Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am not really an Aquarist but I do enjoy seeing other peoples' fishes at their places. The main reason for me not having fish is that it seems all too complicated: water skimmers, pumps, oxigenizers, water temperature... in terms of simplicity a cat would be ideal, only that a cat doesn't provide the soothing relaxation an aquarium does. So I guess I'm here to let you convince me to take the frist step and get an aquarium of my own instead of anoying friends and relatives by sitting in their living rooms all day and emptying their refrigerators!

Any idea where I can start looking for equipment and prices online?

If you really don't want to do work to keep an aquarium, then you shouldn't get one. I can't say whether an aquarium is right for you or not... that's up to you.

First, there's the inital set up cost, and the 4-6 weeks it takes your tank to cycle. There are a few different ways to do this as well as a few different things you can do to help the process. You would probably want to take water samples at least every 2-4 days during this process (if you don't have fish in it - every day if you do have fish). Of course, when you add fish your tank must cycle again, but it usually doesn't take 4-6 weeks this next time.

A fish tank requires 25% water changes every two weeks. This is because it is an enclosed space (unlike in the wild where the water is moving constantly and fresh water is there to replace the older water). If you don't keep up with the water changes, your fish will get sick and die. If you don't do gravel cleanings, your fish will die if the toxins stuck in the gravel get out. Mostly, if you choose a healthy fish, keep up with the water changes, and don't overfeed your fish... you should have a happy, healthy aquarium.

It's not that aquariums are complicated (once you know what you need, which is what we're here for ), but that it does require work... which most people think the fish are worth the work. It is a personal choice. I'm here if you choose that an aquarium is for you. Although, if you do get one, I will warn you... they can be addicting.

You can start looking at your local pet stores (most will have a website if you prefer to look online). There are several different places you can look for many different prices. Research is a very important thing in the aquarium hobby.
-----
Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Thanks phisie!

I've been researching and i believe a can dedicate enough time and money towards maintenance.

Most recommend a 30 gal minimum to start with FW. Cichlids are resommeded because tehy are resilient, what do you think?

I have been resommended Aquaclear filters but i have discovered this one:

http://fishpetlove.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=346_57&products_id=5775

Is it good?

Please let me know.

Thanks!
Link

You can start with any size tank, but I recommend you don't go lower than a 10 gallon because I feel fish should have room to swim around and be happy, not to mention the smaller the tank, the more the toxins will build up. 30 gallons are fine to start with, but you will need a bigger tank for cichlids. They are quite aggressive fish (which makes them very entertaining... in the sense that they interact with each other, not that they kill or hurt each other). I recommend at least a 50 gallon for a cichlid tank.

You will also want to look into which cichlids you would want to get. There are different lakes the African cichlids are from, and you shouldn't mix the different species (from the different lakes: Tanganyika and Malawai).

The filter looks alright for a 20 gallon (since it says that it works for up to 20 gallons). Be sure to check the tank size for the filter.

There are other beginner fish besides cichlids, but I do like cichlids. However, I do find the beauty in all fish.
-----
Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Thanks Phishie!

From your opinions and others that this is my starting updated list:

-go freshwater
-get a 30 to 40 galon tank [dwarfs are ok for now]
-get a filter
-get water conditioner / primer
-get an aerator
-get heater
-get water test kit
-put it close to a sink/water hose
-put it on a sturdy table or stand
-cycle
-get fish food
-get fish: cichlids seem to be a good option

I am inclined to buy everything new, even if it is more expensive, I'm a little affraid of getting defective.

This is how I would like my future fishtank to look like:

http://fishpetlove.com/ ==> see the tubular tank?

A bit fancy and probably very expensive... well I'll just have to get rid of one of my private jets...

A fish tank in a plane... now that's an idea!

You're welcome.

I do like the tube tanks, but they are more pricey than the regular tanks. One day I will have one though, and if you can afford it, I say go for it. If you use reverse osmosis water or spring water to fill your tank, you won't need a water conditioner (only if you use tap water, and then you should let your water sit for at least 24 hours even with the water conditioner - once you have fish in the tank that is). Make sure your filter suits your tank... they specify on the packaging. There is a really awesome gadget called the python (I don't know if you've seen it). You connect it to your water source, and then just empty your tank (20% of your tank water that is) and then refill just by flipping a lever. It does run about $90-$100, so it's a bit pricey, but it does work wonders.

Also be sure your water testing kit includes: ammonia, pH, nitrate and nitrite levels. They have the dip strips which are convenient or the add drops to your water sample and wait for a color types. I like the add drops to the sample, but then again I absolutely love science. (Call me a geek if you must. )

A note on cichlids, you will probably want to get juveniles because they are less aggressive (usually), and once your fish start to grow up they will become VERY territorial, so adding fish when some are adults is a no no. I would also ask what the fish are currently eating because if they are eating one food and you switch the food, they may not eat the new food when stressed. You can also add stress coat to the tank before you add fish. It just helps them through the stressful times of being relocated. Basically it provides more mucous for their slime coat to prevent diseases. *unless they are already sick*

If you are not rushing setting up your tank, you can try to find some biospira (which is supposed to be way better than cycle, but I've heard both good and bad about it- the people who say it works, I trust them... but the bad things I've heard were online, so it's hard to say whether or not what they're saying is true).

Be sure to research the fish you want before you purchase them. It will be better for all.
-----
Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."