FRESH WATER FISH

[ivan]

MY FRIEND IS STARTING A FRESH WATER FISH
TANK. CAN ANY ONE GIVE SOME INFO ON WHAT TO
CHECK FOR IN FRESH WATER AND IF TANKS ALSO
CYCLE LIKE IN SALT WATER.

 

[fishymissy]

Yes freshwater tanks cycle just like salt tanks. Adding live plants is one of the best things that your friend can do....not only will they reduce or eliminate nitrates (depends on how many plants you have) but they will also absorb some metal and other toxins. The fish will also love to hide and breed in them.
Things to check for: ph, temp., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate.
Tell him to start out with only a few fish and after the tank cycles then to gradually add more, and don't overstock!!!
HTH

 

[trigahappynigerog]

you can start the cycle with a couple feeders. bettas are also hardy fish. plants is a bad idea for first timers because you have to take care of them too and if he is a begginer start with just fish.

 

[fishymissy]

While it is true that some plants can be hard to keep, there are many that are so easy it's amazing. Try java fern or java moss, or any of the anubia varieties. None of these require special lighting and can be attached to rocks or pieces of driftwood.

 

[trigahappynigerog]

i tried plants for my freshwater once and hated it. the plants were harder to keep than the fish.i took them all out and just kept fish. yeah there are easy plants but they do need special lights. i moved to salt since then.

 

[aquaman2]

good cycling fish for fresh water are lepard danios, zebra danios, and giant danios. They are hardy fish and are easy to keep.

 

[fishymissy]

Okay, I'll repeat myself, java fern, java moss and anubias DO NOT NEED special lighting. The lights that come in the hood will do just fine with these species of plants. It would be helpful to get a plant (light) bulb, but it isn't necessary. I have been keeping these kinds of plants for YEARS without any special lighting.
Any of the danios are great for cycling, as are platies, but do not use feeder fish. They tend to carry disease and you certainly wouldn't want that in your tank.