[TeriyakiSawce]

I recently got a 30 gal and i'm planning to buy a xp3 for it soon. Any ideas for possible fish to put in my tank?

TIA

UPDATE #2:

Fish:
13 Neon Tetras
2 Fire Honey Gouramis
4 Hi-Fin Danios
3 Peppered Cories
6 Cherry Shrimp

Equipment:
XP3
11 Plants
200 Watt Marineland StealthPro
Bubble Wand With 2 Model 700s

[OTG-ZR2]

Depends what kind of tank your planning on creating.

Do you want an aggressive tank or a community tank?

I would start with some cheap fish to begin the cycling of the tank. Because you will lose a few on the initial start up of a tank.

[ImportXxX]

you can just get a xp2 instead of xp3..it's a little cheaper. Xp3 is rated up to 175g i believe...but you can get it if you plan to put alot of fish in your 30 gal. I would start off with smaller types of cichlic, you'll probably enjoy them more then community fish. However, if you're new to fish you should start with some cheaper and easier fish to keep..goto king ed and get some feeder fish once you start up your tank..good for cycling for a few weeks. Then after you can do whatever you want, just make sure you don't get fish that will get too big too fast cus you will need bigger tanks for that..it's an addicting hobbie so enjoy!

[TheNewGirl]

I recommend cycling with ammonia not with fish.

With a 30G you'll wanna go with community fish, ciclids in a tank that small are going to be high maitenance. I would recommend some black fins (Which actually get quite large and are very hardy) for schooling (about 6), about 4 corys (they'll grow big too and are adorable for the bottom) and then you could look at putting in a pretty, colorful beta (a siamese fighting fish) or something like that to brighten it up.

I would recommend going with sand on the bottom and light plants (java fern is mega hardy) as this will keep down your maitanence a lot too.

King Eds has great prices for plants and fish. Please don't just fill your tank and dump animals in it though.

There's several good sights for fish keeping around. If you ever need smaller quarentine tanks let me know too, as I'm actually aging out my tanks and getting out of the hobby so I have way more then I will ever need again.

http://www.bcaquaria.com/forum/ - is a very good local forum for fish keepers with a plethora of info and breeding contacts and the like.

[c32]

I would make a low lighted planted tank, low light plants grow realy slow, some easy care plants to put in is the anubias, java fern and moss.... since u got a 30 gallon, i would put in some dwarf cichlids, apistogramma species or blue rams.. many diff. types of apistogrammas available.. dwarf cichlids need 1 sq ft each.. otherwise you will see them attacking the crap outa each other and may lead to death or serious injury.. so for a 30 gallon you can prob get 3 or 2..

[TeriyakiSawce]

you can just get a xp2 instead of xp3..it's a little cheaper. Xp3 is rated up to 175g i believe...but you can get it if you plan to put alot of fish in your 30 gal.

I was thinking about getting an xp2 but for a 20 dollar difference i might as well get the xp3. I was thinking about a red tiger oscar, but a community tank seems like another interesting alternative for me. I have a smaller planted 10 gal with a betta and lot of snails in it.

[ImportXxX]

I was thinking about getting an xp2 but for a 20 dollar difference i might as well get the xp3. I was thinking about a red tiger oscar, because community fish seem too high of a maintenance for me. I have a smaller planted 10 gal with a betta and lot of snails in it.


do not get an oscar, it will out grow your tank within 6 months and then you will need to get a bigger tank or sell it and oscar's are hard to sell..i used to have it but end up given it away

[Spoon]

Heard that planted tanks can get pretty expensive. So you might want to look into the cost before you start.

Personally I like discus, but I'm not sure if a 30gallon's enough space to keep them. On the other hand, I've had a lot of success keeping gold & green severums. Nice to look at, hardy and they're not overly aggressive. However, they do grow pretty fast if you give them the space. I'd recommend keeping maybe 2-4 for a 30 gallon.

I ended up selling them off for a profit when I switched to salt water. But they grew from maybe the size of a toonie to the size of my palm in about 6-12 months. I'd do it all over again if I was still into the hobby.

[Cman333]

I was just about to suggest checking out BCAquaria.com

[Cman333]

Heard that planted tanks can get pretty expensive. So you might want to look into the cost before you start.

Personally I like discus, but I'm not sure if a 30gallon's enough space to keep them. On the other hand, I've had a lot of success keeping gold & green severums. Nice to look at, hardy and they're not overly aggressive. However, they do grow pretty fast if you give them the space. I'd recommend keeping maybe 2-4 for a 30 gallon.

I ended up selling them off for a profit when I switched to salt water. But they grew from maybe the size of a toonie to the size of my palm in about 6-12 months. I'd do it all over again if I was still into the hobby.

There's different types of setups. It's costly depending on how big the tank is and what type of plants you keep.

If you're looking at Amano style tanks, then yes its bloody expensive.

I had a 10 gallon tank with just normal gravel, DIY co2, EI method of dosing and florescent lighting and it turned out beautiful. Most important thing is consistency.

[guesskid]

I would start the cycle with some cheap fish, than goto a community tank . goodluck :thumbsup:

[Matlock]

Also take into consideration on what type of maintenance you want to do. I'm lazy so I chose tough things to put in my tank.

I have harlequin rasporas and albino corydoras, because they are both really hardy fish. I only clean my tank once every 6 months and sometimes I forget to feed them. I've had albino corydoras that lived over 5 years.

I also have a piece of driftwood with cryptocoryne plants growing off it. Cryptocorynes are very low maintenance plants, they will survive with whatever light you give them. Also good for oxygen :)

[TeriyakiSawce]

Also take into consideration on what type of maintenance you want to do. I'm lazy so I chose tough things to put in my tank.

I have harlequin rasporas and albino corydoras, because they are both really hardy fish. I only clean my tank once every 6 months and sometimes I forget to feed them. I've had albino corydoras that lived over 5 years.

I also have a piece of driftwood with cryptocoryne plants growing off it. Cryptocorynes are very low maintenance plants, they will survive with whatever light you give them. Also good for oxygen :)

I had 3 albino corydoras for my 10 gal. Back then i wasn't cleaning my gravel well so they ended up dying. But since i'll probably get a community tank they would seem like a nice addition. The cryptocorne plants look pretty dope. I'll definitely think about putting those in my tank.

[wasabisashimi]

10 neon tetra, 10 rummy nose tetro.,, u are good to go, add some nice resistant plants to it

[TheNewGirl]

Heard that planted tanks can get pretty expensive. So you might want to look into the cost before you start.

Personally I like discus, but I'm not sure if a 30gallon's enough space to keep them. On the other hand, I've had a lot of success keeping gold & green severums. Nice to look at, hardy and they're not overly aggressive. However, they do grow pretty fast if you give them the space. I'd recommend keeping maybe 2-4 for a 30 gallon.

I ended up selling them off for a profit when I switched to salt water. But they grew from maybe the size of a toonie to the size of my palm in about 6-12 months. I'd do it all over again if I was still into the hobby.

They don't have to be expensive at all, hardy plants are actually pretty inexpensive (Java fern and moss especially)

A 30G is not tall enough for Discus (you want either a 40 tall or a 60) and generally considered too small for Severums unless it's a long breeder and even still I really wouldn't put them in anything smaller then a 60.

Dwarf ciclids do well in a 30G like rams and kribs but the rams are high maintenance and the kribs will either breed like mad or kill each other. Neither are situations I would recommend for a new fish keeper.

I highly recommend going over to BC Aquaria. Also I totally recommend Big Al's by Lougheed Mall for picking up plants and stock. While their prices are a bit higher then King Eds they're far better about quarintining their fish and I've had fewer problems with sick stock from them.

[wasabisashimi]

They don't have to be expensive at all, hardy plants are actually pretty inexpensive (Java fern and moss especially)

A 30G is not tall enough for Discus (you want either a 40 tall or a 60) and generally considered too small for Severums unless it's a long breeder and even still I really wouldn't put them in anything smaller then a 60.

Dwarf ciclids do well in a 30G like rams and kribs but the rams are high maintenance and the kribs will either breed like mad or kill each other. Neither are situations I would recommend for a new fish keeper.

I highly recommend going over to BC Aquaria. Also I totally recommend Big Al's by Lougheed Mall for picking up plants and stock. While their prices are a bit higher then King Eds they're far better about quarintining their fish and I've had fewer problems with sick stock from them.

just to point out, Big AL's had a management change since last year, I don't know what they are called as of now.

[xilley]

just go to king eds, they have fishes 50% for fresh and 30% for salt
they usually have the best deals
but their customer service is complete shit at times

[misteranswer]

just to point out, Big AL's had a management change since last year, I don't know what they are called as of now.

From what I know, it wasn't a management change. The stores in the lower mainland were franchises and the owner decided to get out and converted his stores to island pet's or whatever.

[Matlock]

Best mom and pops type fish store is on nanaimo and Hastings. Cheap and good quality fish

I also get my fish food there. Hikari micro pellets are awesome
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[TheNewGirl]

From what I know, it wasn't a management change. The stores in the lower mainland were franchises and the owner decided to get out and converted his stores to island pet's or whatever.

Ahhh! Well if it's still the same owners I'm sure they're still just as good. :)

[- kT]

10 neon tetra, 10 rummy nose tetro.,, u are good to go, add some nice resistant plants to it

id do this too, maybe 8 neons and 8 rummy nose's, and then a pleco or something, maybe one or two more random fishes

[Fafine]

go big or go home

[wasabisashimi]

Best mom and pops type fish store is on nanaimo and Hastings. Cheap and good quality fish

I also get my fish food there. Hikari micro pellets are awesome
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

whats this place called, i'd like to check it out and compare to king ed's (they are mom, pop, grandma, grandson, uncle, neighbor crew lol)

[TheNewGirl]

id do this too, maybe 8 neons and 8 rummy nose's, and then a pleco or something, maybe one or two more random fishes

Plecos get way too big and messy for a 30G. There are some that grow slowly and could be okay for a while but eventually they'll need a bigger tank.

Cory's and ottos for bottom feeding in anything under a 40.

[- kT]

Plecos get way too big and messy for a 30G. There are some that grow slowly and could be okay for a while but eventually they'll need a bigger tank.

Cory's and ottos for bottom feeding in anything under a 40.

messy, yes. some don't grow to be that big though

[Matlock]

whats this place called, i'd like to check it out and compare to king ed's (they are mom, pop, grandma, grandson, uncle, neighbor crew lol)

Google has them listed as multiplex aquarium and pet supplies. It's off the north west corner of Hastings and nanaimo.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[Fafine]

whats this place called, i'd like to check it out and compare to king ed's (they are mom, pop, grandma, grandson, uncle, neighbor crew lol)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=hastings+and+nanimo&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=30.12733,86.572266&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=E+Hastings+St+%26+Nanaimo+St,+Vancouver,+Gre ater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia +V5L+1V6&ll=49.281187,-123.057301&spn=0.000927,0.002642&z=19&layer=c&cbll=49.281177,-123.057315&panoid=TrkmoKccW1Z0N1M27JOLiQ&cbp=12,34.86,,1,-1.36

use to go there all the time. nice people

[TheNewGirl]

messy, yes. some don't grow to be that big though

It's not nessesarily the size of their bodies that's an issue with tank size. It's the size of their territory and the amount of demand they'll put on the ecosystem.

Plecos 1 MUST have drift wood. They must (which they won't tell you at the pet store). This takes up water volume when you already have precious little in a 30G already (I know it seems like a lot to a new fish keeper but a 30G is considered a 'small tank' within the hobby and smaller is MUCH harder to maintain than larger). Additionally a pleco makes a lot of mess, which adds more nitrates and ammonia into your water (of which you have very little to dilute it in a small tank) which means you're either going to have to be EXTREMELY diligent about your care or you'll end up in a bad place. Plecos also have dietary needs that can make them more diffecult to mix with other fish (some are strict herbavores for example, some need higher quality foods, if they eat your other fish's foods they'll get sick). They also tend to hide and you don't see much of them especially in a smaller tank where they're anxious, so you're going to a great deal of work for a fish you're really not going to get to 'enjoy'.

I just don't recommend them when there are fish like cories who are both entertaining (they school adorably) and better suited to a small tank.

I love the plecos but big tank only.

[- kT]

It's not nessesarily the size of their bodies that's an issue with tank size. It's the size of their territory and the amount of demand they'll put on the ecosystem.

Plecos 1 MUST have drift wood. They must (which they won't tell you at the pet store). This takes up water volume when you already have precious little in a 30G already (I know it seems like a lot to a new fish keeper but a 30G is considered a 'small tank' within the hobby and smaller is MUCH harder to maintain than larger). Additionally a pleco makes a lot of mess, which adds more nitrates and ammonia into your water (of which you have very little to dilute it in a small tank) which means you're either going to have to be EXTREMELY diligent about your care or you'll end up in a bad place. Plecos also have dietary needs that can make them more diffecult to mix with other fish (some are strict herbavores for example, some need higher quality foods, if they eat your other fish's foods they'll get sick). They also tend to hide and you don't see much of them especially in a smaller tank where they're anxious, so you're going to a great deal of work for a fish you're really not going to get to 'enjoy'.

I just don't recommend them when there are fish like cories who are both entertaining (they school adorably) and better suited to a small tank.

I love the plecos but big tank only.

you make a good point, but a lot of it comes down to the species, and just how well they adapt to the system you've set up

example - i have a 45g tank right now stocked with a whole variety of community fishes. i've got one pleco in there, got him when he was about 1.5 inches long and he's about 7 now. i've got a planted tank and in the beginning i fed him a lot of what i used to feed my other plecos, but he didn't take (other plecos ive had loved those herbivore disk things that sink to the bottom). a few days later as i'm feeding the rest of my fish with flakes and bloodworms, i see him swim to the top, flip to his back and suck food from the top

each fish is different, sizewise, dietwise, basically in every way. however i do agree with you, in a 30 gallon, most plecos probably wouldn't do very well

[ImportXxX]

believe me, within a year you will probably upgrade to a different size tank..lol..whatever fish you get. You'll probably get bored of it and change your set up, cus you will never be sastify with what you have.. I went from a 20 gal to start, then ended up with a 55g,75g, 90g and 135g all in the same room. but i ended up selling everything and got out of the hobby..Now that you got me thinking i wouldn't mind starting up again..go big or go home. lol..

it's an addicting hobby and lots of work. make sure you do your water change once a week, usually 50% is good and your fish should be happy, don't be lazy.

good luck deciding on what you want, either way it's fun..

bcaquaria.com is a great site another one i recomend if you're into cichlid is malawimayhem.com they're also local.

[Fafine]

^ +1

i started by finding a 20gallon in my garage storage that we used when i was little.
then i got a 45g, then a 55g, then another 55g (it was dirt cheap) and finally stopped at a 90g but only because i got no more room. otherwise i'd go bigger like a 220g.

it is very addicting but i find myself bored of it after 3 years? gets tiresome changing water for 3 fish tanks. now i only got a 55g and a 90g. maybe ill upgrade in the summer and use the 55g as a sump or breeding tank.

as for fish suggestions.. a 30g is small since its your first time though, the hardy the fish the better.. so maybe some angel fish? they're nice and calm. don't eat a lot, aren't aggressive and semi easy to breed. or you could go for the cichlids, some have nice colors like for example jack dempseys or you could do a pair of blood parrots. i've always liked them because they're bright in color and nice and fat.

as long as your tank is cycled before you throw the fish you want to keep in there. and the temp is good along with regular water changes. you'll have some happy fish!
should post a pic when you get them.

[TheNewGirl]

I did the same started with a 10 and wound up with like 8 tanks up to a 90 inside a year.

KT> Yeah, I'm not saying you CAN'T do it. I had clown plecos in my 30 when they were babies and moved them up to a larger tank when they got older. Just what I'm saying is that for a new fish keeper I wouldn't advise it. Also a 45G is half again the size of a 30 and has a larger foot print which means more territory space for a pleco, maybe even 2. Longer tanks I found were always easier to manage then taller, that's why I always liked the "breeder" tanks.

[FOREVER]

i demand pics of this tank after! ;)

[maxxxboost]

An XP3 is a good choice because it gives you the extra basket to put whatever you want in as opposed to the xp2, just make sure to buy more biomax media because the ones they give you are not enough to host biological bacteria.

I agree with most of the people here, you buy small but you end up going big thus the xp3 will work even if you upgrade to a 55gallon or higher.

I have 2 55 gallons (one is running an xp3) right now stocked with redline torpedoes, gold barbs, odessas and siamese alge eaters.

For a 33, i'd consider a community tank set up.

If you want shoaling fish, tetras are good
If you want more aggressive but still small, barbs *specific to some*
If you want small, certain rasboras and endlers
If you want colourful fish, lots of rainbows *but gets big unless you get the dwaf ones*
But check out the local fish stores and see what you like and make sure your tanks will be able to house the fish.

[maxxxboost]

Here are some local fish places around town

J&L Aquatics, salt water mainly but one of the better places to get equipment
King Eds on kingsway and edmonds, overall a good place to shop for equipment and fish
Fraser Aquarium, good place to buy freshwater fish and some *special type* of fish
Northern America Aquarium, good place for cheap community fish and gold fish
Fantasy Aquarium
Aprils Aquarium, great local supporter of the lifestyle
Island Pets Unlimited
PJ Pet
Pet Habitat, metro town, brentwood, richmond centre
Pet smart
Aquariums West in Downtown
Rogers Aquarium

I'm sure there are more, but these places will keep your mind busy

[xilley]

fafine, what do you keep?

i just got my 210 cycled, everything is runnin smooth =)

[trip]

dont do a planted set up. i had a high tech 33g plant set up

its alot of money for the lights, CO2, ferts, substrate

then you have to factor in time and you will battle algae and have to adjust your CO2 or levels of oxygen/fertilizer


BTW.. you will get BTS (bigger tank syndrome)

i now only have 210 gallon.



i've got a 135g plexi glass with stand for sale :)

[Fafine]

fafine, what do you keep?

i just got my 210 cycled, everything is runnin smooth =)

you gonna post some pix or what?:fullofwin:

i got nothing special in my tanks.. thinking of flowerhorns before summer maybe. right now its just couple angels left in the community tank and then my jardini living by himself in another tank.

[TeriyakiSawce]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with cherry shrimp. Also wondering if anyone here uses any ferts for their tank.

[SilvLX888]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with cherry shrimp. Also wondering if anyone here uses any ferts for their tank.

i have exp w/ both but the real pros are on bcaquaria. some knowledgeable people there.

[Fafine]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/ to find everything you need know about fish. from diy tank building to breeding your fish

[Lowered_Klass]

Ahhh! Well if it's still the same owners I'm sure they're still just as good. :)

I wish it were :( I was there a few weeks back, and was dissapointed. They've started carrying supplies for other pets (like dogs, cats, etc), which is a shame, but I understand why.

Fish selection was good, but not great... tank conditions were average. Not as flawless as it used to be a few years ago was I was more into the hobby.

Since starting up one of my tanks again, I'm shocked to admit that Petland has been a good place for fish. Especially on their cheap day(s). Wed I think?

Though I'd love to support a local mom & pop shop if I can find a good one.

[OTG-ZR2]

I would not recommend Island pets unlimited. North road location.

I had purchased 8 Cardinal Tetras from them recently all but one died and they gave the rest of my fish a bad case of ick. I was in there this weekend and the Gourami tank had 3 dead ones and a few more on the brink. Ever since they changed names the quality had been slowly depreciating.

[xilley]

^ you just have to be careful, IPU is a pretty decent petstore * just not the overprice fish*
the workers do know their fish
you should keep them in a seperate tank or even a bucket with just a pump for a day- 3 days to watch out
cardinals wont die even if you dont have a pump for a week easily

you gonna post some pix or what?:fullofwin:

i got nothing special in my tanks.. thinking of flowerhorns before summer maybe. right now its just couple angels left in the community tank and then my jardini living by himself in another tank.


soon i will haha
just spent another 1 triple 0 on my fish supplies and livestock last nite sighhh

[OTG-ZR2]

^ you just have to be careful, IPU is a pretty decent petstore * just not the overprice fish*
the workers do know their fish
you should keep them in a seperate tank or even a bucket with just a pump for a day- 3 days to watch out
cardinals wont die even if you dont have a pump for a week easily


I agree, most of the workers are very knowledgeable.

Have been going to that store when it was Big Al's and watched it change over to IPU, ever since then the quality of livestock has been slowly depreciating. I still purchase food and general supplies from there though.



I usually try and ween the fish slowly into my water conditions by having a 75-25 mix of store water and my tank water, every couple hours drain more off and add more of my water until its almost all my tank water. Works well for me, as I dislike mixing too much store water with my tank water. But if the fish have an disease, likely they can still transfer it to the other tank inhabitants.

[xilley]

I agree, most of the workers are very knowledgeable.

Have been going to that store when it was Big Al's and watched it change over to IPU, ever since then the quality of livestock has been slowly depreciating. I still purchase food and general supplies from there though.



I usually try and ween the fish slowly into my water conditions by having a 75-25 mix of store water and my tank water, every couple hours drain more off and add more of my water until its almost all my tank water. Works well for me, as I dislike mixing too much store water with my tank water. But if the fish have an disease, likely they can still transfer it to the other tank inhabitants.

Never mix store water with your water
you will have full tank of dead fish
i rarely ever go to IPU, everything is over priced unless its boxing sale ! haha

[ecchiecchi]

No love for guppies? Recently started a 40g tank. Planning to fill it with Male guppies, Neon Tetras and Shrimp. Female guppies in a separate tank for selective breeding.

@OP: Any updates/picture of your tank?

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

whenever i move to a bigger place, i'm probably gonna start a shrimp tank. hopefully big enough so all i ever have to do is clean off the algae from the glass and top up the water.

anyone know any CRS breeders that sell CRS at a cheap price. i swear i should just breed CRS and undercut everyone. no little red and white shrimp should be worth what they're being sold for right now.

[ecchiecchi]

whenever i move to a bigger place, i'm probably gonna start a shrimp tank. hopefully big enough so all i ever have to do is clean off the algae from the glass and top up the water.

anyone know any CRS breeders that sell CRS at a cheap price. i swear i should just breed CRS and undercut everyone. no little red and white shrimp should be worth what they're being sold for right now.

They're going for what right now? $12.99?

Even breeders at BC Aquaria are asking similar prices. =/

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

They're going for what right now? $12.99?

Even breeders at BC Aquaria are asking similar prices. =/

ill get my friend to breed like 100 and throw em in a giant nelegene bottle with sponges and get someone to check in their luggage next time they're on their way back (from asia)
i only need 30 to survive. lol. or less.

i did that last time with the cheap version, they're not CRS, they're just... see through (not glass shrimp). same family as bee, crs, etc. they're just clear instead. i gave the survivors to my buddy and now there's like a shit load cuz he keeps breeding em and separating them into diff tanks.

Im sure u can do that with CRS, they're a bit more finicky but whatever. lol. buying 200 of em costs more than a god damn dog!

the idea for me is, have a big enough tank, that they can keep breeding, and have enough plants so i never have to do any water changes. oh and i'll throw in 1 really really nice perfect half moon betta in there. and he can feed off them. but there must be enough crs to reproduce at least as fast as he eats them.

probably throw in a few japonica in there too.

[ecchiecchi]

ill get my friend to breed like 100 and throw em in a giant nelegene bottle with sponges and get someone to check in their luggage next time they're on their way back (from asia)
i only need 30 to survive. lol. or less.

i did that last time with the cheap version, they're not CRS, they're just... see through (not glass shrimp). same family as bee, crs, etc. they're just clear instead. i gave the survivors to my buddy and now there's like a shit load cuz he keeps breeding em and separating them into diff tanks.

Im sure u can do that with CRS, they're a bit more finicky but whatever. lol. buying 200 of em costs more than a god damn dog!

the idea for me is, have a big enough tank, that they can keep breeding, and have enough plants so i never have to do any water changes. oh and i'll throw in 1 really really nice perfect half moon betta in there. and he can feed off them. but there must be enough crs to reproduce at least as fast as he eats them.

probably throw in a few japonica in there too.

Do it! Then sell for lower and make profit. :woot2: