Newbie...seeking fish advice =)

[phroggeh]

Hey all, I'm new to the fish keeping scene so bear with me =)

I have purchased a 60 litre (just under 16 US gallon) BiOrb tank but within the next 6 months to a year I do intend to upgrade to a larger tank.

The thing is, I don't want lots of little fishies, I'd prefer 4 or 5 bigger 3-5 inch ones that are quite unusual looking, catfish being a prime example.

So far, I like the look of 2 x pictus catfish and 2 x kuhli loaches as from what I have researched, they both have similar pH and temperature range and are hardy.

I'm looking for one last fishy that is preferably under 4-5 inches fully grown (but to too small so that the pictuses eat it =/ ), looks 'cool', happy being solo and suitable for a beginner =)(not necessarily a cat i supose). Sorry if these parameters are too small but any reccomendations?

I am aware of the 1 inch to 1 gallon guideline but by the time they are adult hopefully they'll be in a better place (i.e. bigger aquarium =P)

Thanks very much

Phroggeh

P.S. Impressive forums =)

[MatsP]

There is one small problem with the "I'll get a bigger tank later" argument. And that is the unpredictability of life in general. We all know that the future throws a wobbly every now and again, and I don't think it's a good idea to purchase fish that will potentially outgrow it's current tank, with the plan to buy a bigger tank in the future...

With this in mind, I'd say you could easily keep some fish in the tank, that would be transferrable to a bigger tank in the future, as a way of progressing. The pictus cats can grow quite quickly, so I don't know they are such a great idea in this fairly limited space.

The ball-shape of this tank makes it unsuitable for active swimming fish [perfect for lazy fish like gold-fish].

I'm not sure the kuhli-loaches are a splendid idea either, as these tanks seem to have a fairly small bottom area, which means that there's little space for the kuhlis to dig around and hide in the substrate.

A set 3-5 of some Corydoras specie would probably work. They don't grow too big, and they are happy in a small space.

Maybe a couple of the smaller rainbow-fishes would work, and I think a single Bristlenose to keep the glass(plastic) clean would perhaps be OK too, they don't grow that quickly once they are past 2-3 inches.

Make sure that you don't stock all the fish at once...

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Mats

[phroggeh]

Ah ok, thanks very much

[Deb]

Phroggeh, I know you said you don't want a lot of small fishes, but that is what you have to have in a small tank. There is no way around it.

I have to say with some authority that 12 gallons of water is not suitable for any goldfish. Goldfish need at least 30 gallons of water each, regardless of their size at purchase. Their water needs to be clean, cool(ish), and flowing, for optimum health and longevity. Please don't be tempted to get a goldfish for your BiOrb.

A BiOrb is a cool tank, with lots of possibilities. Why not do a mini-South American set-up stocking seven small tetras (Pristella maxillaris, Paracheirodon innesi) five dwarf Corydoras catfish (C. habrosus, pygmaeus) and three Otocinclus catfish to keep the orb free of algae build-up. The Ancistrus might work, like Mats said. You will need to watch your water quality.

Try to have lots of slow-growing plants. Java Fern and Java Moss are easy for beginners. Crypts (Cryptocoryne species) can be slow-growers, too, and do well in these water conditions. Add some twiggy driftwood pieces for a true streambed look.

Honestly, you just can't keep big fish in small amounts of water long-term. They just won't make it. I know the fish I named are not unusual, but they do well in small tanks. I hope this helped.

Deborah

[phroggeh]

Yeah ok, I'll go for that smaller fish setup then, thanks very much for the ideas =)

Just wondering, will for example the tetras still shoal if there is more than one species of them? Or do they have to be the same species?

Thanks =)

[B-2]

I think the bio orb would be perfect for one beta. It would probably be better to buy a rectangular aquarium if you are planning on having a community aquarium. Most tetras and other community fish love having space to swim back and forth. A beta, however, doesn't need a long aquarium since they are usually sluggish. Still, they should not be kept in bowls or vases smaller than 1 gallon. Since the bio orb is round, you can put a dense thicket of plants right in the middle. That way you can see the fish from all around. Also, beta fish don't need a heater if your house is warm enough or a filter if you change the water frequently. Even an air pump isn't necssecary since betas can breathe air. If you keep tetras, cory cats, or other kinds of fish, you will need a filter, heater, and an aerator. These can be difficult to attach to a curved aquarium. You could make your bio orb into a perfect haven for a beta fish. A beta would be much happier in your tank than in a tiny bowl.

[MatsP]

Yeah ok, I'll go for that smaller fish setup then, thanks very much for the ideas =)

Just wondering, will for example the tetras still shoal if there is more than one species of them? Or do they have to be the same species?

Thanks =)

Some will, some won't. Many species of tetra will know their own specie and "keep to themselves". It's probably better, in your size tank, to have one group of tetras, 5-10 depending on size.

I agree with Bettinacharlotta, that a Betta (Siamese Fighter) would go well in this tank, although I also realize that it does actually come with an air-driven filter. It's also correct that you do need a heater for keeping most tropical fish, since they require around 25'C, which isn't what most people keep their house temperature at...

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Mats