small coldwater fish?

[mollykins]

My parents have said that i can have a fish tank.

We're getting a coldwater, 15 litre tank (probably) and were wondering what and how many, small communal fish will fit in and live together?

Plus even though they won't be tropical, we preferably want colourful and interesting fish as they will be on display downstairs for everyone to see.

[mollykins]

or even if someone could give me a link to a decent coldwater compatability chart then i could research the compatible breeds to see which are small enough that would be great.

[marval]

This might help.

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-choose-fis h-for-a-coldwater-fish-tank

[hammerman]

providing you have a sufficient filter and you do weekly water changes, i'd say 2 - 3 goldfish or shubunkins. Coldwater fish are not as easy to keep as tropical...you just need to add a heater to the tank.

[mollykins]

Is that all you have to do to be able to keep tropical fish? I might do that then. Can i fit about the same amount of goldfish sized tropical fish in?

I'm asking on here because the local pet shop has an idiot working in the fish and reptile section. My nan bought a geko and the guy told he what she needed and she bought it home and when her next door neighbour came round and saw, he was horrified. The guy had given her the wrong food, wrong sized tank and told her the wrong temperature to keep the tank at. So we don't trust him.

[mollykins]

Thanks marval.

But hammer, won't goldfish outgrow a 15 litre tank? they can get to 10-15 inches can't they? and that won't fit in will it?

I need small, attractive looking fish that will always be able to fit in a 15 litre (3 gallon) tank.

But thanks for trying!

[mollykins]

are guppies easy to look after? or would the water be to cold without a heater?

[mollykins]

Yeah guppies look pretty and are apparantly easy to look after. I'll do some research into looking after them.

[B00]

Guppies are lovely fish, however....i'd be very careful as they will breed, and quickly too!

[mollykins]

wouldn't the goldfish outgrow the tanks in a year or two.

i've got the tank set up but am going on holiday for a week then the day after i get back i'm going somewhere else for a week. would it be a good idea to add the water and water cleaner stuff in the day between the two weeks then get fish when i come back the second time?