list of easy fish.

[Kaz]

I think we should have a stick in the beginner section that has a list of easy fish to keep. We have something for fish beginners shouldn't have but it would be nice to know ones they should have.

All the fish should be able to be kept by somebody with no experience and they should be non aggressive and able to live comfortably in 10-20 gallons. Or we could have a list of fish for 5,10,20,30,50 gallons or something like that.

I do not think that there is a sticky like this but if there is and I somehow missed it please let me know.

What do you think should be on this list?

To start, something like this:

<2.5g

Ghost shrimp

2.5-5g

Betta

10g

Pygmy cories
Neon tetras
Cardinal tetras
Black neon tetras
Dwarf gourami
Guppies

20g

Most other Cories
Blackskirt tetras
Lemon tetras
Serpae tetras
Platies


And there is a lot more but I need to go somebody finish this!

[Lady Hobbs]

I think it totally depends on the persons water and their maintanence schedule. Like some do 10% water changes every two weeks and others do 60% weekly. Too many varibles here such as individual tank care, pH and hardness levels to have a basic list considered "easy".

[Mvjnz]

I think any fish can be kept by a beginner as long as they do their research properly. I'm against always recommending livebearers for beginners. I started with them, but within two months I was totally bored with them and wanted to move on, and was then stuck with fish I found boring and didn't want, because I couldn't even give them away. It took several weeks before I found someone willing to take them.

I think rather than making a list of easy fish, we should recommend people reading up on different fish and finding out what THEY are interested in, rather than recommending the same fish for everyone.

Also, I think making a list of fish for beginners might give the impression that these don't require the effort put into making them happy like the more difficult kinds do.

[Wiggs]

Left out the best one.


Zebra Danios are nearly unkillable :P

[robflanker]

As opposed to easy, a more detailed appropriate tank size per species. I understand a lot has to do with tank mates etc but just a ball park figure of

"Minimum for an angel 29 on its own" something along those lines. I've noticed there wasnt clear cut info on Clown Loaches in the primer or the article. Esp the fish that one can have for a few years in a smaller tank, but then need a bigger one

[Kaz]

Well I know that when I was first here I wanted despately to know what some easy fish were. I had no idea on my options and I really wanted to know this kind of info so I could get a referance so I could read more on the fish there.

I did turn to asking for help but the process took a long time and there was a lot of guess work on my part. I would of preffered to pop in with a larger list of fish that I was intrested in.

I understand that a beginner can have almost any fish but some are far easier than others and as a beginner I really wanted to play it safe.

We also have a million people pop in with the question "What can go in my 2.5/5 gallon?"

[William]

I disagree with neons and cardinals. Tjey are far from the hardiest fish out there. And I agree that we might look for interesting fish as well.

[Kaz]

I disagree with neons and cardinals. Tjey are far from the hardiest fish out there. And I agree that we might look for interesting fish as well.

But do you like the idea?

I do not know that much about fish and I was rushed when typing this, so this more of a concept.

And of course my intention wasn't for this to be the be and end all, I was hoping somebody would see this, think about some of their options and then ask questions about that sort of tank setup.

[Gemini]

Hmmmm I do like the idea - maybe we could refine it a tad. Like perhaps cookie cutter set ups with water change requirements, substrates, etc.

So for example:
1G-5G tanks
Very small for most fish.
Good shrimp tanks.
Water changes of at least 25% weekly - keeping levels to 0,0 <20ppm could be:
- 20 cherry shrimp
&
- 5 ghost shrimp
OR
100 cherry shrimp


5G tank
With weekly water changes of at least 25% - levels kept to 0,0 <20ppm
You can keep:
- Betta
- Apple Snail

29G tank
All suggestions are based on a weekly maintenance schedule of 25% water changes and at least a 60G filter.
- pair rams
- 6 x corydoras
- 6 x tetras
- need soft substrate, PH 6.0-7.5 is best

**Not accurate fish numbers just examples**
It would take a bit of work though, and it would never be all inclusive. But I do like the idea.

[mac]

Hi guys,

This idea of a list of fish for beginners is great idea, but IMO and IME it is very hard to do. I am with Hobbs, and her point.

I think it totally depends on the persons water and their maintanence schedule. Like some do 10% water changes every two weeks and others do 60% weekly. Too many varibles here such as individual tank care, pH and hardness levels to have a basic list considered "easy".

This really is a hard one. Really I am for more trying to get people to research before doing anything with fish. But mind you that can be hard to do. Because not every-one researches first.

I think if a sticky was to be made, maybe there should be something much more in your face, than a sticky. Because to be blunt there is a lot of Stickies in the forum, and IMO another sticky would just be another sticky, cluttering up space.

So I am more for just constantly placing research before you by.

With this in mind, the idea with a stocking and list of fish is. Good and would be great use. But mind you it is hard to do with all types of water conditions and variouse other factors. So IMO I think the option is out.

mac

[tetra_danio_girl]

I, for one, think this isn't such a bad idea. A list of "beginner's fish" would be a good reference.

Because as much as people *should* do their research, you know there are going to be people who go into petsmart and buy a 10-gallon kit, six or seven goldfish and a pleco (at the same time, mind you), and claim to know what they're doing.

Then take the whole lot home and give it to their 5-year-old for his birthday.

'Cause you know, the pleco will clean the tank for you so you can just set it up and let it run, right?

So, maybe a list of starter systems based on how much work you have time to do. For example, someone who works every day 2-jobs will only have time to do a water change, say, 15-20% once a week? Maybe not even that often.

I would tell that person to get a small school of zebra danios, a small school of cardinal tetras, and put them into a 30-gal. aquarium set-up, with some moneywort and a biowheel filter rated for at least 50-gallons.

but this would have to come with a full set of instructions:

Set up the tank, let it run through for 3-4 days with the treated water.
Buy 3 danios, acclimate them, and put them in.
Check levels of ammonia and nitrates every day.
After 4-5 days, add in 2-3 more danios...

... and so on.

[Kaz]

Maybe we can attach a note to the end of it in really big red letters saying "please for the love of pete, ask on the forum before making a plan for your aquarium"

And also write an intro to it that makes it very clear that these are guidelines, not facts.

[tetra_danio_girl]

Maybe we can attach a note to the end of it in really big red letters saying "please for the love of pete, ask on the forum before making a plan for your aquarium"

And also write an intro to it that makes it very clear that these are guidelines, not facts.

Well, making a plan is more than most people do, from what I understand. I've gone in to petsmart (mainly for stresszyme or to stare at the fishies), talked to the aquarium people there, and they tell me stories... oh, how it makes me weep.

This person came in and bought this self-contained "self-filtering" 2.5-gallon tank and a goldfish and would NOT be dissuaded. -_-

I would have hated to work at a place like that when "Finding Nemo" came out. ;_;

[Kaz]

I would have hated to work at a place like that when "Finding Nemo" came out. ;_;

You'd think that that movie would turn people off of aquariums...

However clownfish are the now most popular Saltwater fish.

[tetra_danio_girl]

You'd think that that movie would turn people off of aquariums...

However clownfish are the now most popular Saltwater fish.

Yeah, but for the "I can do it better than they could!" thing.

-_-

[Little Embers]

Kaz! I commend you for having the idea, having a basic guideline is a good idea but in reality and as mentioned, there are many variables, it may hopefully get some people to stop and think, but many people don't even know what kind of fish they want until they see one that takes their fancy at the LFS, they get it home and it is only then that the questions get asked. Also nothing is going to stop someone if they really want a certain fish no matter how inappropriate the tank size is, parents will still buy a fish just to stop their child from pestering them for one and pet stores will still sell fish for or with the wrong size tank just to make money.

You'd think that that movie would turn people off of aquariums...

However clownfish are the now most popular Saltwater fish.
I know after "Finding Nemo" came out, many LFS' stocked up on Clown Fish because they knew that every child would want one! I Think LFS' should be far more responsible since they are dealing with living creatures. It would also be nice if tank manufacturers took a bit more responsibility and included a basic fish size guide for each particular size tank as well as a "What is Cycling, Why is it needed and How to do it" guide with every tank. A Lot to ask I know! The main responsibility though has to be the individuals...to do the much needed research before buying the fish they want.

[Northernguy]

Here is more fish to avoid.The red severum started this thread last year.[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
Its a great list of fish to avoid as well!

[Fraoch]

It would also be nice if tank manufacturers took a bit more responsibility and included a "What is Cycling, Why is it needed and How to do it" guide with every tank.

As spotty as PetSmart's reputation is, their 10-gallon starter kit has step-by-step instructions that included a clear description of the cycle and how to cycle your tank, i.e. regular testing, what to do if the tests indicate such-and-such, etc.

It wasn't nearly enough, the water changes recommended were too small. But still, it was there.

The local store also included a photocopied flyer on the cycle which was much more detailed.

Now, of course, no one reads instructions except me.:ssmile: But I figure these days if you don't read instructions with something you buy and you have problems, you deserve what you get. This is opposite to most consumer's expectations though.

[emilyekk]

I like the way this person did their list:


[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Little Embers]

As spotty as PetSmart's reputation is, their 10-gallon starter kit has step-by-step instructions that included a clear description of the cycle and how to cycle your tank, i.e. regular testing, what to do if the tests indicate such-and-such, etc.

It wasn't nearly enough, the water changes recommended were too small. But still, it was there. The local store also included a photocopied flyer on the cycle which was much more detailed.

I figure these days if you don't read instructions with something you buy and you have problems, you deserve what you get. This is opposite to most consumer's expectations though.
It is great to see that they have started doing that even if it wasn’t exact, at least it is better than nothing and as you say “It was there”...good for them! Yes! Whether people read instructions first or follow them is another problem!

Because as much as people *should* do their research, you know there are going to be people who go into petsmart and buy a 10-gallon kit, six or seven goldfish and a pleco (at the same time, mind you), and claim to know what they're doing.
Those people will probably not bother to read “A list of beginner fish” after the fact anyway. Once they bought the fish and a problem arises they may ask questions then, but may not heed the advice given if they don’t like what they hear or often are not prepared to put in a little effort to solve a problem and have the attitude; “well it’s only a $2 fish, I’ll just buy another one if this one dies!”. Many people also still have the attitude “Well this is what was done 20 yrs ago and none of the fish seemed to have suffered, so why should I do things differently now”!

These days’ people want everything instantly and are not willing to wait to add a few fish at a time over the course of a month or so, they want a tank full of colourful fish from day one, which is one reason many fish die needlessly at the start.

We can have all the guidelines, lists and instructions under the sun made available to us, BUT getting people to actually do the research on the species of fish they are interesting in buying, reading all the guidelines, lists and instructions BEFORE going out and purchasing their fish, is what is needed IMO. I was one of those naive (maybe some would say ignorant) people who knew nothing about cycling or proper tank size when I started out, I did know that fish needed a filter and heater (for tropicals) and water changes were necessary, but that was about it and I didn’t even think to do any research first. I fully regret that now knowing that my fish undoubtedly suffered because of it.

As we can see from all the threads, there are so many different opinions and ways of doing things when it comes to keeping fish, it would be so much simpler if there was just one universal way of maintaining a tank etc., one golden rule to follow...but unfortunately there isn’t!

Sorry if this is getting off topic!

[Northernguy]

lol So ..uh..Where did that list of fish go!:19: :hmm3grin2orange:

[Kaz]

To the moon.

[Little Embers]

I'm so sorry Kaz! I didn't mean to be so negative, I think you suggestion definitely has merit. You took the time to think about what might help beginners and actually started a list, which definitely is commendable and I'm sure it is appreciated. :19:

[Kaz]

I'm so sorry Kaz! I didn't mean to be so negative, I think you suggestion definitely has merit. You took the time to think about what might help beginners and actually started a list, which definitely is commendable and I'm sure it is appreciated. :19:

Oh! Ooooh! That's not what I meant at all! It's just an expression my friends and family use.

It's like if somebody asks a question beginning with 'how' and I don't know the answer I respond "very carefully".

Or "Where are you going?" "Crazy! wanna come?"

Assuming you were referring to "To the moon" which is of course a response to "Where did X go?"

[Little Embers]

:hmm3grin2orange: I thought that, you sounded a bit despondent though! :11:

[chel]

Well, as a newbie who didn't know anything starting out but did take the time to do research before going to the pet store some sort of guidance like this would have been really, really helpful. I agree that just having a list of fish might be a bit too simplistic and could be misleading in the same way 1 " of fish per gallon can be misleading but I also think that it could be done in a way that listed whether the fish had a high bioload, etc. And, it could include a list of all of the variables. That in itself would be a huge service. Newbies don't understand some fish need more water changes or that they should test their water before figuring out what fish to get, etc. Anyway, just a thought ... I agree that there are a lot of people that will just go and get something without thinking about it but, call me an optimist, I also think there are a lot of people out there who WANT to do the right thing and just don't know where to start. I mean, if they are on this site it means they are at least trying, right?

[Gemini]

So do we want to try and come up with a detailed list of possible fish and needs? Or no?

[mac]

A list would be great. Make a nice helpful thread for us to look at for our selves. And may be of use latter.

mac

[Kaz]

I trust almost everyone else to make a better list than myself.

Although a group effort would work.

Just expand on the idea like this:

20 gal

Bleeding heart tetra


Eventually we'll have a full list.

[Fraoch]

Is there a wiki feature on this site? Sounds like the perfect thing for it...

[Kaz]

So can somebody help me with the rest of this list?

[Gemini]

I'm happy to - I'm wondering though - it might be easier to compile a list and then post it, otherwise it might get all muddled up in posts and replies and stuff.
Or if we all post it on here, maybe one or two of use can then compile it as a list and post it in the articles or beginner section?

Maybe people can quote the below and add to it:

1-5G Tanks
- best suited to shrimp tanks
- could have 100 cherry shrimp OR
- 10 ghost shrimp
- all suggested stockings will need a small filter and 25W heater at minimum.
- plants are preferable, easy to grow plants like java moss, java fern, anubias etc are well suited to these tanks.

5G Tanks




6-10G Tanks



29G
Number of options
Option A
- pair GBR
- 6 corys
- 12 tetras
- water quality is important. Keep levels to 0,0, <20
- weekly water changes of 25% required
- substrate - sand or leaves, nothing too sharp that hurts the corys barbels
- 150W heater, 120G an hour filter required


55G
Option A

[Kaz]

10 gallon tank

6 pygmy cories
6 neon tetras


-This set up requires weekly water changes.
-This set up has hardy fish and is great for beginners.
-plants appropriate for this tank are Anubias, java ferns, java moss, wisteria -and crypts.
-Sand is preferable, as it helps the pygmies with their barbels
-This set up can also include
A Dwarf Gourami
IF
- you do more frequent water changes

[tetra_danio_girl]

29-gallon:

7 zebra or golden danios
7 or 9 neon or cardinal tetras (or a school of 5 black neon tetras)
2 snails

This setup requires weekly water changes and vacuuming. I also suggest planting.

To plant this one I suggest: java moss, wisteria, 1 smallish sword, and maybe some moneywort. :D

Danios and tetras have to school, and they tend to like odd-numbered groups.

The nice thing about starting with a larger tank like this is that it's easier to maintain imo. I know a lot of people start with the 5 or 10-gallon starter kits, but if you start with a 30-gallon, you're less likely to overstock to begin with (especially if you have a decent sales associate at the lfs or pet store).

[frank_zappa]

Left out the best one.


Zebra Danios are nearly unkillable :P

i agree, although my rainbow shark got one a while back

[Gemini]

I'm happy to compile all ideas and put them into an article. Keep posting your tank set up ideas!

[Kaz]

I'm happy to compile all ideas and put them into an article. Keep posting your tank set up ideas!
But then who will give me my rep!?:hmm3grin2orange: J/K.

[Gemini]

But then who will give me my rep!?:hmm3grin2orange: J/K.
Hahaha I'll rep ya Kazthumbs2:

[domjd05]

Perhaps instead of trying to figure out which combination of fish we should be putting in certain tank sizes, we should just plainly list fish that are easy to care for... Afterwards, you can do a small amount of research to find out which what size tank they need..

Generally when you look at Dr. Fosters and Smith online, every fish you look at has it's "specs" next to a picture of it, with a little logo next to it listing as an:

1. easy
2. medium
3. difficult
fish to care for.

Now, using the easy medium hard setup, simply list them in alphabetical order.. or by region.. or by whatever way makes the most sense, and obviously in each group, the very beginning would start with the easy fish, and progress with the difficult... Thus providing us with a list of easy fish.. as well as medium and difficult...

However you choose to decifer which fish should be put into which category is up to you :help:

[Kaz]

Perhaps instead of trying to figure out which combination of fish we should be putting in certain tank sizes, we should just plainly list fish that are easy to care for... Afterwards, you can do a small amount of research to find out which what size tank they need..

Generally when you look at Dr. Fosters and Smith online, every fish you look at has it's "specs" next to a picture of it, with a little logo next to it listing as an:

1. easy
2. medium
3. difficult
fish to care for.

Now, using the easy medium hard setup, simply list them in alphabetical order.. or by region.. or by whatever way makes the most sense, and obviously in each group, the very beginning would start with the easy fish, and progress with the difficult... Thus providing us with a list of easy fish.. as well as medium and difficult...

However you choose to decifer which fish should be put into which category is up to you :help:

This is what I was originally going for but it got all complicated.

[Little Embers]

I like the way this person did their list:


[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
As well the emilyekks link above, I think this is also a good list...Don't know if we can use them though, or if we can just copy/paste the actual fish they listed.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[domjd05]

haha yes.. I think we've answered our own question on how come this hasn't already been done before.....