Hi help needed

[Jenni E]

We have just bought and are trying to set up a 4ft tropical tank.

We have added the water and plants. We will shortly purchase the initial fish (tetras and bristlenoses}.

Once these are settled we will start to get the rest.

My question is this;

Can you please advise the fish I should look at buying - I want the tank to have a good diversity including top, mid and bottom feeders. I will be spending a lot of time just gazing at my new pets.

[Abbeys_Mom]

Have you read about "cycling"? If not, read the e-book on this site.

As far a fish go, tetra's are limiting, unless they are a larger variety. With a tank that big (55g or more I am assuming), you could get one or two of the following types.

Angels
Gouramis
Dwarf Cichlids
Rainbows
Mollies
Platies
Guppies

If you want a nice Top, Middle, Bottom tank, go for some gouramis, tetras, and plecos.

Or Rainbows, tetras and plecos.

[jeffs99dime]

welcome to a.c. how many gallons is your tank? there's more than one type of tank too: rectangular, corner, long, cylindrical, etc..

[Incredulous_Ed]

Welcome to ac
as jeff said, the shape of the tank determines what kind of fish you put in

[cocoa_pleco]

yes, fast fish need longtanks, and angels prefer tall tanks

[Jenni E]

The tank is 48" X 14" X 18", it is rectangular. My other question is now we have the starter fis, how long do I wait before adding others.

We have added bacteria and I have been told anything from 1 week to 1 month, so that the environment is right. Please note all fish are less than 3/4 inch at present.

[Jenni E]

How do the kuhli's and bristlenose get on?

[Lady Hobbs]

With plants, often tanks don't need to go thru the cycling phase but a Master Test Kit should always be on hand for testing the water for ammonia and nitrites especially. Ammonia and nitrites are both lethal to fish and only a few should be added at a time to keep the ammonia from spiking.

Very small angels in community tanks are OK for a while but it won't be long until a tank is needed just for themselves mostly. They need water of 80 degrees and the others you mentioned prefer water of 74. They're also more susceptible to community tank diseases.

[Abbeys_Mom]

Kuhli's and bristle nose get along fine.

[Jenni E]

Thanks, we will get a master kit today. We will not add anymore fish until we have everything right.