75 Gallon Tank Trying to build a freshwater aquarium for my toddler

hello everyone, fresh newbie here . My daughter is 2 years old and she's been to the local aquarium about 3x now so I decided why not have something in our home given we moved out into a larger space. So my plan is to either have a 55gallon or a 75 gallon Freshwater but I do not know anything about the type of fish I should get or even where can I get them from besides Petco but here is what I want for her:

1) OBVIOUSLY! we want her to have very colorful fish lol
2) Can we add corals to make this all more beautiful?
3) I want to add organisms that can help clean the tank (from algae, waste etc.)
4) I don't just want to have fish, what else can be added besides plants, maybe snails? maybe a searhorse (freshwater pipefish?)

Just all in all , I'm here for the expertise of this forum to guide me in this endeavor to give my daughter what I never had growing up, thank you!

 

If it were me I would keep 2-3 goldfish in a 75. Perfect size for most fancy goldfish and they are colorful, interactive fish that can get pretty big. I think she might like them.

 

Ok. Lets go.
1) There are 2 main types of aquariums. Saltwater and Freshwater. IMO saltwater tanks have more colorful fish and colorful corals (you cannot have corals in freshwater) BUT saltwater tanks can cost well over $1000. On the other hand freshwater. Freshwater can have more colorful fish but is also more of what you see on the day to day which is plants, wood, rocks, etc.. and this one can cost a lot but still is less then saltwater (depending on what you buy that is).
2) You should know about cycling a tank. This is the worst part of the hobby (waiting) but also needed. In simple terms, you are creating beneficial bacteria that will take the ammonia from decaying food and fish poop and turn it into nitrite which in turn turns that into nitrate which is not harmful but still good to keep low.

I currently have a 55 gallon freshwater which I am turning into saltwater and I can tell you even with having the tank which costs a lot, im still paying over a thousand for corals, rocks, fish, lights, filter, etc..

Let me know which type of aquarium you are leaning towards and I can answer your questions and help you from there.

 

Read about the nitrogen cycle before you even have an empty tank. Ask a lot of questions on here. Never assume you know everything lol. I started this year and I wish I had know these things

Don’t get a fish to eat algae. They won’t solve the issue you will. I don’t know of any fish that cleans waste more than it makes so that won’t happen. Plants are wonderful And can make a tank much more beautiful and help keep the water clean. Shrimp are nice as well.

 

I agree with the nitrogen cycle thing. I hate waiting, but it takes a month. Sometimes more. Just use that time to teach the kid some basic science and she might even be able to help a little. You might have to make the lesson a little more entertaining than all the websites though. Also use that time to let her look at fish in the fish store. See what catches her eye and then figure out what's compatible. I love the goldfish idea, but you usually don't get many compatible fish. Although they take up the space and have great color. If she likes small fish you get more in the tank and more different types, but they tend to be smaller. I happen to like guppies for some fun color.

 

If I were ever to make a 75g specifically for kids, this is what I would have:

25 rummynose tetras
5 guppies (All male)
3 reticulated hillstream loaches
10 cories
10 kuhlis


The rummies would be great because they have a really cool schooling pattern, it could help them go to sleep, I'd suggest watching this: Rummies

Guppies are always gorgeous.

I love reticulated hillstream loaches, they are absolutely gorgeous and look like little aliens, which he would probably think cool. And will clean algae.

The cories and kuhlis are very cute and pile on top of each other, and I'm sure most kids would like them.

Also, snails and shrimp may fit well.

 

don’t hill streams need much cooler water Than The others

 

don’t hill streams need much cooler water Than The others

This is a heavily debated topic. Ime, I have had them for about half a year, they have been doing fine in warm water.

 

If I were ever to make a 75g specifically for kids, this is what I would have:

25 rummynose tetras
5 guppies (All male)
3 reticulated hillstream loaches
10 cories
10 kuhlis


The rummies would be great because they have a really cool schooling pattern, it could help them go to sleep, I'd suggest watching this: Rummies

Guppies are always gorgeous.

I love reticulated hillstream loaches, they are absolutely gorgeous and look like little aliens, which he would probably think cool. And will clean algae.

The cories and kuhlis are very cute and pile on top of each other, and I'm sure most kids would like them.

Also, snails and shrimp may fit well.

To the others that replied, thank you so much. I have read about the nitrogen cycle and my background helps a lot (I'm actually a biology grad student now finishing medical school). I have that set up now and going , checking readings everyday to make sure the cycle is ongoing.

But this is the list I like! Two gold fish I know won't do for my girl , she's very active and would need more than two to peak her interest lol you should see her in our local aquarium.

Can I get these fish from a local Petco store?

 

This might just be me, but I wouldn't jump in as a complete novice with a community tank with tons and tons of fish. I've found that out of all the tanks I've kept, densely-populated community tanks are the most prone to problems because with so many fish, you have many opportunities for disease, aggression, etc. Sometimes, all it takes is 1 sick fish to wipe out your whole stock.

Pipefish and seahorses are absolutely NOT for beginners, just so you know.

Personally, I'd keep it simple. Do a freshwater tank, and several-dozen guppies. Guppies are extremely colorful, active, hardy fish that are very cheap and easy to find at any pet store. In large numbers, the males can look stunning. They require little, beyond weekly water changes and food.
There are no freshwater corals, but there are plants and decor that can be just as beautiful if you ask me.

If you want a clean-up crew, I'd recommend mystery snails, nerite snails, or ghost shrimp or amano shrimp. Most "algae eater" fish either don't actually eat algae, are extremely fragile, or grow extremely large. And, they all require their own special food, because the ones that *do* eat algae will scrape the tank clean then starve to death.

 

This might just be me, but I wouldn't jump in as a complete novice with a community tank with tons and tons of fish. I've found that out of all the tanks I've kept, densely-populated community tanks are the most prone to problems because with so many fish, you have many opportunities for disease, aggression, etc. Sometimes, all it takes is 1 sick fish to wipe out your whole stock.

Pipefish and seahorses are absolutely NOT for beginners, just so you know.

Personally, I'd keep it simple. Do a freshwater tank, and several-dozen guppies. Guppies are extremely colorful, active, hardy fish that are very cheap and easy to find at any pet store. In large numbers, the males can look stunning. They require little, beyond weekly water changes and food.
There are no freshwater corals, but there are plants and decor that can be just as beautiful if you ask me.

If you want a clean-up crew, I'd recommend mystery snails, nerite snails, or ghost shrimp or amano shrimp. Most "algae eater" fish either don't actually eat algae, are extremely fragile, or grow extremely large. And, they all require their own special food, because the ones that *do* eat algae will scrape the tank clean then starve to death.

I spoke with my wife last night after posting this and agreed to try and keep it simple for now and as she grows, the tank can grow. Question tho, what makes pipefish not for beginners? Is there a very narrow range of requirements for them to strive?

 

Here's my suggestion for a 75 gallon tank.

• Five to seven pearl gouramis, ideally with no more than two males. They're beautiful fish that do well in planted tanks. Don't let it discourage you if they look drab in the store. The ones you usually see in stores are juveniles, and it takes time for the colors to develop.
• I'm a big fan of serpae tetras, and they're one of the more colorful freshwater fish. I'd get at least 15.
• Ten Corydoras panda. Fun to watch, with an interesting pattern.
• After the tank has been running for a few months, add some neocaridina shrimp of various colors.

Fish I'd avoid, mostly because of health problems resulting from overbreeding and poor conditions at fish farms.

• Dwarf gouramis
• Bettas
• Neon tetras
• Guppies (unless you get some from a private breeder)

 

Here's my suggestion for a 75 gallon tank.

• Five to seven pearl gouramis, ideally with no more than two males. They're beautiful fish that do well in planted tanks. Don't let it discourage you if they look drab in the store. The ones you usually see in stores are juveniles, and it takes time for the colors to develop.
• I'm a big fan of serpae tetras, and they're one of the more colorful freshwater fish. I'd get at least 15.
• Ten Corydoras panda. Fun to watch, with an interesting pattern.
• After the tank has been running for a few months, add some neocaridina shrimp of various colors.

Fish I'd avoid, mostly because of health problems resulting from overbreeding and poor conditions at fish farms.

• Dwarf gouramis
• Bettas
• Neon tetras
• Guppies (unless you get some from a private breeder)

But I heard guppies are actually great ? Now I am confused lol

 

To the others that replied, thank you so much. I have read about the nitrogen cycle and my background helps a lot (I'm actually a biology grad student now finishing medical school). I have that set up now and going , checking readings everyday to make sure the cycle is ongoing.

But this is the list I like! Two gold fish I know won't do for my girl , she's very active and would need more than two to peak her interest lol you should see her in our local aquarium.

Can I get these fish from a local Petco store?

I would say some you could get. They'll have guppies, cories, and maybe kuhlis regularly. Possibly rummies, but as for the reticulated hillstream loaches, they won't just have them there. But I have heard you can order off their stock list, (From their providers, which is more than the fish they order in) though I've never actually done it as I have an lfs.

 

I would say some you could get. They'll have guppies, cories, and maybe kuhlis regularly. Possibly rummies, but as for the reticulated hillstream loaches, they won't just have them there. But I have heard you can order off their stock list, (From their providers, which is more than the fish they order in) though I've never actually done it as I have an lfs.

Are there any good providers websites/names for the east coast? NYC specifically

 

Just an opinion, fish are cool and all, but I think a paladarium, would be more interesting long term for a child. an enclosed, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem/habitat. with different species fish, aquatick plants, amphibians or lizards and insects, along with terrestrial plants, coexisting in the space as they might naturally,

It's a more investing and time consuming, definitely a bigger learning curve also for what works and doesn't work together. but I think for a kid that's going to be growing up, there's all kinds of things to look at going on and growing and interacting to investigate and watch.

Just a thought. WHat you suggest about pipefish, they'd be brackish, they start freshwater but would need to move to mixed water and eventually salt.

corals won't work in freshwater. seahorse won't work in freshwater, and they are incredibly hard to keep in saltwater even.

if you want diversity of species, cleaners and breeders and cycle of life, I think a paladarium might be the way to go.

 

But I heard guppies are actually great ? Now I am confused lol

Yes, if you get them from petco/a lfs, most of the time they will have very poor genetics, though occasionally they will live their whole lives. For where to get them professionally, try twin city guppies for top-of-the-line guppies (Though really expensive), for a cheaper (But still good genetics), I'd suggest someplace like azgardens.

But an alternative, that is most of the time healthier, I would say would be platies, which you can get at a Petco.

Also for telling the sex of the guppies or platies, males have a little stick called a gonopodium and the females will have a fin there. Get the males so you don't have 2 million babies.

 

Yes, if you get them from petco/a lfs, most of the time they will have very poor genetics, though occasionally they will live their whole lives. For where to get them professionally, try twin city guppies for top-of-the-line guppies (Though really expensive), for a cheaper (But still good genetics), I'd suggest someplace like azgardens.

But an alternative, that is most of the time healthier, I would say would be platies, which you can get at a Petco.

Also for telling the sex of the guppies or platies, males have a little stick called a gonopodium and the females will have a fin there. Get the males so you don't have 2 million babies.

Is there any chance you can provide me with high/med level providers in the tri-state area (NYC specifically)

 

Is there any chance you can provide me with high/med level providers in the tri-state area (NYC specifically)

I'm sorry, I don't live near there. I can look around on here for some people, who I have seen are skilled with fish, living near you. These people are way smarter in fishkeeping than I am. They'll get a notification in this thread because I mentioned them.
86 ssinit coralbandit

 

I'm sorry, I don't live near there. I can look around on here for some people, who I have seen are skilled with fish, living near you. These people are way smarter in fishkeeping than I am. They'll get a notification in this thread because I mentioned them.
86 ssinit coralbandit

You're amazing! love it

 

But I heard guppies are actually great ? Now I am confused lol

They are . . . if you can find some from a private breeder. I've struggled to keep commercially raised guppies alive longer than 30 days, and I've seen numerous similar reports from others.

 

They are . . . if you can find some from a private breeder. I've struggled to keep commercially raised guppies alive longer than 30 days, and I've seen numerous similar reports from others.

Hm yeah that's def a red flag. I want the fish to grow up with her. She's only two right now, and I'm trying to hopefully be able to keep them into her teen years, if not longer.

 

Hm yeah that's def a red flag. I want the fish to grow up with her. She's only two right now, and I'm trying to hopefully be able to keep them into her teen years, if not longer.

Yeah, if you can get high-quality ones, go for guppies. But if not, go for platies, just as cool, but most of the time, better genetics.

 

This is such a sweet idea !!!! I’m sure your child will love the tank whatever you choose !

The only thing that captivates my kids interests are the shrimp , cory’s and snails ! Corys are active , cute little guys and shrimp are just plain fun to watch, just wait a couple of months like commented above if you do go for shrimp. Snails come in all sorts of sizes and nerites are the best imo ( they won’t breed ) . Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Would you like any advice on equipment to get or food?

Also, for the order to add the fish in, it doesn't really matter as none of them are very territorial, but I would say add the shrimp and rummies (Rummynose tetras) in last, as they are the most sensitive of all the fish and will do best in a very established tank.

 

Would you like any advice on equipment to get or food?

I'm always open ears for advice from anyone who has more experience than me!

I'm thinking of the aqueon set + an added filter + heater since its a 75 gallon?

In terms of food, I'm almost certain they wont all eat the same type of food ?

What I have open in a different tab from Aqua-imports is :

Reticulated Hillstream Loach
Panda Cory
Rummynose Tetra
Kuhli Loach
Batik Nerite Snail
Blue diamond shrimp

These are relatively small, first question (for reassurance) .. these all should be compatible. I do plan on keeping the numbers low, the ones that are recommended to be in a group of 5, i'll do that.

Is there something else I can add here that will give the tank a bit more pop for my princess? maybe just 1 fish that's a tad more bigger than all these but that's not aggressive at all.

 

I hold my hands up to making this mistake and that’s why I mention it. Panda corys prefer cooler water than the rummynoses. Sterbei corys would fit temp wise better if you like them. Or a different tetra if you want to pandas

 

Hm yeah that's def a red flag. I want the fish to grow up with her. She's only two right now, and I'm trying to hopefully be able to keep them into her teen years, if not longer.

That's an understandable goal, but expecting aquarium fish to live 10+ years might be difficult.

These are relatively small, first question (for reassurance) .. these all should be compatible. I do plan on keeping the numbers low, the ones that are recommended to be in a group of 5, i'll do that.

Is there something else I can add here that will give the tank a bit more pop for my princess? maybe just 1 fish that's a tad more bigger than all these but that's not aggressive at all.

Five is the bare minimum, and many sources will say six. I'm pretty sure fish can't count, so there of course isn't a definitive number, but more is always better, if space permits, and it does in a 75 gallon tank. I wouldn't get less than 10 of any species of shoaling fish. Larger groups put on a better display, and will exhibit more natural behavior, than smaller ones.

I hold my hands up to making this mistake and that’s why I mention it. Panda corys prefer cooler water than the rummynoses. Sterbei corys would fit temp wise better if you like them. Or a different tetra if you want to pandas

I believe the hillstream loaches do also. In any case, many people find rummy nose tetras to be fragile. They're beautiful fish, but I wouldn't recommend them for a new fish keeper.

 

I hold my hands up to making this mistake and that’s why I mention it. Panda corys prefer cooler water than the rummynoses. Sterbei corys would fit temp wise better if you like them. Or a different tetra if you want to pandas

Thank you , this is exactly the reason why I joined this forum. Before pulling any triggers, I want people who have been through this to tell me if what I'm doing is right or a disaster waiting to happen. I appreciate your input! I like how Sterbei corys look, so will switch that out for Panda corys. Thank you <3

 

Well, for the recommended groups of 5, most say 6 is a better-sized group, except for the few exceptions, usually from people trying to sell fish (You're more likely to want to buy fish if you don't have to buy as many) Though for the rummynoses, you need at least 20 or they won't have their regular schooling behavior and will be stressed out most of the time. They are one of the few true schooling fish

These are all compatible, minus the panda cories.

For a larger fish, you could do one with the smaller numbers you are suggesting, with 20 rummynoses. I would suggest a Bolivian ram; peaceful when not in a pair.

An easier alternative to the rummies, are fingertip tetras, having the same schooling behavior; still needing 20.

 

That's an understandable goal, but expecting aquarium fish to live 10+ years might be difficult.



Five is the bare minimum, and many sources will say six. I'm pretty sure fish can't count, so there of course isn't a definitive number, but more is always better, if space permits, and it does in a 75 gallon tank. I wouldn't get less than 10 of any species of shoaling fish. Larger groups put on a better display, and will exhibit more natural behavior, than smaller ones.



I believe the hillstream loaches do also. In any case, many people find rummy nose tetras to be fragile. They're beautiful fish, but I wouldn't recommend them for a new fish keeper.

Hmm so if I remove the rummy nose and Sterbei corys, what can I get instead?

and I will for sure not get any of my fish from petco, I will hopefully either from here or research find a reputable provider around me.

 

You may be best choosing another tetra in all honesty if the loaches prefer cooler too. Most places say 25c for rummy’s but they do better in warmer.

I have to say I commend you on getting the best start possible !! Research is your best friend in this hobby.

 

You may be best choosing another tetra in all honesty if the loaches prefer cooler too. Most places say 25c for rummy’s but they do better in warmer.

I have to say I commend you on getting the best start possible !! Research is your best friend in this hobby.

I've been doing research probably my entire career haha so it just came natural to poke around the internet. I must say joining this forum is a great decision, love the activity.

 

This is fantastic to hear What about keeping the pandas and hill stream and changing out the tetras to another type that prefer the cooler. Also neocaridina shrimp prefer even cooler still but with good acclimation can do 22c. Although I’d need your water parameters before saying they’d fit great. You said you had a test kit before right?

 

This is fantastic to hear What about keeping the pandas and hill stream and changing out the tetras to another type that prefer the cooler. Also neocaridina shrimp prefer even cooler still but with good acclimation can do 22c. Although I’d need your water parameters before saying they’d fit great. You said you had a test kit before right?

Yes I like this! Since the rummynose tetras I choose tend to be fragile, I would like to replace them and keep my other two beauties. And yes I do have a test kit, the one that has everything on 1 strip (master test kit).

I have the heater that was provided part of the Aqueon set but no thermometer which I should buy, cause I don't even know what temperature is the heater set to or if it can be adjusted based on the group of fish I get which apparently is looking towards the cooler side.

Well, for the recommended groups of 5, most say 6 is a better-sized group, except for the few exceptions, usually from people trying to sell fish (You're more likely to want to buy fish if you don't have to buy as many) Though for the rummynoses, you need at least 20 or they won't have their regular schooling behavior and will be stressed out most of the time. They are one of the few true schooling fish

These are all compatible, minus the panda cories.

For a larger fish, you could do one with the smaller numbers you are suggesting, with 20 rummynoses. I would suggest a Bolivian ram; peaceful when not in a pair.

An easier alternative to the rummies, are fingertip tetras, having the same schooling behavior; still needing 20.

As me and Blacksheep1 got to, how about I remove the rummynoses and go for something else? Keep the rest, what you think ?

 

I lost a couple of my rummynoses out of each batch so they aren’t the hardiest, that’s very true.

if you’re going for shrimp at some point , scrap the thermometer and order a tds pen off Amazon or the like for cheap which will be more accurate at measuring temp too ( or at least mine does and it was around £10/$12 ish )

what about rasboras instead of tetras?

also what’s your ph please ?

 

Most would recommend liquid test kit, it lasts a lot longer and is more accurate but a little costly at first.

 

How about white cloud mountain minnows, gorgeous fish and you could also get gold clouds and other varieties and they'll all school together. Zebra danios are SUPER active and would be very cool for a child to watch.

For a centerpiece, maybe try some type of killifish. A trio maybe.

If you are going with cooler water, you don't need a heater.


What do you think of this maybe:

3 blue gularis killifish

14 zebra danios

10 kuhlis

10 panda cories

3 reticulated hillstream loaches



As for equipment, my favorite are sponge filters, but you might want to go with a HOB (Hang on back) filter for a 75g. Most suggest aquaclears, I have an article covering different types of filtration and how to modify HOB filters, along with suggestions:

Resource 'Filtration 101'

 

I lost a couple of my rummynoses out of each batch so they aren’t the hardiest, that’s very true.

if you’re going for shrimp at some point , scrap the thermometer and order a tds pen off Amazon or the like for cheap which will be more accurate at measuring temp too ( or at least mine does and it was around £10/$12 ish )

what about rasboras instead of tetras?

also what’s your ph please ?

Most would recommend liquid test kit, it lasts a lot longer and is more accurate but a little costly at first.

You guys read my mind cause I swear just putting on the temp strip now which I didn't even know was a thermometer made me wonder "a plastic that goes on the outside, how accurate can this be? what are my alternatives" lol and I come back to my PC to this , I dont mind a bit more cost for a lot more accuracy.

I'm assuming the thermometer pen and a liquid test kit for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate is best.

My pH currently according to the strip is 6.5 and temp is around 23 degree C.

Nitrite/Nitrate is currently 0 ppm but ammonia didn't convert over yet I'm assuming, this tank has been running for 3 days now. I've been adding substrate to kick start that but waiting.

How about white cloud mountain minnows, gorgeous fish and you could also get gold clouds and other varieties and they'll all school together. Zebra danios are SUPER active and would be very cool for a child to watch.

For a centerpiece, maybe try some type of killifish. A trio maybe.

If you are going with cooler water, you don't need a heater.


What do you think of this maybe:

3 blue gularis killifish

14 zebra danios

10 kuhlis

10 panda cories

3 reticulated hillstream loaches



As for equipment, my favorite are sponge filters, but you might want to go with a HOB (Hang on back) filter for a 75g. Most suggest aquaclears, I have an article covering different types of filtration and how to modify HOB filters, along with suggestions:

Resource 'Filtration 101'

Omg the killifish got me , I love this list just for them lol very very gorgeous fish.
No heater? NYC gets extremely cold ! but I am thinking this list is perfect for her.

Will def. take a look at that article.

How about feeding all these bad boys, how will that look like?

 

Substrate won’t do anything for your cycle unless you’ve taken it from a mature tank. Cycling can take a month but if you know someone with a tank you could borrow a sponge , it’ll kick start your cycle wonderfully !

liquid test kits are more accurate than strips but if you have them now use them up first.

if you get a temp pen that measures tds too then it’s more bang for your buck as such.

I’m excited for you !!! Buying fish after all the research is the best bit in my opinion. It’s like a reward for being patient