Starting my first tank, looking for opinions.

[AZ_Madame_X]

After deciding to take the plunge and start a small freshwater tank,
I've been reading everything I can get my hands on so I'm as informed
as possible before I start purchasing fish. I realize a beginner
should start with at least a 20 gallon tank but I've decided that my
starter tank will be the Eclipse System 12 (which I found for an
excellent price at drsfostersmith.com and have ordered). I've read
all about the cycling process and am considering using Bio Spira if I
can find it. Then I would add three platies and test my water daily
to determine when its okay to add more fish.

When the time is right, I plan to add the following to the 3 platies:

2 neon blue dwarf gouramis
1 bushy nose plecostomus
1 female fiddler crab

I've heard conflicting opinions that the fiddler crab needs occasional
access to be out of the water--I know this is not the case with the
red claw crab, but I thought the female fiddler may be less likely to
get a hold of the other fish. Any opinions on this?

Also, my original plan was for two female bettas instead of the two
gouramis, but my husband isn't fond of the bettas (they aren't active
enough for his liking). Would the gouramis quickly outgrow my 12
gallon tank? We already anticipate buying a bigger tank in six months
or so if we do well with this one. But I wonder if the bettas would
be better suited for this environment.

Could I safely add more fish to this tank or am I maxed out with my
current plan?

I'd appreciate expert opinions on my plan. Thanks all!

[Cammie]

I'd say you are right at your max with what you described you plan on
putting in there along with your platties. Some people don't use the 1" of
fish per gallon as a guideline anymore, but I do. And of course you have to
estimate by the size the will go to, not the size you buy.

My estimations are:

> 3 platties (3" or so Total)
> 2 neon blue dwarf gouramis (2" each)
> 1 bushy nose plecostomus (2-3") depends on the size and they can
grow big)
> 1 female fiddler crab (1-2")

[Tedd]

"AZ_Madame_X" > wrote in message
m...
> After deciding to take the plunge and start a small freshwater tank,
> I've been reading everything I can get my hands on so I'm as informed
> as possible before I start purchasing fish. I realize a beginner
> should start with at least a 20 gallon tank but I've decided that my
> starter tank will be the Eclipse System 12 (which I found for an
> excellent price at drsfostersmith.com and have ordered). I've read
> all about the cycling process and am considering using Bio Spira if I
> can find it. Then I would add three platies and test my water daily
> to determine when its okay to add more fish.
>
> When the time is right, I plan to add the following to the 3 platies:
>
> 2 neon blue dwarf gouramis
> 1 bushy nose plecostomus
> 1 female fiddler crab
>
> I've heard conflicting opinions that the fiddler crab needs occasional
> access to be out of the water--I know this is not the case with the
> red claw crab, but I thought the female fiddler may be less likely to
> get a hold of the other fish. Any opinions on this?
>
> Also, my original plan was for two female bettas instead of the two
> gouramis, but my husband isn't fond of the bettas (they aren't active
> enough for his liking). Would the gouramis quickly outgrow my 12
> gallon tank? We already anticipate buying a bigger tank in six months
> or so if we do well with this one. But I wonder if the bettas would
> be better suited for this environment.
>
> Could I safely add more fish to this tank or am I maxed out with my
> current plan?
>
> I'd appreciate expert opinions on my plan. Thanks all!

welcome to the hobby! :)
you're already off to a better start than 90% of the people who pick up keeping fish as a hobby,
most dont take the time to stop and do a little research, (i was one of them).

in contrast to Cammie's post, i would consider the platies at 2" each and the gouramis at 3" each.
however, i too agree with following the 'one inch of fish per gallon' rule. it's by no means an
absolute, but it is a great baseline from which to start out.

if you are anticipating buying up another tank within six months i would wait to pick up the pleco,
and even then make sure you check out just how big they can grow first. three platies and two
gouramis will suit a 12 gallon very nicely without over crowding it (plus you should plan on the
platies bearing young unless you get all one sex). neon dwarf gouramis can grow to about three
inches, once you get them home from the pet store and add them to your established healthy tank
they'll usually grow and brighten their colors (this could actually be said about the majority of
the fish you'll get from the pet store). just make sure you put a few plants (fake or live) in there
to give everyone places to hide in so they fell secure.

as for the crab, i know nothing about those except he'd make a feast out of any platy fry that
happened by. most of the posts i've seen regarding crabs and fish tend to agree with not mixing
them. this isnt to say they cant be mixed, i just dont know, never tried it. if you wanted to add
something different than just fish you could go with a pair of african dwarf frogs, they live their
lives fully in the water and usually do a fairly good job of keeping the bottom of the tank
clean(er).

bettas are a beautiful fish and they actually are rather active (when outside their little cups
they're sold in). you would probably be happier with the gouramis though, to most people they are a
little more visually appealing (and keeping the spouse happy helps to ensure the possibility of
getting future tanks and fish). ;-)

hope this helps, best of luck.

tedd.

[~Vicki ~]

Sounds like you are on your way. Dwarf gouramis are a good choice for
your tank. They are a beautiful and interesting fish. I happen to have
6 in my 55 g tank and just love them.

I have never kept crabs. Every time I have asked about fresh water
lobsters or cray fish I get the same answer tho, and that is that they
will kill my fish. So the crabs are probably the same way. I would be
interested to see if any one else has had any experiences with them
then.

Hey when you get the larger tank, just use the smaller one for them.


Vicki

[Wellman]

I used to have a blue lobster in a 20 gallon tank. One day I found him
nibbling on one of my tiger barbs, but I think the tiger barb was about to
die from abuse by another very mean tiger barb, so was probably easier to
catch by the lobster. As Tedd pointed out, maybe african dwarf frogs would
be a wiser choice, although if you did get a crab or lobster I think it's
fairly unlikely they will kill a fish as long as the fish are healthy and
alert.

Martin

"~Vicki ~" > wrote in message
...
> Sounds like you are on your way. Dwarf gouramis are a good choice for
> your tank. They are a beautiful and interesting fish. I happen to have
> 6 in my 55 g tank and just love them.
>
> I have never kept crabs. Every time I have asked about fresh water
> lobsters or cray fish I get the same answer tho, and that is that they
> will kill my fish. So the crabs are probably the same way. I would be
> interested to see if any one else has had any experiences with them
> then.
>
> Hey when you get the larger tank, just use the smaller one for them.
>
>
> Vicki
>

[~Vicki ~]

I used to have a blue lobster in a 20 gallon tank. One day I found him
nibbling on one of my tiger barbs, but I think the tiger barb was about
to die from abuse by another very mean tiger barb, so was probably
easier to catch by the lobster. As Tedd pointed out, maybe african dwarf
frogs would be a wiser choice, although if you did get a crab or lobster
I think it's fairly unlikely they will kill a fish as long as the fish
are healthy and alert.
Martin
<
<
<
<
Hey Martin I have been looking at them and think one would be an
interesting addition to my tank. Still I am a little worried about my
fish. Also I have fresh water clams in my tank. Would a crayfish eat
them? It is not like they can swim away.

Vicki