how to stock a fish tank

How To Stock A Freshwater Aquarium

• The Number of Fish. Deciding just how many fish should go in your tank is probably the most important choice. For the...
• No Quick Stocking. You may be tempted to simply buy your favorite species and dump them all in together. However, it...
• Tips on Starter Fish. Want to make sure your initial fish stay safe and live long? Get in some...

Full Answer

Can I use a stock tank as a fish pond?

Gardeners have been using stock tanks (or feed tanks as they’re sometimes called) for years as water features and even as containers for a vegetable garden. I wanted mine as a tiny fish pond that I could place in the “staging area” part of my garden.

How many fish should I stock my tank with?

Your best bet is to stock a few fish at a time to see how your tank reacts – if it reacts well, you can add a few more. Resist fully stocking your tank in a single go, even if your tank has completed its nitrogen cycle and the beneficial bacteria in the aquarium are established.

Can you use a stock tank heater in a fish tank?

If a stock tank heater can’t be used, the stock tank should be drained and left empty for the winter. Actually it’s the carbon dioxide that builds up under the ice during extended cold spells with subzero air temperatures that kills fish, not the depth of the pond. Koi seem to be more sensitive to this problem than goldfish.

Can you keep fish in a galvanized stock tank?

Galvanized Stock Tank Fish Pond Stock tanks have been used for keeping fish for a lot of years. In the early days of the West, galvanized stock tanks were placed next to windmills and were used to provide water for cattle and horses. These stock tanks are still being used on ranches today.

Why do you need to choose a fish for a community aquarium?

What fish should be fed after the lights are off?

What fish are good for mid level?

What is the top dwelling fish?

What is the middle level of an aquarium?

What fish do not jump?

What are the parameters of a community aquarium?

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How quickly can you stock a fish tank?

Wait until both the ammonia and nitrite levels have risen and then fallen to zero before adding more fish. It usually take about 3-6 weeks for a new aquarium to go through the initial nitrogen cycle, so fish should be added only a few per week during this time.

How much should I stock my aquarium?

While many variables affect that answer, a general rule is to stock no more than ½ an inch of fully grown fish per gallon of water in your aquarium. For example, if you have a 30-gallon aquarium, ideally stock no more than 15 total inches of fully grown fish.

What should I fill my fish tank with?

Fill your tank approximately one-third full with room temperature water from a clean bucket. Pouring the water onto a plate or saucer sitting on the gravel will help keep the gravel in place. Add a water conditioner, like Tetra® AquaSafe® Solution, to de-chlorinate the water. Chlorine is fine for you, not your fish!

What is the easiest way to fill a fish tank?

2:397:00Aquarium Water Refill - Fast And Easy Method (Water Pump) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI fill it up using the faucet from my bathtub. Which is going gonna be a lot stronger than theMoreI fill it up using the faucet from my bathtub. Which is going gonna be a lot stronger than the faucet from my sink.

What if I Overstock a fish tank?

Tanks that are overstocked will not only provide a stressful environment for the fish that will likely lead to disease, but overstocked tanks produce a lot more work for the aquarist. Maintenance must be done more often on a tank that is overstocked.

How many fish can I stock?

A basic rule of thumb is to have no more than one 6-inch fish for every 100 gallons of water. If you are thinking of getting the smaller minnow fish, you want one 1-inch fish for every 10 gallons of water.

What is new tank syndrome?

'New Tank Syndrome' is a term used to describe problems that occur due to the build-up of invisible, toxic compounds in an aquarium. It gets its name as the issue is most likely to occur when your filter is maturing when starting a new aquarium.

Can I fill fish tank with tap water?

Ordinary tap water is fine for filling up the aquarium as long as you let it sit for several days before adding fish (the chlorine in the tap water will kill the fish).

Should a fish tank be filled to the top?

You should generally fill the tank up to an inch below the trim because the water column and aeration system will create bubbles that splash the surface. When the waterline is too high, water may splash outside of the tank. Jumping behavior isn't unusual among aquarium species.

Can I put bottled water in my fish tank?

Bottled water is also significantly more expensive than tap water, so using bottled water in your aquarium will make the upkeep of your fish tank much costlier — plus, it's impractical for large tanks because of the enormous number of bottles you would need.

How do you prepare water for a fish tank?

0:091:30How to Purify Tap Water for Your Aquarium : Aquariums & Fish CareYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to allow it to sit overnight put the lid on in a dark cool place and you do want to alsoMoreYou want to allow it to sit overnight put the lid on in a dark cool place and you do want to also kind of stir it up a bit make sure the chemical makes its way throughout.

Can I add water to my fish tank with the fish in it?

Don't allow store water to enter your aquarium when adding new fish. Don't add too many fish at one time, especially in smaller or newly set up aquariums.

Top 10 top-dwelling fish to fill top one-third of your aquarium

Today we will be knowing about the top 10 fish that would stay at the top of your tank. Getting a top dwelling fish is hard to find if you know what are you looking for but, you don't know what to ask for at the store.

37 Best Community Fish For Your Freshwater Aquarium

37 Best Community Fish For Your Freshwater Aquarium. Of the hundreds of tropical fish species that you’ll see for sale in your local fish store and online, we think that the 37 fish on our list are some of the best for a freshwater community aquarium.. 1.

Fish That Swim in Upper Water Column | REEF2REEF Saltwater and Reef ...

I have just started stocking a 110 tank that will be mixed reef. My tank is tall (30"), and I would like to include some fish that will swim in the upper part of the tank above the reef. So far I have a Red Lined Wrasse and an Orchid Dottyback. My tank is covered. I plan on adding: Clownfish...

How many fish can you put in an 80 gallon tank?

From a practical perspective, you will never add the full 80" of fish to your 80 gallon tank.

What is a top dwelling fish?

Top dwelling fish generally have upturned mouths, designed for feeding at the water's surface. Some species of top dwelling fish, such as Hatchetfish and Betta, are strong jumpers. If your tank contains jumpers, replace the lid immediately after feeding and maintenance.

How many gallons of water does an 80 gallon tank hold?

Also, an 80 gallon tank will hold less than 80 gallons because the ornaments, gravel, equipment and plants you will be adding to the tank, will reduce the water volume. When you perform your rule of thumb calculation, base it on the adult size of the fish.

What is a successful freshwater aquarium?

A successful freshwater aquarium is a properly planned aquarium. Consider the time you spend calculating, resolving compatibility issues and researching an investment – it might take you a little extra time to figure out how you are going to stock your tank, but it will definitely be worth it.

Why do aggressive fish need to be housed in species specific tanks?

Aggressive species of fish often must be housed in species-specific tanks because they are only likely to get along with certain fish.

How to choose fish for an aquarium?

When choosing fish for your aquarium, select fish that occupy different levels in the tank. By doing that, you will ensure that the fish won't need to compete for space. The reward is a visually appealing aquarium, evenly filled with all sorts of different fish.

What fish have downturned mouths?

Bottom Dwelling Fish: Bottom dwellers, like Cory and Catfish, have down-turned mouths, enabling them to feed on those morsels of food that fall to the bottom of the tank. Bottom level fish help keep the substrate clean as they scour the bottom for food.

What fish are good for eating on the water surface?

They’re, hence, suited for eating food on the water’s surface. Some examples are Jumpers, Betta, and Hatchetfish. Fish in the middle level would be the ones that catch the most attention. It’s a good idea to stock schooling and colorful fish here to give a gorgeous effect.

Is it bad to have a crowded tank?

A crowded tank is much more dangerous than an empty one. It’s not just that the fish would get disturbed by being placed so close together; they could also become hostile toward each other They would understandably get frustrated and see other fish as their enemies.

How many snails can you keep in a 5 gallon tank?

Snails. You can keep up to five snails in a tank of this size, too. Snail species such as the ramshorn snail, Nerite snails, greater pond snails, Japanese trapdoor snails, Malaysian trumpet snails, or assassin snails will live happily in your 5-gallon fish tank.

How many dwarf shrimp can you fit in a tank?

You may fit up to 10 dwarf shrimp species in a tank of this size without much of a problem. The best shrimp species for this include the red cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp, and red crystal shrimp.

How big is a 5 gallon fish tank?

You don’t want to accidentally fry your fish! Most tanks are around 16 x 8 x 10 inches, so figure out what space in your home will best suit your 5-gallon fish tank.

How to get a fish to grow in a tank?

Add Water. To start off, fill your tank up with water and add a water conditioner. Do not just dump your fish right into the tank! This can send them into shock and they may die. Instead, introduce them to the water in the tank slowly, so they can grow accustomed to the new environment.

Why do fish need live plants?

Live plants are a huge benefit to fish tanks, due to their oxygen production and the ability to absorb the ammonia your fish create. In addition to keeping your water levels relatively even, aquascaping will also make your tank look more vibrant and provide your fish with food to eat in between meal times.

Why do goldfish weaken in small tanks?

Unfortunately, these species weaken due to a lack of space : Fancy goldfish. Common goldfish.

Can Thai micro crabs be used in a 5 gallon tank?

Thai micro crabs. Nerite or assassin snails. You can even fit some of these species in the same tank, due to their relatively small bio-load. There are many great 5-gallon tank fish combinations out there, but shrimp and snails often match best with any companion other than bettas.

How to keep a pond from dropping leaves?

The less the better. Always add oxygenating plants, and lots of them. Keep the surface of the pond about 75% covered with plants like duckweed and lilypads. Keep your pond away from trees that will drop leaves and whatnot into the water.

Can you put goldfish in a pond?

First, don’t try adding fancy goldfish, like Koi, into a pond like this–they won’t be happy longterm. Use “mosquito fish” (basically a minnow) or Comet goldfish, both which can be found at your pet store. DON’T OVERSTOCK!

Which is better, a round or oval stock tank?

There are two shapes of stock tanks. The round shape is better for multiple people and kids, allowing room to spread out. Oval stock tanks are long and skinny, so they're better suited for one or two people. That said, the 8’ round stock tank is by far the most popular.

How to keep pool water fresh all summer?

Step 2: Install the filter pump. One of the most important ways to keep your pool looking clean and feeling fresh all summer is to add a filter pump from Intex. It’s the perfect solution because it filters debris and circulates water.

Can you put stock tanks on a deck?

Decks We highly recommend against placing stock tank pools on decks, due to their weight. However, if you decide to place it on a deck, be VERY careful about weight. An 8' stock tank weighs as much as a large SUV when filled, so be sure the structure can hold it.

What is the best feature of a stock tank?

One of the best features of the stock tank is now realized. Since the tank has a rigid rim, people can stand right on the edge of the pond without falling in or the sides of the pond caving in. Since the rim is slightly raised, it’s easy to get close to view the fish and the water lilies.

What are stock tanks used for?

Stock tanks have been used for keeping fish for a lot of years. In the early days of the West, galvanized stock tanks were placed next to windmills and were used to provide water for cattle and horses. These stock tanks are still being used on ranches today. Some of these old stock tanks are over 50 years old and have been kicked and abused by livestock but are still holding water. The ranchers just mend them and keep using them.

What is a galvanized stock tank?

Prices will vary from state to state. Galvanized stock tanks are made of galvanized sheet metal, which has many advantages over pond liners. It is strong, durable, and flexible enough to expand when ice covers the pond. Since the sheet metal is galvanized with zinc, it protects the metal from rusting.

How deep should a stock tank be for lilies?

Stock tanks are 2 foot deep, which is an ideal depth for water lilies and fish. A lot of pond owners on the front range of Colorado think that a depth of 3 to 4 feet is necessary to protect fish from freezing.

How many water lilies can a 10 ft tank hold?

So a 10 ft diameter tank will not be exactly that size. This size tank is large enough for 5 water lilies and about 10 small Koi or goldfish. Of course, more fish could be added, but I believe that a lighter stocking produces healthier fish. Keep in mind that Koi can get quite large so it can outgrow a pond.

How to grow water lilies in a stock tank?

Water lilies can be grown in a container on the bottom of the stock tank. Fill the container full of garden soil and top off with gravel after planting the water lily. If shallow water plants are grown, use small inexpensive outdoor plastic tables to set the container on.

What is a raised pond?

A raised pond could be used for a small vegetable garden or flower garden. I have a couple of older small stock tanks that I use for that purpose. If the stock tank has been used as a raised pond, it is very simple to get rid of it. Just advertise it in a local newspaper and sell it.

Why do you need to choose a fish for a community aquarium?

Choosing fish that prefer swimming at different levels will result in a far more attractive aquarium , while at the same time assuring that your fish will not have to compete for space. It will also reduce the stress that occurs ...

What fish should be fed after the lights are off?

Some bottom-dwellers are nocturnal and should be fed after turning the lights off for the night. Popular mid- and bottom-dwelling fish include: Bolivian Ram.

What fish are good for mid level?

Larger fish such as Gouramis, Rainbowfish, or Angelfish also make interesting mid-level fish. However, it is important to remember that slower-moving fish with long flowing fins may be picked on by smaller, faster-moving fish. Tiger Barbs are particularly well known for nipping fins.

What is the top dwelling fish?

Top dwelling fish add movement and color at the top level of the aquarium, which often has very little decoration. Many fish that prefer the top level are surface feeders in nature and have upturned mouths designed for top feeding. They hang at the surface waiting for the next meal to come along.

What is the middle level of an aquarium?

The middle level is the focal point of the aquarium and should be populated with plenty of active fish. Schooling fish, including most of the Tetra species, as well as some of the Barbs, are excellent for the middle level of a community tank. Mid-dwelling fish are often selected as dither fish for cichlid tanks, particularly schools of active fish.

What fish do not jump?

Popular top-dwelling fish include: Marble and Silver Hatchetfish. Halfbeak.

What are the parameters of a community aquarium?

Always research the fish you are interested in for your community aquarium. Although swimming levels are a factor; water parameters such as pH, temperature, and water hardness are quite important when combining fish in a community aquarium.

Top-Level Fish

Middle-Level Fish

Bottom-Dwelling Fish

• Bottom-dwelling fish lend interest to the lower levels of the tank and often help turn over the substrate. You will note that most of them have mouths that point downward, making it easy for them to scour the tank bottom for morsels of food. However, do not fall into the commonly held myth that bottom dwellers do not have to be fed. All too often b...

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Choosing Fish