Fully Automated Aquarium

[x5x3]

does such a thing exist?

I really like the idea of getting one but my time at home can be a bit random due to work.

So if there was something which only needed attention every 2-3 days then it would be ideal?

[Raverbaby]

I'm sure if you've got a decent filter and an auto feeder 2-3 days shouldn't be a problem.
Something like this (no experience with them though)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-LCD-Auto-Aquar...

[Big Al.]

A fully mature tank will really only need attention about once a week IMHO, automatic feeder, full undergravel filtration with a large external filter.

That's a tropical tank BTW.

[Jasandjules]

Are you talking marine or freshwater? With a good budget a fairly automated marine tank can be gotten, there are computers which can be used to control lights, temperature and even an auto top-up. BUT computers can and do go wrong.....

[x5x3]

Jasandjules said:

Are you talking marine or freshwater? With a good budget a fairly automated marine tank can be gotten, there are computers which can be used to control lights, temperature and even an auto top-up. BUT computers can and do go wrong.....

thanks all for the replies - I am a complete noob with fish, I like the idea but have been put off by my irregular work.

I think I should start with the easiest and most tolerant so is that marine?

and by the way computers do not go wrong - just the people who write the programs

[Big Al.]

x5x3 said:

I think I should start with the easiest and most tolerant so is that marine?

Err Easiest is freshwater (cold), next easiest is Tropical (heated), hardest is Marine.

[Jasandjules]

x5x3 said:

thanks all for the replies - I am a complete noob with fish, I like the idea but have been put off by my irregular work.

I think I should start with the easiest and most tolerant so is that marine?

and by the way computers do not go wrong - just the people who write the programs

No marine is not the easiest, some say it is by far the hardest. To my mind it is not that difficult, it's simply a matter of undertaking sufficient research.

The computers can go wrong in various ways and of course, if there is a powercut, a computer is of no use at all (however I do have auto resetting trip switches on my tanks so if there is a power cut they come back on when the power does). BUT they are rather clever, but quite expensive - something like this can be used though

http://www.aquatronica.com/products-1/aquarium-con...

You would need to undertake some work every few days or so (such as refilling the reservior for the auto-top up)....

How large a tank are you talking here as well?

[x5x3]

complete noob to be honest, liked the idea for years, but never got round to it, would appreciate any advice on where to start

[Jasandjules]

If you want a marine tank it is perfectly possible as a first tank. If you want freshwater I am afraid I know very little about them (I looked after a friend's FW puffers and a few other fish for six months but that's about it)....

So that's the first thing you need to decide. Then comes the research.

[x5x3]

thanks - just had a look at your profile - very jealous of the 5 Chim! Had a 4 a few years ago - but these days I need a family car!

[mr2mk1chick]

x5x3 said:

complete noob to be honest, liked the idea for years, but never got round to it, would appreciate any advice on where to start

I'd start with a tropical tank, meduim sized, undergravel filter and powerhead pump, auto feeder for when you are away, and some hardy fish - maybe a shoal of tetras
lighting controlled by a timer on the plug

[x5x3]

thanks - I was thinking of putting it up in the loft, I have my work study in a loft conversion, does it need to be plumbed in - i.e. if I have a tap and waste pipe fitted will it make things easier - do any of them cycle the water automatically?

[Big Al.]

You don't really need a water supply as such, as long as you can move the odd occasional clean/dirty water up/down then that's about all.

Remember most people have them in the lounge area and would have to transport water to the nearest sink/tap.

[Jasandjules]

x5x3 said:

thanks - I was thinking of putting it up in the loft, I have my work study in a loft conversion, does it need to be plumbed in - i.e. if I have a tap and waste pipe fitted will it make things easier - do any of them cycle the water automatically?

You need to be aware of how much weight it might be then!!!

[Raverbaby]

Jasandjules said:

You need to be aware of how much weight it might be then!!!

This.
A medium size tank could weigh around a quarter ton!
Roughly 1 litre of water = 1Kg.

[Du1point8]

is there any way to get past the water changes needed in marine tanks?

I want a mantis tank and have the equipment but can't start it until i have sorted the floor as its not level and want flow back into the water filtration of the HQI 28G nano.

I understand i need a reverse osmosis system to get clean water when i need it, the only thing stopping me was the amount of water changes and the floor at the moment.

[Jasandjules]

Du1point8 said:

is there any way to get past the water changes needed in marine tanks?

I want a mantis tank and have the equipment but can't start it until i have sorted the floor as its not level and want flow back into the water filtration of the HQI 28G nano.

I understand i need a reverse osmosis system to get clean water when i need it, the only thing stopping me was the amount of water changes and the floor at the moment.

1. A nano is not a good idea for your first tank (I assume it's your first tank as I work on the basis you wouldn't be asking the question otherwise)
2. A water change is say 10% per week (or fortnight depending upon stocking and feeding) so it's not much really.
3. Yes, you need RO, but then you will need marine salt and a heater to get the water up to temp before changing it (and a refractometer to ensure that the SG is the same as the mantis tank).
4. What type of mantis? (i.e. an OS mantis would not live in a nano!)
5. If you have another larger marine tank then you could put them in-line to ensure stability in water quality
6. You need to be very, very careful with a shrimp in a small tank as they are sensitive to SG swings.

[tenohfive]

Big Al. said:

Err Easiest is freshwater (cold), next easiest is Tropical (heated), hardest is Marine.

I disagree. Tropicals are no more difficult to keep than cold water IMO. Tropicals are less messy and require less filtration as a result, not to mention that 99% of cold water tanks contain goldfish without as much room as they need. The only difficulty with tropicals is compatibility between species - with cold water that's not an issue as very few people keep anything other than goldfish. And compatibility isn't that much of an issue if you do a bit of reading up beforehand.

And I'm not sure why so many people are attached to UGF's...by going UGF you rule out sand as a substrate which a) is suitable for more fish b) is easier to clean and c) has aesthetic advantages (granted, that's one for opinion.) Internal or external filters open more options.

As for an automated setup, I've never used automatic feeders but they can work I gather. But once weekly water changes (25-30%) are really a minimum.