Help!

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OmnipotentOscar

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 31, 2016
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Hello, recently I bought an almost brand-new 40 gallon tank from a garage sale. I have always wanted a fish but never had the time or funds for it. Since this buy was impulsive and I don't have much experience, I need help. What could I put into this tank? Fish or invertebrates, doesn't matter to me, I just need ideas. Thanks!
 
You're thinking too far ahead. First you need to get it set up and ready for fish. Get a substrate that you like. Gravel is easier to clean, but I think sand looks nicer.

You'll also need lights and filtration. I would recommend an Aquaclear 40 or 70 for your filtration. I currently use 2 Finnex 24/7 planted plus strips for lighting. Since my tank is 24" deep, it doesn't grow plants very well. Along with that my Severum see plants as a treat. The lights are plenty bright enough for my fish and recreate the lighting of the sun throughout the day (Sunrise, midday, sunset, night, etc...). I also like the controller that comes with the light, which has preset settings and you can also make custom ones. From what I've seen the Current USA Freshwater Pro light does about the same thing, but it's $10-15 cheaper if that makes a difference.

There are a lot of options for heating, and most work, but you would want a shatterproof model in case you leave it on during a water change. I've made the mistake and have had one shatter, it's not something you want to go through. From what I've read Cobalt heaters seem to be the most reliable when it comes to temperature fluctuations, but have been known to break in the aquarium and poison/kill fish. A titanium heater may not be the best when it comes to price, but they seem to have smaller temperature fluctuations and don't kill fish from exploding like the cobalts are known for.

The next thing you'll need to do is buy water conditioner, preferably Seachem Prime, and add water to the tank. Bottled ammonia can be found on amazon to grow bacteria that keep the fish alive. Seachem Stability contains the bacteria you need to grow in the tank. Dose all of these as stated on the bottle and it should be cycled within a couple weeks.

You NEED an API master test kit to test the water to see if it's cycled and ready for fish. When it's ready for fish, the ammonia and nitrite should both read zero, and there should be some nitrate in the tank.

I would get fish. Invertebrates have no personality unlock fish. I can't recommend any fish because I'm not sure what direction you want to go in.
 
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Good post Angelphish Angelphish , spot on.

To the op, if you want something with personality (after you get the tank cycled like Stephen said) I'd suggest a betta with some peaceful schooling fish or dwarf cichlids such as rams. But get that tank cycled first! :)
 
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Kittiee Katt said:
Good post Angelphish Angelphish , spot on.

To the op, if you want something with personality (after you get the tank cycled like Stephen said) I'd suggest a betta with some peaceful schooling fish or dwarf cichlids such as rams. But get that tank cycled first! :)
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My Firemouths show a lot of personality, more than any of my other fish. They only get 4-5", so I think about 4 would be perfect for that tank, if this is the direction the OP looks to go in.
 
Apistogrammas and rams both have a lot of personality and color and aren't too difficult to take care of.
 
Stephen Hiatt said:
My Firemouths show a lot of personality, more than any of my other fish. They only get 4-5", so I think about 4 would be perfect for that tank, if this is the direction the OP looks to go in.
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Personally, and this is just my opinion, I wouldn't put a 5" Cichlid in a standard 40, a 40 breeder yes, a standard 40 I don't think is wide enough... But that's just my opinion. :)
 
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Kittiee Katt said:
Personally, and this is just my opinion, I wouldn't put a 5" Cichlid in a standard 40, a 40 breeder yes, a standard 40 I don't think is wide enough... But that's just my opinion. :)
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The op never mentioned if it was a standard 40. 40 breeders are so common now I'm starting to think of those as standard.
 
Stephen Hiatt said:
The op never mentioned if it was a standard 40. 40 breeders are so common now I'm starting to think of those as standard.
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I naturally assume a tank has the smallest footprint possible, that way I can avoid accidentally suggesting stock that won't live comfortably in said tank. But you're right, 40b's are becoming more popular. :)
 
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