Greetings from Indy

[ChappyEight]

So, at 33 years old I've purchased my first aquarium. We've actually had it since last August so a it's been a number of months. What is interesting is that I had no desire whatsoever for a "fish tank" but we rewarded my son's behavior in Kindergarten by granting his wish to have one. Then all the sudden Dad got interested, ha.

So, here I am, having been sent by David Boruchowitz in his book The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums. After (sadly) killing way too many fish out of simple negligence (and some bad advice from the big-box pet stores), a visit to "The Reef Aquarium Shop" in Indy righted many of those wrongs and put us on a path to responsible and enjoyable fishkeeping.

We've got a 36 Gallon Aqueon Bowfront aquarium that came as a package (so the heater, lamp, and filter are all stock Aqueon stuff). Currently it's stocked with:

• (2) Longfin Rosy Barb
• (4) Albino Cory Catfish
• (1) Green Cory Catfish
• (6) Pearl Danio
• (4) Golden Dojo Loach
• (1) Metallic Blue Wag Platy
• (2) Swordtail
• (1) Bloodfin Tetra
• (1) Buenos Aires Tetra
• (1) Diamond Tetra
• (8) Green Neon Tetra
• (4) Orange Neon Tetra

This will sound silly, but one of our biggest issues was not having enough fish for each type of schooling species. While I now know better, for a little while that means we'll have quite a few different species. The only real behavioral issue I'm having right now is with the BA Tetra. He's bullying and nipping at the Platy incessantly (to where the platy won't come off the bottom of the tank hardly at all). So, I'm debating on removing the BA Tetra or getting him some buddies so he doesn't feel the need to be aggressive. We'll see.

Anyway, that got long-winded. Suffice to say my 5 year old son got me hooked and I'm doing the best I can to learn on his 36 gallon tank with hopes of having a nice large one in our family room someday.

Thanks for reading.
Landon

[ScottFish]

I just wanted to say welcome Landon to our Forum! You've come to the right place. That's a lot Tetras. Sounds like you are in transition between letting the odd Tetra die-off to build-up a larger school, or two, of Tetras.

[ChappyEight]

Thanks, Scott.

You are correct, as some of the singles die off, we'll replace with a species we already have in order to build the school.

[C. Andrew Nelson]

Great to have you join us, Landon! Sounds like you have a nice mix of fish in your tank including several of my favorites. Yes, Buenos Aries can be a bit on the aggressive side sometimes. Like many other species, if you keep them in a good sized group they will chase each other and leave the rest of the fish alone. No doubt your BA Tetra feels it needs to assert itself because its the only one of its kind in the tank. Are there any places for the platy to hide?

Hope to see some photos posted of your tank. (We love photos here!)

[Crazygar]

Welcome to the Forum Landon. Sounds like you have what most people have (myself included many thousands of years ago) when they start out, a Noah's Ark. 2 of this, 2 of that...

If you want a schooling fish, you realize that room will become a factor and some of those fish will have to be rehomed in order to establish a proper school. This discussion would be best served in another location where it can get the full attention it deserves.

Gary

[ChappyEight]

Thanks Gary. You're exactly right, Noah's ark is the best explanation for both the fish and the decorations. I'll be certain to start a new thread in the appropriate section.

Thanks,
Landon

[Freshwater Tropic]

Welcome to the Forum! Glad to have another fish lover here! Looking forward to checking out your setup.