salt and tropical fish what do i choose?

Question
I have brought a small tank (very small but i dont know the measurements yet) and I was wondering what kind of fish are best for first time tropical fish-keepers? And how do I test for salt and when I have done that what salt do I put in the tank?

Answer
Hi Sammie,
Depending upon the size of your tank and your filtration and heating, most small fish like cherry barbs,  and all small tetras such as neon tetras, glowlights, lemon tetras, black neons, ect.. As well as Platies or guppies, which are livebearing fish which have live fry once a month or so in your tank.These fish are all good for beginners and for small aquariums. Harlequin rasboras are tiny little interesting fish also.

Dwarf gouramis are also suitable for smaller tank. Just one though, they have a tendency to be territorial. However, at least a 3 gallon with a heater is preferable.

If you don't have a heater. Your choice of fish is very limited. And again its difficult for me to say what species because I don't know the size. Some good cool-water fish are White clouds, Paradise fish, danios, bloodfin tetras, guppies (only those varieties which have the smaller tails and less fancy finnage.) Hillstream loaches, and some cory species.

*Just don't choose goldfish. Although most people will tell you they are hardy and suitable for small aquariums and bowls. That is a very big myth and goldfish never thrive in small environments and they tend to be more delicate than tropical or other coldwater fish.*

Just make sure you do not overstock and make sure to cycle your aquarium before fully stocking it and make sure to stock slowly and gradually.

If you don't know that much about cycling, here's an article that really explains it really well-
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

Its very helpful to have test kits for these three things-
*Ammonia
*Nitrite
*Nitrate
Testing your water for these three levels helps you determine when your tank has officially established and cycled and when its safe for your fish. Also, if there is a problem and your fish don't look too well, its very important to test your water first because water quality issues is the biggest stresser to fish.

Don't worry about salt. Although I know its recommended. It doesn't really do much for the fish. In fact it can be stressful to some fish. Its good to use whenever your fish are sick. Because it can help deter parasites and help cure bacterial diseases. But it isn't a wonder treatment and isn't that good to use as a prevenative as many sources suggest. The best ways to keep your fish healthy are 1.) keep their water clean with plenty of frequent partial water changes, and 2.) a good diet with variety...

Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Karen~