Confessions of a fish killer...

[jlpropst00]

Hey guys,
I thought I would let everyone follow along what has been an expensive and comical journey to get my 5.5gal tank up and running. Thanks to these forums I might actually succeed for once.

A little History:
My girl friend (now wife) got me a 5.5gal for my birthday about 5 years ago. She got the whole setup decorations and everything. I've always loved aquariums. So I get it setup and running throw in some nice fish and they die in about a week. So I try some new ones and the same result. So I give up.

Two weeks ago, out of nowhere, I get the idea I wanna get my old tank up and going again. So I go get it out of my parents attic and get to work.

Wanting to do it right this time I start reading and realize there is a little more to this than just keeping the water clean...Fail.
(Well that's all for now)

[hXcChic22]

Haha it all happened to us once upon a time. See if you can find a local pet store (not a big chain) that could give you some media that has beneficial bacteria in it to kickstart your cycle - like gravel, a dirty filter cartridge, etc.
Good luck and hope to see you around!

[BettaFriend]

Yeah, I have lost fish in the worst way (well...maybe not). There is hope! My first 2 fish I had for three days . My second group of fish I still have (most of) today, a year later!

You need to read up on The Nitrogen Cycle if you haven't already. Try researching the fishless methods. If you see one that you would like to attempt, you can just post back on here with questions. Or you can be brave and ask your LFS for some gravel or filter (filter is better) media to jump start your cycle, like hXcChic22 suggested.

There aren't alot of fish that can be safetly kept in a 5.5g tank. Do your research. No shoal fish, preditory fish, etc. I can name all suitable fish on my own 2 hands. For that size tank, you should probably start out with 2-3 male guppies (if you get a female in the mix, you will have fry running around everywhere), or a betta.

Make sure you read up on maintanence, and that your tank is cycled. The fish I suggested are hardy fish, but you still don't want to harm them.

Happy fishkeeping! Feel free to ask questions!

[jlpropst00]

Thanks for the replys.

So my story is just getting started really.
I got my tank home and cleaned it up, put in the plants and gravel started up the filter and went to get some fish. So the guy at PETCO says to put some goldfish in there to as he put it "dirty the water because clean water will burn the fish." I don't know maybe this was his way of trying to explain the nitrogen cycle. He did say it would only take 3-4 days to get ready. This leads me to believe he had no idea what he was talking about.

Anyway, during the next week everything seemed fine I went to PETCO and got some "live aquatic plants" for the tank. This is about the time I find this website and start reading. I learn that my goldfish are probably going to die (they did) and also that my "live aquatic plants" are better suited for a pot in my house (thanks PETCO I owe you one).

So I've read a ton and feel like I could write a book on water chemistry (don't get me wrong I have a lot still to learn). I also have real aquatic plants coming in the mail! So basically I waiting for my tank to finish its cycle so I can get some fishes.

So thanks to everyone that posts here you have helped and taught me a ton. I feel like I'm on my way to an aquarium that can actually support life. Looking forward to things and upgrades to come!

[Blazer]

No goldfish can live in a 5 gal since they excrete ammonia like crazy. Fancy goldfish need at least 20 gal and common goldfish need much more. That employee obviously didn't know what he/she was talking about. You can put a betta since they are hardy (only one since they will fight to the death, 2 guppies (no females), dwarf puffer (only if you are an expert). Or you can keep a couple of shrimp or snails. In case you didn't know fish need filters.

[jlpropst00]

Would like 2 dwarf gourami fit? They only get 2" right?
Sometimes it feels like people are thinking how dare you keep poor fish in 5gal tank, but I want to raise healthy, happy fish and understand my tanks limitations.

[emc7]

Maybe one. Gouramis are territorial

[Blazer]

Gouramis are like bettas, they are territiorial like emc said

[jlpropst00]

So these are two of the plants I got from PETCO in those infamous plastic tubes. Sorry the pics are so big.

This one was labeled Argentine Sword.

If you look right in the middle it have a new stem/leaf growing. So maybe its real? What you y'all think?

This one said Crested Lava Fern.

What about that one?