Fishtanks

#1

Well, since I've gotten my own space now, I'm trying to think of some things to put here...Have any of you ever owned a fish tank..? Somewhere down the line, I'd like to maybe add one, I've always loved what fish tanks do for rooms...Once I add a nice couch, my sound equipment, and a flat screen, my office/chill spot will be off the hook...

My dad had a fish tank full of piranhas, I used to feed them whole drumsticks till one day one of them jumped out of the tank and ate a hole in the carpet...Don't think they're quite so legal to have anymore, lol...

Any tips are appreciated..!

#2

Yeah, I love fishtanks..
Heh, I could give you some suggestions, though, I'd need to know;
a) How many fish you plan to have and/or how big the tank is going to be,
/cool.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="B)" border="0" alt="cool.gif" /> What kinds of fish are you into? How about some more piranhas (maybe with a license or something? lol)?

#3

I don't really have anything specific in mind, just trying to kinda play it by ear...I'd like some piranhas, but I'm not sure where I could find them...Maybe some small sharks or something..?

#4

Start with freshwater tropicals and stay away from Goldfish! Buy as big a package as you can afford. Small tanks don't do much for a room. Research online first so you have an idea of prices. ( I know your not on the computer much, but give it a try. /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" /> ) You will want to run your tank for at least two weeks without fish before you buy fish. Make sure you buy fish that are compatable. Some fish are Football bullies and others are pasive computer geeks. The two don't mix. While your tank is running without fish, take the time to reasearch what kind of fish you want. Piranha are cool and beautiful but they require a second tank for feeder fish especially when they are small. As they get bigger you can feed them Dried Krill if they aren't picky. The best thing to start with if you have never had fish are Tetras and Barbs. They are easy to care for and eat flake food.

Buy your fish from a quality dealer!!! Don't buy fish from Wal-mart. If you add a diseased fish to your tank, the whole tank is sick!

I hope that helps.

#5

Shit man, that helps tons..! Damn I love this forum...That's some good advice...As I near closer to getting a tank and all that, I'll run it by you chaps and see what you think...

#6

I'd definitely start with a fresh water tank. As Highlander says let the water circulate for a good 2 weeks before adding fish. You can put any live plants (suggested) in when you first fill the tank. They'll help aerate the water and filter any contaminates out. A good filter system is crucial. There are many good ones out there both canister type and under-gravel. When you add fish, make sure you acclimate them to the water temp before you set them free in the tank. Let the bag sit in the tank water for at least 30 minutes before you let them out. Temperature disparities can kill them quick. I'd also recommend strongly that when you get your fish, you have at least a couple of algae eaters (type of catfish) to help you keep it clean. A clean tank is a happy tank.

If/when you decide to upgrade to saltwater, give me a holler. They're tons of fun, a lot more beautiful (in my not so humble opinion), but demands more time, effort, and money.

Have fun and enjoy!

#7

Oh definitely that's good info...

I'm thinking of getting a 30+ Gallon tank, is that big enough or should I go bigger..? Since it will be a while before I add fish, that will give me a good amount of time to get it decorated properly...

What about lighting..? Lots of light, a few lights..?

#8

30 gallon will be a good start (most people start with a 10 but get frustrated because they end up putting in too many fish). Lighting is important. Determine what fish you want to inhabit your tank and ask a professional at the store what type of light to use. There are MANY different bulbs that produce different wavelengths that are optimal for different fish. Pick the wrong one, and you can bake your fish in the water, or increase the production of algae, or reduce the color of your fish. Ask and it will be revealed to you.

#9

QUOTE(deepdiver32073 @ Feb 11 2007, 09:06 PM) 30 gallon will be a good start (most people start with a 10 but get frustrated because they end up putting in too many fish). Lighting is important. Determine what fish you want to inhabit your tank and ask a professional at the store what type of light to use. There are MANY different bulbs that produce different wavelengths that are optimal for different fish. Pick the wrong one, and you can bake your fish in the water, or increase the production of algae, or reduce the color of your fish. Ask and it will be revealed to you.
Also, if you add live plants (which you should do some reading up on to know how to care for them) they have different light requirements as well.

As a beginner with fish, too much information can seem like it's too much trouble. It really isn't that complicated. As I said before, buy the biggest KIT you can afford. (30 is a good size) Kits give you everything you need. They have the Tank, Hood, Light and Filter. Somtimes you even get a stand, decorations, tools and testing equipment with the kit. Everything in the kit will be sized for the tank and an "Average" fish population. The fish themselves are the complicated part. Some are agressive and will kill other fish in your tank. Some swim at the top of the tank and some stay at the bottom. The REALLY COOL fish like Needle Nose Gar and Piranha (Pacu are the legal breed) require a "Species Tank". All other fish in the tank will be considered food.

Read about some fish you may be interested in and post your interests here. I'm sure we can tell you who will get along and which ones are easy to care for.

#10

the island counter in the kitching should be a fishtank at the base /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />...I saw Baby had some shit like that.