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Beginner First Tank FAQ

Table of Contents

  1. What size tank should I have?
  2. What are some good fish to start with?
  3. What should I filter my tank with?
  4. What about lights?
  5. How many fish can I keep?
  6. How should I decorate my tank?

What size tank should I have?

In my opinion you should at least get a 30 gal tank. While many people will tell you that you should start small with like a 10 gal, but a large tank is easier to take care of. It's because with the larger amounts of water allows the water to be more stable than a 10 gal. You can also keep more fish and you will probably need that, since lots of beginners want to but every fish they see like I did.

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What are some good fish to start with?

I think that some tetras, mollies (not black), barbs, and danios make good beginner fish. Stay away from black mollies, tinfoil barbs.  Tiger barbs are also fin nippers. For catfish go with something like cory cats and a pekolta spe. of plecos. It just depends on what size tank you have etc.

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What should I filter my tank with?

For the beginner who gets a 10-40gal tank I would suggest using a good power filter. Some good power filters come with a bio-wheel for extra biological filtration. 

For the beginner who gets a 50gal and larger tank I would get a canister filter or a wet/dry system if you want more advanced filtration.

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What about lights?

Almost every tank needs lights. You should have your lights on for 6-12 hours. Timers help to make sure your tank gets enough light. 

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How many fish can I keep.

A good rule for fish under 2-3 inches is that 1in. per gallon. Although many people may disagree it works okay with small fish. Remember that is with maximum size. If you have a baby oscar at 4in. doesn't mean you can keep it a 10 gal. You will need 50+ gal although they only grow to a max. of 24in. you need more space with oscars. It depends on the fish. But generally for fish under 4in max. size itis okay. 

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How should I decorate my tank.

Your tank needs gravel and decorations. Remember keep you gravel kind of natural it isn't neon sign. A combination of blue and teal looks very good. It all depends on your personal choice. Plants really  make the tank look good. I would suggest getting artificial plants because live plants can be difficult to keep. Rocks and caves provide hiding places for some of your fish. Driftwood is appreciated by plecos. 

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Last modified: March 29, 2000