Beginner fish???

Ok i thought i would make a topic about what people believe are the best beginner fish out there?

I personally think the white cloud mountain minnow and the goldfish are the 2 most forgiving fish as far as error goes, but what do you guys and gals think?

Aimee

Good idea! Here's my thoughts...

Goldfish are really easy to take care of, and they live a long time if properly taken care of. They are messy though and require a good filter and 10gals worth of water per goldfish (they should not be kept in bowls). Feed them goldfish flakes or pellets, and change 1/3 of their water weekly. Water temp of 65-75 degrees

Bettas are also great for beginners. I'd suggest using a 1gallon bowl or bigger per betta. Do not keep 2 bettas together, especially 2 males. They do best alone. They will eat pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp/black worms and freeze dried foods. Change 1gallon's worth weekly, or more. Water temp of 75-82 degrees

:Editted to remove Fancy Guppies since they aren't so hardy after all, Sorry guys:

Another good beginner fish is the Bala Shark.
The Bala Shark is an easy fish but requires a large tank of at least 55g
and also requires a school of at least 3. They are cyprinids, not sharks.
They are related to barbs, but are very peaceful fish. If you can provide
a tank of 55 gallons or more, this fish is great for beginners. Check out
the profiles section for care information on this fish.

For the lazy people, click here to view the Bala Shark Profile.

Im not so sure about the guppy, it is a little temprimental of water conditions, not as hardy as some others. I have lost quite a few males and the odd female when i buy new ones and it always seems to be the prettiest ones that go.

How about Danios, i have never had any so i cant comment, but i have been told they are hardy and pretty good for cycling if you are not doing fishless cycling

Aimee

I cycled my tank with Bala Sharks. They are extremely hardy.

i think convicts and firemouths are very easy fish to keep they are easy to breed and require only a 30 gallon or more tank. also kribs are really easy too they are slightly smaller and will do fin in a 20 long all these fish arenot really fussy about tank conditions but it is best to keep the water fairly clean. fish friend i agree with danios being pretty hardy i usally use them to cycle tanks as they can tolerate some bad water conditions

Cool thanks for your imput froggyman, it always good to have multiple opinions

Aimee

I found pleco's and catfish to be very fun to watch and very hardy. I have had some live in what i thought where unlivable conditons.

Some FW gobies or Gurdgons are also really cool to watch and very hardy. Guppies though thought hardy i have found are not if given the wrong conditions, and usually for me guppies are first to get sick.

I also found the african rope fish very hardy and a good fish for beginners.

I forgot that about guppies. Thanks for pointing it out.

Keep in mind Plecos and catfish can grow to huge sizes, and those will require a big tank.

Yeah i know not all get big, but some do like the redtail catfish, and those you amazingly can get at a petstore. They can grow to over 4 feet long!! So people, don't go buying any redtail catfish unless you want to give them a huge tank. If you want a small catfish try getting a cory.