Hello everybody, I'm new to the forums and as well as new to having an aquarium (properly).
I have had a 10 gallon tank when I was around 14, and didn't have any true understanding of the various needs of the fish, and pretty much had anywhere from 20-50 fish (had angels, neon tetras, bala/tri colored sharks, goldfish, zebra danios, tiger barbs, guppies, black neons, painted tetras, etc) inside it at any one point. Yup, very foolish.
However, I am 21 now, and have recently been desiring to restart this hobby. I intend to do my research now, but am ultimately having some trouble understanding what the various processes are, and what products I should get that are the best I can get for my money's worth (I'm still just a jobless college student in the end =P ). Thus, I am hoping that others that are more knowledgeable than myself such as you guys, will show me the way and ensure I do not make past mistakes.
Moving on, the first issue I have is finding an appropriate fish tank. I have thus far pretty much went to every fish/pet store nearby my area (about 6), and have spent many hours for several days trying to find the right tank, but the various and confusing pricing along with the deals and kits that I do not know if they are even good or necessary turned my brain to mush. Could any of you recommend or suggest some brands/specific tanks to start me off? Here is what I am looking for:
1. 20 - 40 gallon freshwater tank (ideal is around 30)
2. Though I am not sure, Acrylic sounds best? It is apparently stronger than glass, and far less heavier (I will have to move often at least every year since I am a college student living off campus). Any thoughts?
3. I find myself a little bored with the typical rectangular designed fish tanks, I've been looking around for something a bit more innovative such as Biube/Biocube/Biorb. Looks aren't big preference, but if you happen to know of any that may be what I need and have the looks, why not?
4. Budget for the tank is around 100-400$ depending on what is included along with the tank. 200 and lower if its just the tank, 200+ if its one of those fancy hi tech ones with preinstalled filters/yadda yaddas.
Next question would be what sort of filtration system/heater/other products that I should get (assuming you didn't recommend one of those all in one aquariums such as the BioCube)?
During my research within these past few days, I've come across this cycling method that I wasn't aware of back when I was young. It seems that I had missed a very important lesson because it seems to be mandatory. So far, I've read too many guides that have ultimately served to confuzzle me as to what the best method is, so could anybody give me a "Cycling for Dumbies" rehash? As much as I'd like to be patient and ensure the best for my fish (I am very meticulous with my interest and do care about doing things correctly), but I may not have the "up to 8 weeks" of cycling time that some of these guides keep suggesting. I would end up having midterms by then and I'd like to be able to accomplish this by then as a stress reliever =P. So what should I do or buy in order to ensure a proper cycling while shaving off some time?
As for fish, I have read enough now to know about the 1 inch of fish per gallon rule. However, I have also been told that I could possibly add more fish depending on the filtration that I have available. How accurate is this? I do admit that I'd like to have as many fish as reasonably possible even if it meant spending more money on better filtration. Any suggestions or thoughts?
Lastly (for now), the fish. This is what I am sure of getting so far unless some of you prove otherwise. Keep in mind that I am trying to stick with fishes on the leaner/smaller side in order to maximize the number of fish I can add to the tank (also because the wider/bigger fish tend to look more unattractive to me). Also, if I mention any fish that grow significantly larger and may thus ruin the 1 inch/gallon rule, please let me know. However, I don't intend to keep them once they exceed undesirable size, I will just return them back to the shop.
1. 3- 5 Glofish electric green/orange - These are apparently genetically engineered danios?
2. 1 Bottomfeeder? From what I've been reading around, a pleco seems to be one of the most popular choices?
3. 1 red tail shark or 1 rainbow shark
4. I've been searching everywhere for cardinal tetras, but I have had no luck.
5. I've absolutely fallen in love with the Black Ghost Knife fish, but I realized that it is beyond my caliber at the moment and thus I will likely wait till I have more experience (even if I do keep it, I don't intend to keep it past 8 inches or so since it apparently can grow up to 20 inches)
Other than those, I've looked at glolite tetras, clown coach, white clouds, gold sailfin mollies, and some rasboras, but I'm not too impressed. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your time guys, I really appreciate any comments good or bad, I understand that there is much I need to learn. I also apologize in advance if I had asked any "stupid" questions, I just really need to make sure I'm going the right direction.
I have had a 10 gallon tank when I was around 14, and didn't have any true understanding of the various needs of the fish, and pretty much had anywhere from 20-50 fish (had angels, neon tetras, bala/tri colored sharks, goldfish, zebra danios, tiger barbs, guppies, black neons, painted tetras, etc) inside it at any one point. Yup, very foolish.
However, I am 21 now, and have recently been desiring to restart this hobby. I intend to do my research now, but am ultimately having some trouble understanding what the various processes are, and what products I should get that are the best I can get for my money's worth (I'm still just a jobless college student in the end =P ). Thus, I am hoping that others that are more knowledgeable than myself such as you guys, will show me the way and ensure I do not make past mistakes.
Moving on, the first issue I have is finding an appropriate fish tank. I have thus far pretty much went to every fish/pet store nearby my area (about 6), and have spent many hours for several days trying to find the right tank, but the various and confusing pricing along with the deals and kits that I do not know if they are even good or necessary turned my brain to mush. Could any of you recommend or suggest some brands/specific tanks to start me off? Here is what I am looking for:
1. 20 - 40 gallon freshwater tank (ideal is around 30)
2. Though I am not sure, Acrylic sounds best? It is apparently stronger than glass, and far less heavier (I will have to move often at least every year since I am a college student living off campus). Any thoughts?
3. I find myself a little bored with the typical rectangular designed fish tanks, I've been looking around for something a bit more innovative such as Biube/Biocube/Biorb. Looks aren't big preference, but if you happen to know of any that may be what I need and have the looks, why not?
4. Budget for the tank is around 100-400$ depending on what is included along with the tank. 200 and lower if its just the tank, 200+ if its one of those fancy hi tech ones with preinstalled filters/yadda yaddas.
Next question would be what sort of filtration system/heater/other products that I should get (assuming you didn't recommend one of those all in one aquariums such as the BioCube)?
During my research within these past few days, I've come across this cycling method that I wasn't aware of back when I was young. It seems that I had missed a very important lesson because it seems to be mandatory. So far, I've read too many guides that have ultimately served to confuzzle me as to what the best method is, so could anybody give me a "Cycling for Dumbies" rehash? As much as I'd like to be patient and ensure the best for my fish (I am very meticulous with my interest and do care about doing things correctly), but I may not have the "up to 8 weeks" of cycling time that some of these guides keep suggesting. I would end up having midterms by then and I'd like to be able to accomplish this by then as a stress reliever =P. So what should I do or buy in order to ensure a proper cycling while shaving off some time?
As for fish, I have read enough now to know about the 1 inch of fish per gallon rule. However, I have also been told that I could possibly add more fish depending on the filtration that I have available. How accurate is this? I do admit that I'd like to have as many fish as reasonably possible even if it meant spending more money on better filtration. Any suggestions or thoughts?
Lastly (for now), the fish. This is what I am sure of getting so far unless some of you prove otherwise. Keep in mind that I am trying to stick with fishes on the leaner/smaller side in order to maximize the number of fish I can add to the tank (also because the wider/bigger fish tend to look more unattractive to me). Also, if I mention any fish that grow significantly larger and may thus ruin the 1 inch/gallon rule, please let me know. However, I don't intend to keep them once they exceed undesirable size, I will just return them back to the shop.
1. 3- 5 Glofish electric green/orange - These are apparently genetically engineered danios?
2. 1 Bottomfeeder? From what I've been reading around, a pleco seems to be one of the most popular choices?
3. 1 red tail shark or 1 rainbow shark
4. I've been searching everywhere for cardinal tetras, but I have had no luck.
5. I've absolutely fallen in love with the Black Ghost Knife fish, but I realized that it is beyond my caliber at the moment and thus I will likely wait till I have more experience (even if I do keep it, I don't intend to keep it past 8 inches or so since it apparently can grow up to 20 inches)
Other than those, I've looked at glolite tetras, clown coach, white clouds, gold sailfin mollies, and some rasboras, but I'm not too impressed. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your time guys, I really appreciate any comments good or bad, I understand that there is much I need to learn. I also apologize in advance if I had asked any "stupid" questions, I just really need to make sure I'm going the right direction.