Fish to avoid when starting out.

**Mrs.JayMay23** · 11-07-2010, 07:46 PM

I definitely agree with you on #9... I had a black tip shark; My husband brought one home because it was cute and tiny... It grew to a 9 inch monster and began tearing my tank to shreds! Needless to say, I had to rehome it.

**jazu** · 03-15-2011, 01:04 AM

I don't see pictus cat on this list. That will be my 1st fishes.

**BLUKOI** · 05-07-2011, 11:47 AM

Another one that should be in the top ten is Koi. I wish we could get legislation passed to get LFS to stop selling them. They are POND FISH not tank fish. They should only be sold through pond stores.

**Fisken-Fetus** · 05-07-2011, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Pele

I'd add the goldfish

Even though they ar usually a begginner fish, they need a large tank with frequent water changes and lots of oxygen, and comets should only be kept in ponds

I agree... I bought a comet then after about a year of keeping 2... yes 2 in a small bowl I did research. We have a little man-made pond all ready to put him in. I'm just waiting for warmer weather.

Goldfish are really misunderstood.

**MarsAquatics** · 05-08-2011, 07:13 PM

Wow, never realized how big the plecos could get... D: Good thing I plan on getting a 100 gallon tank anyway, my little three inch Consuela should be more than happy once I get her set up in something that big. XD

**jazu** · 05-11-2011, 05:41 PM

Interesting thread, but I would rather call the subject as "Fish to avoid in small tank"

**AidedDuchess** · 05-24-2011, 12:58 PM

I'm just new to this and i saw all of your posts and I had a question. If I had a 55G tank and wanted to start off with a Sailfin Pleco. How well would that work, and if I added these fish: Swordtail, Harlequin Rasbora, Lyretail Killifish, and Penguin Tetra. How well would they do in a community together?

**Northernguy** · 05-25-2011, 02:04 AM

Welcome to the fabulous AC!

The sailfin pleco would outgrow the tank and eat the other fish when it had the chance.
Its also not a good fish for a new tank.They should be added to a well established tank with algae growth.
The other community fish should be fine together.

**AidedDuchess** · 05-25-2011, 02:23 AM

OK that changes a few things a little but no big deal. Since the Pleco is out of the question would it matter if I had a few Cory in place of the Pleco? And for the Rasbora, It would be ok with the higher ph of the other fish?

**Pulmonatus** · 10-14-2011, 09:26 PM

I wish folks who would kill a houseplant would stop purchasing bettas and leaving them to languish in 1 gallon of icy water. It makes me sick to visit someone and see one of these poor creatures gulping air on their coffee table.