra's
2) 1 Male Guppy
3) 2 Female Guppy (some babies which can be exciting for your class)
4) Few Bottom Feeders, not sure.

That's all I have for you, best of luck.

 

Hey, a classroom aquarium! Sometimes these things pop up here. I'm glad to see teachers are willing to learn before they attempt to teach their students with projects like this.

Tell you what, if you're still here by the time your tank is cycled, ready, set up with small nano-style fish with plenty of hiding places, I'd be willing to donate some Red Cherry Shrimp to your classroom aquarium if you pay for the shipping.

 

Thanks for all of the great ideas and feedback!!! I read through everything fairly quickly but plan to be back on this weekend when I have more time and can carefully go through all of the information that's been shared. I love all of the ideas about including the students in the nitrate process, fish selection etc. I also want to be careful to model the correct way to care for a living thing and so am grateful I found this forum because I also have a lot of learning to do. Just today one of my students asked why I haven't added the fish yet when we've had the tank for over a week. I explained that I needed to make sure their home was just right for them. Another student chimed in, that's what you do when you love animals.

I ordered the API master kit online today. My tank is about 3/4 full with water but I am yet to hook up the filter, heater, etc. I am going to try to attach and set it all up tomorrow and fill the rest of it with water. I did buy a water conditioner.

I am going to read through all of your responses again tomorrow, read more about the initial set up of a tank and will definitely be back on very soon when my test kit arrives at which time I'm sure I'll have quite a few questions. Thanks again for all of your help and support!!


Laura

 

You're going to need a feeding schedule too! For the kids I mean

All you'll hear is "No Johnny, it's MY turn to feed the fish <snatches the food from Johnny>"

 

You are in the right place to increase your learning curve. There are fish-keepers here of all ages and levels of experience to help you along. Unlike Math class there are fewer right and wrong answers when keeping fish because there are so many variables that have to be considered but there are things that work and things that don’t.

To help us help you please take the time to fill out your profile. Your profile is one spot we can look to get answers to some of the most common questions like: What size tank? What are your current water parameter test results? What is your stocking list of fish? By placing this information on your profile it will help keep you from answering the same questions over and over.

Don’t ever be afraid of asking a question because you think someone might think it is dumb. We believe the only dumb question is the one that goes unanswered because it was never asked. We all were beginners at one time or another so we know how over whelming it can be to digest all the new information.

I know it is a bit early to ask you this but have you thought about how you are going to care for the fish over the summer brake? Some teachers are able to get the janitorial staff to feed the fish over the summer but most will not do the required water changes, some teachers move the fish to their home for the summer so that they can easily care for the fish themselves. I personally even fish sit for people from time to time.

 

I don't know what anybody (including teacher) thinks of this idea, I'm just throwing it out there, but many of us have a lot of fish supplies so maybe we could like open a RAOK for this and some people can donate fish for the tank (or supplies) (healthy animals online) if the teacher thinks its fine. What do you guys think?

 

I don't know what anybody (including teacher) thinks of this idea, I'm just throwing it out there, but many of us have a lot of fish supplies so maybe we could like open a RAOK for this and some people can donate fish for the tank (or supplies) (healthy animals online) if the teacher thinks its fine. What do you guys think?

The OP has 3 posts.
Roak's abide by the b/s/t minimum 50 post rule.

 

welcome to fishlore laura

I think rcs are pretty awesome too...entertaining. I think dwarf orange crayfish (CPOs) are very cool as well. don't think I would combine the two though, as CPOs are kind of aggressive. but they definitely get attention from all who look! they are also ok with live plants, if you ever decide to have any.

I really like espeI rasboras....they are a nice size for a 16g. you could have probably 8-10 of them. dwarf cories are a good option for that size too.

and i'm not sure if this has been mentioned...but it'd be a good idea to get a gravel vacuum. when the tank is a bit more established, it will help suck out a lot of unwanted waste and debris.

 

Hello again,

I feel so lucky to have stumbled across this forum and am very appreciative of all of the advice and support I've been given. I should have more time this weekend to look over my profile and fill in more specific information regarding fish tank size, etc. Thanks for the tip.

As far as the summer, yes I've been thinking a lot about it. I definitely can't leave it up to the janitorial staff. I tried that with my plants one year and it didn't go over well. They are great but probably way too busy with their own work. Right now, the only options I've come up with are to dismantle the first tank and bring it home or buy a smaller 10 gallon tank and set it up as a separate tank at home. I'd have to look into specific costs regarding buying a 2nd tank and also space in my small apartment. However, I'm starting to think the first option wouldn't be too feasible considering what I'm starting to learn about the nitrogen cycle and the length of time it takes to get it right.

I'm going to look again at some of the previous posts with fish suggestions over the weekend to see if I can start to at least narrow down my choices. Right now I'm working on installing the filter and heater and also waiting for my master kit to arrive in the mail.

Thanks for the tip about the vacuum gravel. I see those every time I go to the pet store and wasn't sure if it was necessary with the filter but it sounds like it would be a good think to have.

I'll be back on soon. Thanks again!!!

Here's my tank so far. I'd like to add some taller plants so everything is not limited to the bottom half of the tank. Let me know what else you think I need to add. I know for the most part that is probably dependent on the type of fish I'm getting.

 

Nice looking tank set-up!
to FishLore and glad you found us!
Now that you know ALL about the nitrogen cycle, and ALL about Freshwater Master Test Kits, and ALL about fish-less cycling, whew, summer will be here before you know it!

As far as a stocking list goes, hmm. Color and movement I think for your students. And activity at all levels of the water column (low, middle, high).

So, here goes. Choose FROM this list to avoid overstocking:
Low to middle level of tank:
* 6-8x neon tetras. Color, color, color!
* 4x albino cory catfish. Activity, activity, activity! (note that some members may disagree with me here, but in my experience, albino cory cats tend to swim up and down the glass as well as along the bottom, so they don't need length of swimming space like other cory species, in my opinion).
* ?x ghost shrimp or red cherry shrimp. Weird looking, fun to watch as they swim and eat. Lots of color with red cherry shrimp.
Mid to high level of tank:
* 4x MALE guppies (no fry, lots of color and interest)
* 3-4x MALE swordtails (different colors, cool sword-like tails. Watch size of fish though for bioload)
* 5x White Cloud Mountain Minnows. A nice nano fish that likes the upper water level. Males have cool coloration and look almost "raptor-like" when they flare at each other.
* 5x Zebra danios for activity. Also can get different varieties, including GloFish, longfinned blues, albino, gold, purple passion (these are a bit larger size though), etc. Also a hardy fish generally speaking.

Just some thoughts for you that may spark some ideas! Happy planning!

 

Hey your tank looks great!

Hello again,
However, I'm starting to think the first option wouldn't be too feasible considering what I'm starting to learn about the nitrogen cycle and the length of time it takes to get it right.

Just on this point - this is the beauty of an established tank - I know it's still early days, so just make a mental note about "transferring filter media". Everything you're reading about good bacteria in the cycle, those bacteria live primarily in your filter. If you ever have to transfer your stock, you can take the filter you're using, and voila! instant cycle

 

looks good so far =] i'd probably add some taller, broad leaf plants....maybe of a green color. I like the silk ones mostly...they look more real, as they kind of bend and sway with the current because they are lighter than plastic.

moving a 16g really isn't too hard. just get a (new, not used) bucket...or other type of plastic tub with lid (probably good if traveling in the car).... and fill it with declorinated water, drop the filter media in, and get to work on draining the 16. all you need to do is remove the water, you can leave the gravel and decor. it will be light enough to carry without water.

I don't know how far your place is from the school...but if it's any more than like 10-15 min....you might want to get plastic bags for the fish....just so they are not sloshing all over the place in a tub. that might be kind of stressful for them in the car. hope this makes sense =]

 

That tank is a GREAT start. What I would do honestly, and feel free to say I hate it...

Take that short red plant and swap it for the tall red plant, then add two taller green plants, one in each corner, I would think one taller grass like plant and one that looks kinda like camboba, and then maybe toss in some fry grass in the front and you'll have a stunning tank.

 

Hi!! Thanks for the suggestions about my summer plans for the tank and the decor suggestions. I will definitely take your suggestions about moving things around and adding the fry grass. This may seem like a silly question but do I just stick my hands in and move everything around? I don't have any fish in there yet but have been a little worried about contaminating my tank by sticking my hand/arms in it. I'll post pictures once I get everything added and moved.

As far as the summer, I think I've decided I'm going to move this tank home for the summer instead of buying a separate tank. That way I can use my money/resources to improve this tank and not worrying about setting up and caring for a duplicate tank.

Quick question, I put my filter together and am ready to add it. Should I add the water conditioner before or after I put in the filter? Is there anything else I need to do before I put in the filter and get it running?

Thanks!!

Laura

 

yup just go ahead and reach on in there. Just give yourself a rinse off before hand and a wash after. The rinse is to ensure that you don't have anything on your arms that could contaminate the water, if you use lotions and such you may need to wash before hand as well.

 

At this point is doesn't matter when you add the water conditioner. But once you start cycling or are cycled, you want to put water that was already dechlorinated into the tank so as not to kill off the bacteria. Realistically you could put non dechlorinated water in, so long as you added dechlorinater it immeadiately afterwards, but there is always the risk of forgetting, so it is just better practice (in my opinion) to dechlorinate before putting the water in the tank.

 

At this point is doesn't matter when you add the water conditioner. But once you start cycling or are cycled, you want to put water that was already dechlorinated into the tank so as not to kill off the bacteria. Realistically you could put non dechlorinated water in, so long as you added dechlorinater it immeadiately afterwards, but there is always the risk of forgetting, so it is just better practice (in my opinion) to dechlorinate before putting the water in the tank.

Uh-oh. I already added regular Chicago tap water. I was going to add the water conditioner and then put the filter in and run it. The unconditioned tap water has already been in the tank for about a week. Is this going to cause problems?

 

Nope actually chlorine only lasts for 24 hours in the water so your all set on that end, aging water is one way around the dechlor products if you have the time and space but most of us don't, plus the products such as prime add other benefits to the water for the fish.

As for the rest yeah if your not even cycling yet none of it really is an issue, just watch out for things that can get into the tank such as lotions, really smelly soaps that can live a perfume that could harm the fish, or other such things, other than that you'll be fine.

 

Chloramine takes quite a bit longer to disapate then chlorine does (and I don't know which your municipal water contains). But at this point it does not matter since you haven't started cycling yet. (There is no bacteria to be killed by the chlorine or chloramine yet).

 

just get some cond. and add it. and this may have been said already....but how are you going to cycle the tank? doing a fish-in cycle is hard...because to keep the toxins down, you'll have to do almost daily partial water changes. not fun. doing a fishless cycle is best, but takes the longest. in the beginning, I used TSS, for a cycled tank in about a week.

 

Hello again!

Now is a good time to start cycling your tank if you haven't already begun.

By the way, I have the exact tank you have! It's an Aqueon kit, right? A 16 gallon bowfront, a very attractive tank. One word of caution...the aquarium is a "high" tank, so be sure it's placed on a level, stable, strong surface so it won't tip over "by mistake." It will weigh close to 165 pounds or more when full and with a classroom of third graders who can tell what mischief might occur LOL. But as a teacher you already know that (I'm a teacher also!)

 

* 4x MALE guppies (no fry, lots of color and interest)
* 3-4x MALE swordtails (different colors, cool sword-like tails. Watch size of fish though for bioload)

These are the two in your list that I personally disagree with (as in my other post, please check with other members to confirm).

To start with the guppies, without getting the appropriate number of females (12) for those, the males will most likely fight among each other due to aggression. Also a note to the teacher, if you read this and decide to get 2-3 female guppies to lower the aggression, don't! The poor females will get attacked to death:0.

And now with the swordtails which in my opinion is even worse than the guppies. To start swordtails can reach 4 inches in size a piece which means the teacher could only get a few more fish or no more if she got 3-4 of these. Another thing is these male swordtails are not as bad as male betta's but will still fight and may even kill each other. I had 1 male swordtail in a 55g, and he spent his time trying to attack his reflection in the glass (finally stopped when he realized that it wasn't going to go in his "territory"). The teacher could have serious aggression issues with these.

I recommend a stocking like this.
x(live plants)= I highly recommend live plants. Fun to take care of look nice and good for fish.

8(cardinal tetra's)
1(male guppy)
3(female guppy)
1(female swordtail)
10-14(red cherry shrimp)

Best of luck!