Hi all, looking for advice

[Trouser Trout]

I'm just getting into an aquarium setup, bought a used 13 gal tank. Now, it's a rather odd shape, only 6" wide, but 48" long. I'd like some fairly low maintenance fish to start off with, but nothing incredibly common, like goldfish, bettas, guppies, etc. I'd like a few opinions as far as what to look for, as well as suggestions on what filter, heater, etc. I should get. Thanks for any help!

[OldMan]

Welcome to the site. First things first. Have a read of melody's thread here http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497 on how to do a cycle.
As far as selecting fish, you are going to be looking for rather small fish with a tank of that shape. It would helpf you gave us some idea what kind of fish you like. Do you like bright colors, fast swimmers, rare fish, calm and graceful community fish, aggressive fish, etc.? I always suggest you go to your local fish store and come back with some things that you like. At that point we can help you avoid conflicts and maybe suggest similar alternatives that would work together.

[Pamelajo]

Welcome to CAC!!!!

[Trouser Trout]

Welcome to the site. First things first. Have a read of melody's thread here http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497 on how to do a cycle.
As far as selecting fish, you are going to be looking for rather small fish with a tank of that shape. It would helpf you gave us some idea what kind of fish you like. Do you like bright colors, fast swimmers, rare fish, calm and graceful community fish, aggressive fish, etc.? I always suggest you go to your local fish store and come back with some things that you like. At that point we can help you avoid conflicts and maybe suggest similar alternatives that would work together.

Well, we had a look at the Petland in town. I really liked the bala sharks, the glass catfish are neat, and I definitely would like a pleco or two. Now, from what i understand, my tank will be way too small for the sharks, but are there any fish that resemble them that will be able to get by in my tank?

Thanks for the help!

[Pamelajo]

Can't answer the shark question, but can tell you about the plecos. The smallest pleco you can get is a bristlenose and they get about 4" and require a cave. I think I would try and find something smaller than that for a bottom cleaner.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Sadly, your fish choices are limited in a tank like that. Even a 4" bristlenose pleco is probably pushing it. I'd look into a school of 6-10 small tetras and 3 corydoras catfish. That way you'll have lots of activity at the top and bottom of the tank. Shrimp would do OK as well since they are small and they would help keep things clean by eating leftovers and some types of algae.

For a tank of that volume, normally an Aquaclear 20 hang on back filter and a 50W heater would suffice. But because of the odd dimensions, you may require some additional filtration or perhaps a powerhead for water circulation.

Where did you get the tank from? I'd love to see some pics once it's up and running.

[Pamelajo]

Or 3 aspidoras some only get 1 1/4 inches. Like the black phantom.

[Melody]

:Welcome: Agreed - the smaller the fish the better and preferrably two filters. You can always get another tank if you decide you want to try more species later. Personally I'd stock it for a tank half that size. A couple of my fave smaller fish are Red Cardinal Tetras & Dwarf Corydoras. If the fish at full size can't easily turn around like we would (as opposed to having to leap sideways or somersault) I would say it's not appropriate for the tank.

There's a great beginner article here (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319) to get you started. Welcome to the hobby & to CAC!

[CACAdmin]

Hi and :Welcome: A first tank is especially fun and exciting. The hardest part is being patient while it's cycling. But that does give you lots of time to plan the occupants of your tank. It's definitely an unusual shape. I took will be eager to see pics if you can post some once you get it up and running.

And don't hesitate to ask questions around here. We love to help (and it gives us a great excuse to talk about fish:yes:).

[Trouser Trout]

Well, picked up the filter, a pump, some other goodies, and a few guppies yesterday. I've got another, smaller tank for the guppies to go in a few weeks. I'll post a few pics when the tank is stocked and lookin good!

Thanks for the help, everybody!

[PintoHawk]

I have some Platys you could try, as well. They aren't full grown yet (like teenagers). Depends how many guppies you have in there already. ;)

[Trouser Trout]

I have some Platys you could try, as well. They aren't full grown yet (like teenagers). Depends how many guppies you have in there already. ;)

I picked up 2 guppies and 2.... I don't remember what kind of fish. They're small, cheap, and tough, lol.

We're moving the 4 fish we have into a smaller tank as soon as the larger tank starts cycling, definitely gonna have to try something more interesting then!

[PintoHawk]

Just a note, you won't want to move the fish OUT of a tank that is starting to cycle, you'll need to wait until it has stablized before moving anything in/out, otherwise you risk cycling all over again.

If you think you might want some of the Platys, just let me know and I will hold onto a few for you. ;)

[Trouser Trout]

Just a note, you won't want to move the fish OUT of a tank that is starting to cycle, you'll need to wait until it has stablized before moving anything in/out, otherwise you risk cycling all over again.

If you think you might want some of the Platys, just let me know and I will hold onto a few for you. ;)


Ahhh, gotcha. Thanks for the tip!

I'll definitely try a few platys, make the tank a bit more colorful!

[Laura]

What a wacky shaped tank - it sounds great.

If possible, I would suggest getting some established grungy filter material from another tank. If you have anyone close by that will give you some, it will dramatically help your cycle along and make things much easier on your fish.

If you can't get any - do lots of partial water changes. Keep in mind it doesn't have a big volume - so don't overstock it even though it looks big.....

As for stock - platys would be great and I agree with other folks that I would go small. Dwarf or small corys and if you need an algae eater go for a small group of ottos. Amano shrimp would also be nice, or some rasboras. But only add other fish after the tank is established.

[Melody]

Platy's are definitly a colourful creature with lots of finnage forms to choose from too - Hifin, Plumetail, Pintail, Lyretail, Crowntail, Veiltail, etc. The fantastic thing about them is they're everywhere - almost every fish store carries one form or another. Chain store Livebearers are best left in the store as a rule, but the smaller stores usually have some beauts on hand.:yes:

[PintoHawk]

I can give you a piece of sponge that has been living in my filters for months, should be packed full of the good stuff. That'll help you cycle faster & healthier for sure. When you come to see the plays, I will send that home wih you as well. ;)

[Trouser Trout]

I can give you a piece of sponge that has been living in my filters for months, should be packed full of the good stuff. That'll help you cycle faster & healthier for sure. When you come to see the plays, I will send that home wih you as well. ;)

Sounds great, thank you!

[Melody]

Free media and fish... that's a good welcome to the hobby!

[firestorm]

Another type of fish that many people over look for tanks that size are shell dwelling cichlids from lake tanginyika. The most popular and the easiest to find tend to be the lamprologus multifasciatus, or the lamprologus ocellatus. However it would have to be a species only tank, with a pair (male and female), or a trio of 1 male and 2 females. All they really need is sand as a substrate and shells, lot's of shells.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1749
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1753