quite a few actually, are there any other fish you like? throw out options, then peeps can help you evaluate if they are compatible, mostly you dont want something with a mouth big enough to eat the guppies...
Angels (as long as they grow up with the guppies) Neons Most tetra family fish. (Which gives you a HUGE variety) Cories Danios Ancistrus Stay away from the barb family. (Can be agressive with above mentioned fish) Stay away from the malawis. (Prefer different water perameters) and stay away from the stuff I call big/exotic/wierd (Discus, Oscars, Parrots) as these generally have specialy dietry requirements, water requirements, and obviously because they are big, they will eat the smaller fish. Do a search on community fish Michelle.
Hi guys For beginners, this is a nice site: http://www.thinkfish.co.uk/community.html It helps you set up a community tank and gives loads of information on the fish you choose. You should use tap water because RO water does not contain any of the disolved minerals required by fish. Without these salts in the water, they will most probably die of kidney failure. Tap water in most areas in South Africa are 100% for keeping most tropicals. Certain fish prefer soft water for breeding, such as discus. You will then need to mix RO with tap water and measure your KH and GH values. But you won'y be going down this road right now...maybe later :bigsmile: Remeber to check with your local water board if they use chlorine or chloramine and then always use a good dechlorinator when doing water changes. No. Aragonite is a carbonate mineral, and will probably adjust the ph upwards all the time. Which is fine for marine tanks, but not freshwater tropical tanks.
I really rate the TetraTec filters. I have the EX1200, which I actually have to back down by 30% on the output or else it is just too strong. I would suggest you set it up and check the flow. There should be good flow throughout the tank. Place the inlet in a rear corner and use the spraybar for the outlet. Place the spraybar outlet on the same side as the inlet, but facing towards the other side of the tank, with the spray bar 5cm under the water and the holes pointing 45 degrees towards the surface. Under gravel filters are very ineffective and belong in the past. See my previous comment regarding RO For most tropicals the ph is irrelevant. They can adjust. They may not want to breed, but they'll be fine. Just rather aim at keeping it steady than trying very hard to change it. We at the coast have soft water so it is easy for us to adjust the ph at very little cost. Up north where the guys have hard water they need to mix it with RO to adjust the carbonate hardness down and also the ph. This can become pretty expensive... I fear a sump is rather complicated for beginners, especially if the overflow is not designed properly to handle power outtages, etc. and it seems there was already a problem! I think try the cannister and see what you think. You might be surprised how well it works. I would also suggest, if you really want more filtration, get 2 external cannisters. That way you can clean them alternately every 2 months and ensure minimal disturbance of your biofilter bacteria. :idea:
Yes that is some good advice. If I can add, stay away from most cichlids right now, except angels. Keep in mind though the angels WILL eat the guppy fry. So if that does not bother you, you can keep angels with them. Plenty people actually keep pregnant female guppies with their angels for this exact purpose. It really conditions the angels well for breeding.
hi and welcome. thats an awesome size tank to start with, and great advise given by others. you should just use the tap water i only use RO on my marine tank tap water is more then fine for tropical fish, the RO units take out the stuff required in a tropical setup which you dont want in a marine setup. this is also a cool site for guppy lovers http://www.guppies.com/
