set up

Question
Hi Rachel,
My husband and I just purchased a 55 gallon tank.  We are interested in keeping fresh water fish.  Any suggestions on where to start and how to take care of the fish and tank?  Thanks much!
Susan

Answer
Some things you should first consider is if you want cold or tropical freshwater. Cold would be fish like goldfish and guppies, however guppies would be alittle funny in a big 55 gallon. However bigger goldfish would be nice, depending on what your desires are. Tropical gives you far more variety with really neat fish like silver dollars, angelfish, large algae eaters, bala sharks, and so on. Once you discover the type of freshwater you want, you should make sure you have all the right equipment for that type, as each requires different stuff.

If you choose COLDwater all you need is: a filter, gravel and decor, a bubble stone or pipe (goldfish enjoy more oxygen) with pump, light with glass canopy, food, declorinator (regular withOUT any added so-called "beneficial bacteria" just a basic declorinator), and the fish. With the cold freshwater there are a few downsides like, highly chance of ick disease and less options on tank cleaners like algae eater. With cold water fish you should get some tank cleaners to keep the algae down. Some ideas for tank cleaners are: algae eaters and snails.

If you choose TROPICAL you will need: everything you need for cold water fish but you will also need a heater. The heater is required because tropical fish require at least 72 degree water. However, if you choose tropical I recommend setting the heater to at least 80 degrees, as this helps cut down on diseases and in my experience the fish seem happier in this warm water. Make sure and get a heater whichcan be set to a specific temperature, rather than just a high/low setting. The high/low heaters tend to be very difficult to get to the right temp you want it. Getting a heater which you can actually set to 80 degrees takes the guess work out. You really dont need a thermometer, just use your own judgment. Once the tank has been running for a few days simply place you fingers in the water, if it feels slightly warm its fine. It should not be too hot nor too cold, but if you want to be sure you will also need a thermometer. One fantastic thing with tropical is you can choose from a variety of fish. Just the tank cleaners come in a wide variety. For example, there are tank cleaners like snails, algae eaters, and cory catfish.

Once you choose your type and get the equipment, set the tank up plugging in all the equipment. Be sure to decloinate the water. Let it run with NO fish or tank cleaners for at least two days. Then slowly add your fish, start with the tank cleaners than add the other fish. I also recommend not going to a chain store to get your fish. A chain store is perfect for the equipment and the tank because they are always cheaper but they are a bad place for the fish. Find a very good local, independent fish store which you can get your fish from.

Other than what I have written, just use your judgment. Dont overstock the tank. Add the fish slowly. Dont dump the fish from the store to your tank, slowly float the fish and pour a tiny bit of water in their bags every minute up to 5 minutes, then net the fish out being sure to NOT add any of the fishstores waterto your tank. Be careful not the get aggressive fish or fish who do not go together. Dont overcrowd the tank with decor but do provide hiding places for all the fish in the form of plants and caves or branches. Make sure to leave plenty of room for the fish to swim. Keep in mind the fishes mature size when you purchase it to be sure your tank will handle them and you will not have to get another larger tank just for a fish or two, unless you wish to do this. Other than these ideas, have fun and take it slow. I hope this helps.