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Prospective owner...need help with some basic questions

2K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  bearwithfish 
#1 ·
Hi everyone, I'm rather new to all this. Decided it would be smarter to do my research before going out and buying a tank... I've been to multiple pet stores and wasn't satisfied with the answers I got there. So hopefully some of you will be able to help me :)

First, does anyone own a Starphire (low-iron glass) tank and believe it is worth the extra cost? Photography is a hobby of mine and I was hoping to take clear pictures through the tank once I have fish. I've checked out some pictures of them online but haven't actually seen one in person.

As for what kind of fish to get... I was told at Petco that these types all get along:

Bala Sharks
Angelfish
Swordfish
Dwarf Gourami
Neon Tetra
Dojo Loach

My husband and I were thinking of getting a 90 gallon tank (48x18x25) so the fish would have space. Yet, I'm not certain that all of these would really get along together. From the little I have read on here, angelfish are pretty aggressive, right? And the Balas would likely eat the Tetras eventually...right? The woman at the pet store insisted they'd be fine together but I wanted some feedback from those who actually own these fish. I think they're all beautiful but would hate to match them up together if they're not compatible.

I do plan on having real plants in the tank. Any suggestions on what kind of plants I should get?

As for pumps, heaters, water conditioner, etc. Any higher quality brands you would suggest I look into? I want to make sure I do this right :-D

Thanks!
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Welcome to the forum, happy that you have decided to join us. Lots of questions (good for you!) and I'll answer a few and let others chime it.
Water contioner: Prime
Heater: Marineland Stealth
Filter: will depend on the size of tank you end up geting. You'll have a choice between HOB, canister, etc.
Plants: depending on what type of lighting you're going to use (watts per gallon, light spectrum),what type of fertilizer regime you feel like maintaining...these all play a part as far as which plants you should select.

Bala Sharks- get much too large and require a school in order for them to be comfortable and thrive. A 90g isn't large enough for their eventual adult size.
Angelfish- they can be aggressive but they will work in a community tank depending on the number of angels you get, along with the tankmates you choose.
Swordfish- I have no experience with swordfish.
Dwarf Gourami- Slow moving fish that will be harassed by angels, angels can be a bit nippy.
Neon Tetra-a large school of neons is always nice but care must be used as far as tankmates as they make a nice snack for larger fish
Dojo Loach-is a temperate species so requires cooler water than the other fish listed above. Their are many other loaches that will work great in a community tank. Loaches are in the top five of the fish I like best. :)
Keep in mind these are only my opinions! Once again, welcome to fishforum!
 
#4 ·
Kym, swordfish is a typo. She meant swordtail. Swordtails work just fine in a community setup.

Firetyger, you can't go wrong with the wobbly fish with the cute tum tum called goldfish.:mrgreen:
 
#6 ·
Kym, swordfish is a typo. She meant swordtail. Swordtails work just fine in a community setup.

Firetyger, you can't go wrong with the wobbly fish with the cute tum tum called goldfish.:mrgreen:
LOL. Lupes, I read it as swordtail and completely missed that the word swordfish was typed instead! And to think you called me observant over on another thread. :lol:

I have to agree with Willie as far as Petco's advice. It's best to ask your questions here. If I had relied on the big chain advice when I first got into the hobby I shudder to think how my tanks would have fared. :shock: I'm lucky as my little LFS is awesome and the guy working the freshwater department has been in the hobby for 20+ years. I haven't received one piece of bad advice from him, or our members here. I peppered this forum with a gazillion questions and thanks to everyone here my tanks were a success right out of the starting gate.

I wish someone would weigh in on the brand of tank you are considering. I know they aren't cheap, not to mention you need that first piece to get started on your new hobby. :-D
 
#5 ·
I agree NEVER get "expert advice" from a company like petco, while they may be a good resource of slightly less expensive supplies the knowledge is lacking....

sword tails are great community fish and a really good breed to start out with as they are very hardy and while you are learning all the finer points of fish keeping this guys will be a lot of fun!!

i would also suggest Platties these are great live bearers that are beautiful!!
 
#8 ·
I do think Swordtails are beautiful... I like them a lot. My husband likes the larger fish like the sharks. Since Balas get so big, would Swordtails get along with a smaller shark like a Rainbow or Red Tail? Trying to look for a compromise with him if I can :-D I haven't seen Platties before... I will go look them up.

Thanks!
 
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