Quote:
Originally Posted by corry  Thanks for that, I have done ALOT of reading on the internet, but it gets confusing as there is conflicting information. Thought I would stick to this site and hopefully get some sound advice.
Was thinking of adding zebra danios next or maybe some guppies. Should you always put fish in your tank in two's? Also wanting to change my plastic plants to real ones would this be the right time? |
In my opinion, with new tank it is best to not try and stock too many fish at once until biological filter is established and best to stock two or three fish at a time at ten to fourteen day intervals. At the second week mark, you could add three or four danios (not giant Danios) or another three or four tetra's. Both species do best in groups of six or more but by adding them in three's there is less chance of increased ammonia levels.
After three weeks,you could add perhaps four or five cory's and ten days to fourteen days after that ,perhaps a larger fish or two or another two or three cory's.
Try to select fishes that share same water parameter's,temp range,and those that are compatible from demeanor standpoint.
If fishes don't all enjoy similar conditions, (ie) pH,GH,temp, then some will thrive and other's are likely to be sickly . Try to keep fishes such as livebearer's guppies,mollies,
Platy's,swordtails, in more alkaline water and tetra's and other softwater fishes in soft more acidic water.
Fish profiles here, can help you create a tank where all fishes will thrive not withstanding those who report varying degrees of sucess by doing otherwise.
Now would be a good time to go with live plant's and I might start with easy low light plant's such as anubia,
Java Fern which can be attached to wood or rocks with thread and crypt plant's (many species) which can be placed in gravel.
Byron who is a member here, would be the person to speak with more expierience than I,, with regards to planted aquariums and a few other member's here as well.
Will try to help if I can.
Biggest most frequent mistake made by most who set up new aquariums is stocking too many fish too soon = sick ,dying fish nearly without exception. Slow and steady is the way forward.
Eyeball new fishes closely before purchasing so as to lessen chances of buying sick fish from the out set.
Don't buy fishes with torn or tattered fins,don't buy fish from tanks where dead fish are present,don't buy fish with splotches,or fuzzy growth on them or fishes that look as though they have been sprinkled with salt.
Don't buy fishes resting or laying on the substrate with exception of cory's ,loaches,plecos.
Don't buy fishes gasping at surface or fishes that are cowering at the corner's of show tanks.
Healthy fishes will be actively swimming ,have all of their fins,clear eyes.and should rise to the surface when the tank lid is opened in anticipation of food.
Hope some of this is helpful and apolgize for any poor spelling but I ain't gonna correct it. Too tough for me to type.
