Greetings AKA members and Killie fans.

I am not new to fishkeeping but I am new to Killies. I am searching for fish that would be a good match for a small (6.6 gallon) aquarium I have. I've heard that Killies do well in small quarters and this is part of the reason I am excited about starting with them. Also, their colors are incredible!

With so many varieties I really need some help picking out my first killie. Here's what I am looking for:

* A fish that will be happy at PH 7.5

* A fish who does well near 70 degrees is a plus but I'll get a heater if required.

* A fish who never gets very large (smaller the better)

* non-annual preferred. I'd love time to get to know my fish

* A fish who is undemanding regarding diet (am willing to provide some daphnia/moina as a live food, however)

* This tank will be planted with Java Moss - eventually as heavilly as I can.

* I would like to try breeding. Not sure if 2 tanks is a must. May use a divider rather than 2 tanks. Could provide Java Moss w/ infusoria for the fry plus daphnia.

* A fish that's tolerant of a few beginner mistakes

As a fishkeeper, I tend to be methodical and have an attention to detail. I probably can lower the PH of the water if I have to, but I would most prefer a fish who can handle my PH.

Thanks all for any and all advice.

Sir Good Fish

Where are you located? Many killies will do just fine in the setup you described.

Matt in the PNW

Hello Matt,

I am in Upstate NY. I'd love to start with some colorful fish and Killies have a great deal to offer. I may try my 6.6 gallon as a tank for adults and their fry - I expect a divider may be necessary.

Matt, would you happen to have a suggestion or two for a good beginner killie that may meet my preferences?

Is there someone in Upstate NY that keeps killies in similar water to mine?

Thanks everyone for engaging me.

Sir Good Fish

Upstate NY is the territory of a great affiliate AKA group Upstate New York Killifish Association (UINYKA). See the link to affiliate clubs on this site. Great beginner's killifih are some of the Fundulopnchax gardneri complex - Makurdi, Akure, Misaje, for example.
By all means hook up with UNYKA.Plus attend the North East Weekend in October, if at all possible. It is near Albany.

Lee Harper
Media, PA

Sir Good Fish - do you per chance live in the Rochester, NY area? If so, I live in Penfield and have a couple of species that would do well for you, and I'd be happy to talk with you/have you over to my fish room.

Feel free to contact me, 585-750-9738.

Burt Gorton

Thanks for the help, all. Burt, thanks for the generous offer. I am close enough to visit and will contact you soon to set something up. Thank you kindly.

Sir Good Fish

I would love to visit the UINYKA - are they still active? And the NE Weekend sounds like great fun as well.

Sir Good Fish

Next UNYKA meeting

Carl Peterson's home at 21 Milford St. in Hamilton, NY (315-824-0836) on Sun. July 1st. 12 noon. Call Carl for directions. There should be some beginner killies available at auction.........also some live foods


.........................Ron Schulz

Thank you, Ron. Though I am unavailable to attend on that date I look forward very much to making a future meeting.

Sir Good Fish

Burt,

Thanks for showing me your fish room - inspiring! - and thanks also for the great killifish. For those who were interested, the 6.6 gallon tank has accepted 2 p/o Fundulopanchax gardneri nigerianus Misaje. The fish are very active and appear to be doing very well in their new home.

Thanks all for the input and advice. I'll have to find a way to get some pictures up as well.

Definitely caught the bug, I think. An exciting road ahead!

Sir Good Fish