what types of fish?

Question

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Followup To

Question -
i'm getting a five to ten gallon aquarium.(if my budget allows) and i want to know what kind of fish to get. i want fish that can survive without a heater just in case the power goes out. i want fish that dont fight with the same species (i'm only getting one or two species) and are easy to take care of (not picky eaters, can have a all around temperature, doesn't get sick easily, very hardy)

Answer -
Hi Becky,
A 5 - 10 gallon aquarium is very small, so don't put too many fish in it. The only type that survive without a heater are gold fish and bettas. If you get a betta, just get one because they will fight with each other. If you get goldfish, just get one or two because they grow big sometimes.
Betta and goldfish are hearty and easy to take care of. Also, consult the people at your local aquarium supply shop, as they know a lot about the fish they sell.
The main thing you want to watch out for is over feeding. Only feed one flake or pellet per fish when they are new. You can increase slightly as they grow.
Here's my page for easy aquarium care:
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
Nori

i thought bettas were tropical fish... i was also thinking of getting a few white cloud mountain minnows. i live in vancouver BC and my neigbor has a pond and her white minnows have lived through several winters but i can't talk to her because she just moved away! some advice please! and how big do cory cats grow up to? can i keep them in a unheated tank? and i heard that if you put female bettas together they don't fight.

Answer
Hi Becky,
The best advice is usually from your local aquarium supply shop. They know the local climate and what types of fish survive there, how large they can get, etc.
re. Bettas. They usually only sell males because they are more colorful. As far as I know, they do fine without filters, aeration (bubbles), and heaters. They are indoor fish though, don't put the aquarium outside. Not sure what can live in ponds in Canada.
The main thing with any fish is to avoid over feeding. That is covered at my web page for wholistic fish care:
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
So the main thing is to shop at a good aquarium store where the people know fish. Don't shop at the dime store, the Walmart, or whatever, because they can't really help you much.
Write back if you want to discuss further,
Nori