Stocking and choosing your tank

**raydon** · 05-08-2013, 08:58 PM

One of the big problems people fall into with keeping fish is overstocking their tank and the correct fish to keep. When choosing my tank i had in mind what fish i was wanting to keep and if all these would live happily together. This took a lot of searching around multiple forums and helpful websites to finally help me decide which tank and fish to go for. I really did find this a long drawn out job (I know its part of the fun)

. Once i got my tank setup and fully cycled it was time to get my first few fish. This all went swimmingly well but i still had that little thought of what if them harlequin do need a few more mates in there. I then ran upon this great website which allows you to input you tank size,filter type, and all other info. You then go through adding which fish you have in your aquarium and which fish you would like to put in there. The website will then give you general advise on whether the fish you chose will live well together and what stock quantity you are running at. The other good thing, is that it also tells you tips like say you only have 3 harlequin rasbora but they really should live in shoals of 5 or more or, a cory will need either bog wood or drift wood to live happily which i found brilliant. One other thing it tells you iv the average PH level your tank should be at, the temperature and the % of water change you should be aiming for per week. I know this is only a guide and will not be 100% accurate like anything BUT for a beginner i think this website is definitely worth a go for anyone who is either having trouble buying the correct size tank for the fish they want or if its just for logging the fish they have to keep track. Hope this helps any beginners out there as i would have loved to have found this earlier but i do use it now to check little things before buying my next fish.

http://www.aqadvisor.com

Regards
Aiden

**raydon** · 05-08-2013, 09:03 PM

I do know that i am pointing people to other websites here BUT i think as much information you have before jumping the gun is definitely a good thing.

**Slaphppy7** · 05-08-2013, 09:16 PM

It IS a good tool to use in conjunction with other resources, I agree.

**MandyK** · 05-08-2013, 09:56 PM

Good website. Lots of people here use it as a starting point.

**mommy1** · 05-09-2013, 03:45 AM

I wasn't a big fan when it started here http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...light=software and I'm still not a big fan. I will admit it is better than doing no research at all.

**jaysee** · 05-09-2013, 12:30 PM

It's a tool, and like any other tool, quality of work is user dependent.

The stocking percentages are very conservative though, which is a good thing for new fish keepers.

**mommy1** · 05-09-2013, 12:34 PM

I agree jaysee, it's a tool and like I said, it's better than no research at all. I would definitely rather see people using it over just going out and buying fish and stuffing them in a tank.

**raydon** · 05-09-2013, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Honey Badger 1

I agree jaysee, it's a tool and like I said, it's better than no research at all. I would definitely rather see people using it over just going out and buying fish and stuffing them in a tank.

This is exactly what i meant by the post. It is a great tool and i for one am a fan and i would always say use tools like these and forums such as here to get a better idea.