"El Roberto" wrote in message
...
Right, after massacring 2 goldfish, 3 fantails and a black moor during my
abortive first attempts at amateur fishkeeping, I've done all my homework
and am now pretty much ready to start over again.

I'm using a 21 litre tank, and have been trying to cycle it for 2 weeks
now by adding cycling bacteria, a plant, and putting food in there to rot
and produce ammonia. Thus far there are no nitrites at all, some nitrate
(which I assume is a good thing, as it shows the bacteria are working),
although I don't have an ammonia test kit.

Anyhoo, I'm going to be patient and take it easy, and am probably going to
buy a fish tomorrow, most likely something small that won't grow huge and
will be happy in a relatively small tank. So the questions I have a

a) Any suggestions for a good starter freshwater fish that is pretty
durable and won't grow to a huge size? I want something quite pretty so am
prepared to pay a bit over the usual bog-standard prices....

b) I'm considering buying a heater and getting some tetras or tropical
fish: is this advisable for my first proper tank? I was trying to think of
the extra hassles that heated tanks would bring, but can't really think of
any. What are the pros and cons? I assume you can add cold water during
10% water changes....

Any ideas would be much appreciated - determined to get it right this
time!

R



your ammonia is prob thru the roof
if nitrites haven't showed up and then fallen away then you are still weeks
away
get the store to check your water for ammonia
or be ready to do some serious water changes