Just Inherited some Fish . . .

[PorkChop99]

Hi

My father-in-law surprised us and brought some fish over that his neighbor was giving away. He thought that my 2 year old son would like them. So he brought them over in a small bowl and said here you go . . .(he is a older and obviously didn't give any thought about how to care for the fish). I have never had a fish tank, but knew that they would not survive in a bowl. I ran to the pet store and got a beginner 10gallon tank on the cheap that came with a filter and a hood lamp.
I set it up and added the water conditioner and waited a day and finally put the fish in. They seem to be doing OK, but after looking up what kind of fish he brought and I am concerned that the tank is too small and that the fish will not thrive.

Here is what is in the tank(1 of each):
Zebra Danio
Tiger Barb
Fantail Goldfish
Giraffe Nosed Cattfish
Tire Track Eel

From what I have read the Catfish and Eel require a way bigger tank that what I have. Do you think they will be OK in the 10gallons or should I look into donating them to someone with a bigger tank?

It also says that the Danio and Tiger Barb do better in a school, should I invest money in buying some more of those fish?

The tank did not come with a heater - should I get one of those?

Thanks inadvance for any advice . . .

[Honey Badger 1]

You are right about the catfish, eel, and goldfish needing a much bigger tank, and it would be best to give them to someone. The danio and tiger barb do need to be in schools and a 10 isn't really big enough for them either.

[PorkChop99]

Thanks for the info, that's what I was afraid of.
Do you have any recommendations on finding a new home for the fish? Was thinking I would go to a local fish shop and ask there.

[Honey Badger 1]

The local fish store, Craigslist, you could even take an ad out in the local paper. Most papers will give you a free ad if you are giving something for free.

[C-Dub]

Here if you go to the local store and ask if they'll take some fish they say no, but if you put them in a bucket and just bring them there chances are they will take them. But no hopes in getting anything for them, you did the right thing by asking tho and i salute you for that. We also can help you with your brand new 10gal set up once you do get rid of the fish you have currently.

[PorkChop99]

How many fish can/should a 10gallon tank hold?

[madagascariensis]

depends on species.
you will not be able to have a single arowana in a 10 gallon, but endler's livebearers, guppies,
small gouramis or bettas, shrimps or snails will fit nicely.

[C-Dub]

Read this article first, your fish will love you for it...
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ead.php?t=5640

General rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish to every 1 gallon of water. You still need to use common sense tho as a 10" pleco wouldn't work in a 10 gallon tank lol

I love to make 10 gal tanks into Beta set-ups, Beta fish work great in that size tank. Maybe throw in a small school of cory's, 6 or so... (panda's are my personal fav)

Make some caves out of half burried terra cotter pots in a sand substrate (Cory's will love you for the sand), or flat rocks stacked on round rocks to provide some hiding places, add a few small low-light plants for the Beta to play in and boom you got yourself a beautiful looking set-up.



That is after your tank is Cycled of course

[steeler1]

Don't forget all the Micro Rasboras available now and a lot of smaller Tetras like Gold Phantom Tetras, Green Neons, and Ember tetras.

[ameliaaahx]

For a 10g Mosquito Rasbora and Cherry Shrimp would be nice!

I agree with C-dubb. Take the fish to your petstore. They can't say no if you're standing there holding them. Make sure it's a good pet store though.