A Beginner could use a little help!

**Brad73192** · 12-14-2011, 03:23 AM

Hey I'm new to aquariums and I am receiving a 50+ gallon tank for Christmas and I would love to hear some input on my ideas for it. I've been doing a little research and have decided to try and keep the following fish:

6-8 Black Tetras
2 Plecos
1-2 kribensis (is it necessary to keep a couple?)
4-5 Dwarf Gouramis
And perhaps a few mollies

I'd appreciate your thoughts

**Northernguy** · 12-14-2011, 03:45 AM

Welcome to the fabulous AC!

Please cycle the tank first,it makes for a better experience.

**Brhino** · 12-14-2011, 04:04 AM

Hello and welcome! I agree with Nothernguy, learn about the fishless cycle. You've got a chance to set your fish up for success right from the get-go.

6-8 Black Tetras
I'd get a few more of these, like 10-12. They can be a bit nippy, but a larger group will be happier and less likely to nip. You have room.

2 Plecos
Make sure you research different species. For example, two 4-6" Bristlenose Plecos would be fine. Two 18-24" Common Plecos would not.

1-2 kribensis (is it necessary to keep a couple?)
No, it's not necessary to keep a couple. A fine choice anyhow.

4-5 Dwarf Gouramis
Gouramis of any species tend not to get along with each other, especially when you have males... and dwarf gouramis in stores are almost always males because the females are so much less colorful. Normally we suggest that people who want a dwarf gourami just get one. A 50g tank is pretty large for dwarves, though, so you may have enough room for separate territories for more than one... a little out of my area of knowledge.

And perhaps a few mollies
Mollies would work fine. It's recommended that you get 2-3 females per male (or all males or all females) to keep the males from stressing the females.

**Cyberra** · 12-14-2011, 05:13 AM

^_^ Welcome to the community

**Pamela2Heaven** · 12-14-2011, 10:30 AM

Welcome~ will be looking forward to pics

**Captain America** · 12-14-2011, 10:47 AM

Hello and welcome !

**gadget228** · 12-14-2011, 11:38 AM

Welcome to the AC...

**Brad73192** · 12-14-2011, 11:41 AM

Thanks for all the thoughts guys. I'll definitely research the cycling and get on that as soon as possible. I'll post pics as soon as its up and running :)