New tank owner, I just bought a brand new tank 55 gallons. Have put anything in it yet (even water).

I saw the tetras in the store and fell in love with them. I was told by a friend that platies are nice too, and that it's easy to start the cycle process with them too. Will it be a problem mixing the two, in terms of aggression or water conditions.

Also looking to put a cat fish or two for the algae, any recomendations that will get along well with the the tetras and/or platies? Also considering a red tail shark, but I don't know if it's too big/agressive for the other fish. I am planning on understocking the tank to give the fish more room and keep the water cleaner (hopefully)

I want to make sure I don't do anything that will cause problems between the fish, I figure a new guy will have enough problems beginning anyway.

Welcome to the hobby and OUR forum!
For a new tank, add in the declorinated water right away, run the filter+aerator and let it stand for a week before adding the fish.
Get only a few fish first to get the cycle going.

Small tetras and platies get along fine. There are many many diff. kinds of tetras, you could mix most of them. Just make sure you get at least six of each kind so they get to socialize (gee, fish socialize?). If you plan on adding some plants, avoid the red-eye tetra (that's their meal).

To clean slime/algae off the glass and bottom, get a Chinese Algae Eater (normal, goldenred or albino)(that's after one month later so there will be food for them to eat).

20% water change weekly is a must.
Someone, please advise on the red-tail shark!!!!
-- Zaini

Hi. Sorry to divert the topic a bit. I'm also very new in this area - juz 8 days setting up my tank with 7 guppies & 10 tetras in it. U mentioned abt changing 20% of the water weekly. Do u mean leaving the fishes inside while taking out the 20% water & adding fresh water in? Won't that cause a stir & freighten the fishes inside the tank?
How long can a 'clean' tank last without the need to chg all the water (100%)inside the tank, is a month time too long? Pls advise. Thanks.

Platies and tetras look very nice together. If possible try to put the smaller tetras first and then the platies. This is to cut aggression (if any). However, red tail sharks are a no-no as it's very aggressive and temperamental. Could just take a nip off your platies!

Water change should be done on a regular basis; maybe 20% every week. This is to ensure that your fish doesn't suffer the 'shock' from total water change and also chemistry fluctuations. If your filtration system isn't mature yet ie. there isn't enough nitrifying bacteria to neutralise your high nitrites; you might cause death of all yr fish. Therefore it's important to fully cycle your tank before adding fish. Make sure you have test kits on ph, nitrites and ammonia to do regular tests, until readings are 0.

What filtration system are you planning on having?

Hi, I'm currently using a 3-way hang-on filter which consists of a sponge, activated carbons & bio-balls. I was told that the bio-balls is to killed off any harmful bacteria. Is that sufficient? Also, how frequent do I need to take out the filter for cleaning & replacing the carbons? Pls advise.
Does that mean while changing the 20% water, I will leave the fish inside the tank? Thx.

If your tank doesn't have that many fish, you can continue using the top filter. Of course, good husbandry is to change water weekly. The nitrifying bacteria that accummulates in your bioballs are the good guys who'll eat up all those nitrites (which are toxic to your fish) and convert them to nitrates (gas which is harmless to a certain extent). If you have plants, then the nitrates will be good for them.

Yes, when changing water, you can leave the fish in the tank. Just be careful you don't suck them out by accident!

Pauline, many thanks!

Dar, glad to be of help!