30g tank ideas? (:

eaturbyfill

My husband and I may get a new tank in the future, and if we do, I would like to know my plan way beforehand so that I could do the proper research. So, any ideas? I would like to have my first community tank when we are able to expand and get another one. I have only ever kept simpler things like Bettas and Goldfish by themselves.

Here's the thing, though. I don't want fish that are going to breed, because it would stress me out and I wouldn't know what to do. Any suggestions are welcome, and I appreciate them in advance! Thank you for your time!

marshallsea

Not to ignore your question(which im not qualified to answer), how did you do in your speech today?

eaturbyfill

Unfortunately, I have to present tomorrow because the class ran out of time. ): So now I have to be nervous another day!

marshallsea

Poor you! Nothings as bad as the build up before.

eaturbyfill

I completely agree!

eaturbyfill

Everyone please help out! I have a few fish books from the library and would like to put them to good use before the return date

Termato

Community Tanks are always fun. They are super fun to look at.

Before I suggest any fish, could you give us some more information on your water.


Tank Size: Possible 30 Gallon

pH Level:

gH or kH (Water Hardness):
If you do not know what this is I would recommend reading this: Water Hardness and pH in the Freshwater Aquarium

If you do not know how to find out these numbers you can do one of two things:

1. Call your Water Company/Department as ask them for your General Hardness (If they give you the Calcium or Magnesium Hardness that works too)
2. Take a water sample to your Local Fish Store and get it tested for your Hardness.

This information is crucial before giving you any real suggestions, we want the fish to be healthy and happy after all

Are there any types of fish you had in mind? Are you considering a planted tank?

All these questions will help my suggestions.

eaturbyfill

My most recent water test showed a PH of about 7.2, alkalinity low to moderate, and the water is pretty soft.

I am not sure whether or not I want to do a planted tank, so if it is best for the fish I decide to get, I will do a planted one (even though I know practically nothing about it, everyone has to learn sometime!).

I am considering any fish that would do well in these conditions

Stormfish

After doing many speeches, teaching classes and doing conference presentations, let me assure you that everyone gets anxious when they have to stand up and speak in front of others. That said, everyone knows, understands, and respects those jitters!

As for the fish, my suggestion is to walk around the aisles of your local aquarium shop. See which fish capture your interest. Write down their names and then start looking them up for info. Tank size requirements, water requirements, how big they get, how many for a minimum shoal, compatibility with other fish, etc.

In the meantime, get your tank started so it can begin cycling. Since it takes a while, you'll have time to research and decide upon the fish you want.

Termato

If you could give me a number for the gH or kH that would really help.

Plants

A planted tank has many benefits, and not very many negatives. The plants will soak up ammonia faster than your bacteria will, allowing you to put more fish in the tank without over stocking it.

Plants use ammonia, nitrate and other harmful chemicals as food. The more the fish put out, the more they grow.

The main issue with plants is lighting. Without good lighting you have no chance of having good healthy plants. With stock tanks, all low light plants will do fine.

Java Fern and Anubias are my two favorite low light plants. They both grow slow which makes it hard to judge their health; but if their green their good...and they look beautiful.

The biggest issue people run into with planted tanks is over exposing their light. With too much light you will get algae. It is best to start off with a few low lights plants and see how they do. Then get a few more.

Fertilizers and C02 are not needed. In the case where you do have a decent amount of plants OR high light plants, you could get Flourish Comprehensive by Seachem. It is an all around fert for plants. It is liquid based and you use VERY little of it per dosage. It covers both rooted and floating plants.


Fish

I always use this thread as a reference. You can keep any fish on this list in their respective groups. All Schooling fish should be kept in a group of AT LEAST 5 fish.

Nano Fish

Now for my personal recommendations hahaha.

A 30 gallon tank is going to give you a lot of options, but here is what I would do with it:

6-8 Kuhli Loachs or Cories
20 Cardinal Tetra
1 Dwarf Gourami OR 2-3 Dwarf Cichlids like Cockatoo or Bolivian Rams


Good luck!