Tropical Fish - Complete Novice
Discussion
Hi all
Looking into getting a small collection of tropical fish, and have a few questions. We hope you can help.
First and foremost - we are looking to getting just a few species of fish which start small and stay small. In our rented flat we do not have the room to have a huge tank, so we can't have any monsters in the mix!
We were thinking we would just get a small bowl and 2 goldfish (as we both had as kids and "knew" they were the easiest to care for and didn't need much space to be happy) but having read into it we've learned that this is completely incorrect and cruel - and that hardy tropical fish are a better bet.
We are trying to pick up a second hand tank locally, and the first question is, is something like this a good bet?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290822438051?ssPageName=...
It seems to be a decent deal to me, but not sure if it is big enough? We were thinking we might like 6 or so Danios, and liked the look of a few other fish we saw on the web - Ember Tetra and Denison Barbs I think they were.
We could stretch to something this size, possibly, but don't want to shell out too much on a tank/pump/filter/light just yet, and the first one includes a few of these in the sale
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271111870581?ssPageName=...
I guess once we get over the tank question, there will be plenty more to follow.
Thanks
Looking into getting a small collection of tropical fish, and have a few questions. We hope you can help.
First and foremost - we are looking to getting just a few species of fish which start small and stay small. In our rented flat we do not have the room to have a huge tank, so we can't have any monsters in the mix!
We were thinking we would just get a small bowl and 2 goldfish (as we both had as kids and "knew" they were the easiest to care for and didn't need much space to be happy) but having read into it we've learned that this is completely incorrect and cruel - and that hardy tropical fish are a better bet.
We are trying to pick up a second hand tank locally, and the first question is, is something like this a good bet?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290822438051?ssPageName=...
It seems to be a decent deal to me, but not sure if it is big enough? We were thinking we might like 6 or so Danios, and liked the look of a few other fish we saw on the web - Ember Tetra and Denison Barbs I think they were.
We could stretch to something this size, possibly, but don't want to shell out too much on a tank/pump/filter/light just yet, and the first one includes a few of these in the sale
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271111870581?ssPageName=...
I guess once we get over the tank question, there will be plenty more to follow.
Thanks
Buy the biggest tank you can afford/have room for.
The larger the volume of water the more stable the water condition.
Also it saves you having to start again in 6 months to a year when you wish you had a bigger tank.
Densoni Barbs are stunning but get quite large. There is a popular myth that fish only grow as large as there surroundings, well it's b
ks. They will get too large at which point there health will suffer.
The first tank you've identified would be too small. The second tank would be about the smallest you could be keeping juvenile Densoni's in them but to be honest it looks pretty ropey even at 99p.
Don't skrimp, spend as much as you can afford and if Densoni barbs are the goal a 3 ft (36inch) tank is as small as should go.
A 99pence tank is not the proper home for a £15 fish!
The larger the volume of water the more stable the water condition.
Also it saves you having to start again in 6 months to a year when you wish you had a bigger tank.
Densoni Barbs are stunning but get quite large. There is a popular myth that fish only grow as large as there surroundings, well it's b
ks. They will get too large at which point there health will suffer.The first tank you've identified would be too small. The second tank would be about the smallest you could be keeping juvenile Densoni's in them but to be honest it looks pretty ropey even at 99p.
Don't skrimp, spend as much as you can afford and if Densoni barbs are the goal a 3 ft (36inch) tank is as small as should go.
A 99pence tank is not the proper home for a £15 fish!
Roberty said:
Buy the biggest tank you can afford/have room for.
The larger the volume of water the more stable the water condition.
Also it saves you having to start again in 6 months to a year when you wish you had a bigger tank.
Densoni Barbs are stunning but get quite large. There is a popular myth that fish only grow as large as there surroundings, well it's bks. They will get too large at which point there health will suffer.
The first tank you've identified would be too small. The second tank would be about the smallest you could be keeping juvenile Densoni's in them but to be honest it looks pretty ropey even at 99p.
Don't skrimp, spend as much as you can afford and if Densoni barbs are the goal a 3 ft (36inch) tank is as small as should go.
A 99pence tank is not the proper home for a £15 fish!
Hi, thanks for the reply.The larger the volume of water the more stable the water condition.
Also it saves you having to start again in 6 months to a year when you wish you had a bigger tank.
Densoni Barbs are stunning but get quite large. There is a popular myth that fish only grow as large as there surroundings, well it's b
ks. They will get too large at which point there health will suffer.The first tank you've identified would be too small. The second tank would be about the smallest you could be keeping juvenile Densoni's in them but to be honest it looks pretty ropey even at 99p.
Don't skrimp, spend as much as you can afford and if Densoni barbs are the goal a 3 ft (36inch) tank is as small as should go.
A 99pence tank is not the proper home for a £15 fish!
None of the fish I stated are set in stone, just ones we liked the look of. If they grow much larger than an inch and half or so, then we won't get them.
Is the first tank completely unsuitable for any tropical fish really then? As I say, I am a complete novice, so what makes the second tank look "ropey", to me its much the same as the first, but not illuminated and with a few limescale marks - I'm sure there are things I'm missing, so please educate me.
In terms of buying the biggest I can afford - I've seen posts on here during research from tenohfive (I think) that great second hand tanks could be had for a tenner - so please enlighten me
No the first tank is fine for tropical fish but only small ones and not too many.
The Second tank is better size wise but is a very basic glass Aquarium, the sort of thing you can pick up at any basic pet shop up and down the country for £20-30 new in the box.
The hood is also a very basic cover, possibly metal maybe plastic, can't tell. The limescale will clean up but not well.
I notice it has no lights, pump, filter or heater. You will need all of these for even the most basic tropical set up.
And have you thought about what you are putting it on? Remember 1ltr of water weighs 1kg so a 3ft tank, depending on depth and height may hold between 180-240 ltrs so the tank set up with water could weigh upto a quarter of a tonne!
Look out for a full set up, Tank, Hood, Stand, Pump, Filter, Lights heater as it could save you collecting all the bits seperately and matching them to your tank.
I recently sold two of my old set ups,
A Juwel Rio 400 (5ft 450ltrs) for £350
And a smaller Rio 180 (3ft 180ltr) for £150
Both had everything bar water and fish!
So you can see even secondhand aquariums aren't cheap.
That said I'm sure you can buy a secondhand aquarium for a tenner but it's probably a rare thing or something that's been lurking at the back of someones garage for 10 years! Don't touch one of these, if you can't gurantee whats been in it walk away.
look out for a decent brand, Juwel, Fluvel, Aquaone I think the one you highlighted is a Clearseal it's ok but it's the real budget super saver basic end of the market.
Before you take the plunge go to a decent aquatics store, such as a Maindenhead aquatics (despite the name they are national) and see what you hope to be keeping and the costs of the accessories, fish, plants, foods, filter materials and then work out what you actually want and whether you want to be spending that sort of money.
The Densoni Barbs you mentioned before are quite expensive £15 - £30 each depending on size and the retailer so possibly not a good beginers fish as they require a stable well established tank and space.
The Second tank is better size wise but is a very basic glass Aquarium, the sort of thing you can pick up at any basic pet shop up and down the country for £20-30 new in the box.
The hood is also a very basic cover, possibly metal maybe plastic, can't tell. The limescale will clean up but not well.
I notice it has no lights, pump, filter or heater. You will need all of these for even the most basic tropical set up.
And have you thought about what you are putting it on? Remember 1ltr of water weighs 1kg so a 3ft tank, depending on depth and height may hold between 180-240 ltrs so the tank set up with water could weigh upto a quarter of a tonne!
Look out for a full set up, Tank, Hood, Stand, Pump, Filter, Lights heater as it could save you collecting all the bits seperately and matching them to your tank.
I recently sold two of my old set ups,
A Juwel Rio 400 (5ft 450ltrs) for £350
And a smaller Rio 180 (3ft 180ltr) for £150
Both had everything bar water and fish!
So you can see even secondhand aquariums aren't cheap.
That said I'm sure you can buy a secondhand aquarium for a tenner but it's probably a rare thing or something that's been lurking at the back of someones garage for 10 years! Don't touch one of these, if you can't gurantee whats been in it walk away.
look out for a decent brand, Juwel, Fluvel, Aquaone I think the one you highlighted is a Clearseal it's ok but it's the real budget super saver basic end of the market.
Before you take the plunge go to a decent aquatics store, such as a Maindenhead aquatics (despite the name they are national) and see what you hope to be keeping and the costs of the accessories, fish, plants, foods, filter materials and then work out what you actually want and whether you want to be spending that sort of money.
The Densoni Barbs you mentioned before are quite expensive £15 - £30 each depending on size and the retailer so possibly not a good beginers fish as they require a stable well established tank and space.
Thanks again for the reply.
Try not to get too hooked up on Densoni barbs
They are just a fish we liked to look of; we haven't researched specific species yet at this stage.
As utter novices, we will go for hardy, easy to care for fish, which stay small.
As it turns out, there is a maidenhead aquatics 10 minutes from my house that I never knew existed - so I will take your advise and pop in there tomorrow.
Thanks
Try not to get too hooked up on Densoni barbs
They are just a fish we liked to look of; we haven't researched specific species yet at this stage.As utter novices, we will go for hardy, easy to care for fish, which stay small.
As it turns out, there is a maidenhead aquatics 10 minutes from my house that I never knew existed - so I will take your advise and pop in there tomorrow.
Thanks
Nyphur said:
Try not to get too hooked up on Densoni barbs They are just a fish we liked to look of; we haven't researched specific species yet at this stage.
As utter novices, we will go for hardy, easy to care for fish, which stay small.
Yes totally understand I just mean it's worth taking a look at fish. They are just a fish we liked to look of; we haven't researched specific species yet at this stage.As utter novices, we will go for hardy, easy to care for fish, which stay small.
You'll be surprised at the size, cost and requirements of some.
Enjoy your trip to maindenhead aquatics, you'll probably be hooked after a trip there.
Roberty said:
Enjoy your trip to maindenhead aquatics, you'll probably be hooked after a trip there.
Popped in this afternoon. What a huge selection of different fish, crabs etc they have got!Had a look around the tanks. They (not surprisingly) had mostly larger tanks with eyewatering price tags.
There were a few that looked within budget, but they were pretty small if I am honest - smaller than the ones I linked above. The cheapest one which was "suitable" in my eyes was approaching £200 (with heater, lights, filter), which is more than I want to spend on just the tank.
They were absolutely rushed off their feet (3 staff, around 30 customers) so I didn't take any of their time. Am off to another shop nearby tomorrow which a colleague put me on to.
In the mean time - thoughts on this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Juwel-fish-tank-aquarium...
Bargain at that price !
No stand though...
Check ND Aquatics out for some of their special deals - good quality at sensible prices.
Personally Im a fan of external canister filters, and of these Im a fan of Eheim products - not cheap but well made.
Water chemistry is 200% of fishkeeping, evrything is else is superfluos. Get a good test kit (API master kit is good starting point).
Dont be tempted to buy fish the day after filling the tank either, tanks need to cycle to allow bacterial loads to build on the filters.
Dont overstock the tank, dont over feed the tank.
Weekly waterchanges are a must - google DIY python water changer for an easy method.
Always use a good dechlorinator when doing water changes - Seachem Prime is good.
Stock is personal, but of you like "natural" looking fish then check out Barbs - very active and easy to keep.
Any quastions, ask here, please dont take too seriously some of the stuff Maidenhead staff will tell you.
There are a number of experienced fishkeepers here, so ask away.
No stand though...
Check ND Aquatics out for some of their special deals - good quality at sensible prices.
Personally Im a fan of external canister filters, and of these Im a fan of Eheim products - not cheap but well made.
Water chemistry is 200% of fishkeeping, evrything is else is superfluos. Get a good test kit (API master kit is good starting point).
Dont be tempted to buy fish the day after filling the tank either, tanks need to cycle to allow bacterial loads to build on the filters.
Dont overstock the tank, dont over feed the tank.
Weekly waterchanges are a must - google DIY python water changer for an easy method.
Always use a good dechlorinator when doing water changes - Seachem Prime is good.
Stock is personal, but of you like "natural" looking fish then check out Barbs - very active and easy to keep.
Any quastions, ask here, please dont take too seriously some of the stuff Maidenhead staff will tell you.
There are a number of experienced fishkeepers here, so ask away.
Thanks, I had seen "juwel" as a brand while looking elsewhere, so assumed they were OK - and Roberty (above) said he has sold one previously. I imagine the price will creep up, but I will keep an eye on that one - its just down the road from me.
With regards to a stand, I should be OK there - a friend is a chippy (woodwork, as opposed to large cod and chips...) and can easily knock up something suitable.
Thanks for the advice so far. I probably seem like I want to spend no money, and throw some fish in a bowl and see what happens! I don't but really don't want to break then bank on something as a complete beginner.
With regards to a stand, I should be OK there - a friend is a chippy (woodwork, as opposed to large cod and chips...) and can easily knock up something suitable.
Thanks for the advice so far. I probably seem like I want to spend no money, and throw some fish in a bowl and see what happens! I don't but really don't want to break then bank on something as a complete beginner.
Nyphur said:
That looks a lot more like it.Juwel are a decent make, the bulbs are a unique size which means your stuck buying there own brand but other than that a good tank with all the kit.
Would get something bigger myself.
The larger the water volume the more stable the water chemistry
Also will save you a packet when in 12 to 18 months you kick yourself for not gettign a bigger tank and have to go through this entire exercise again!
Roberty said:
Nyphur said:
That looks a lot more like it.Juwel are a decent make, the bulbs are a unique size which means your stuck buying there own brand but other than that a good tank with all the kit.
Would get something bigger myself.
The larger the water volume the more stable the water chemistry
Also will save you a packet when in 12 to 18 months you kick yourself for not gettign a bigger tank and have to go through this entire exercise again!
I'm sure you would get something bigger... however you are far more into your fish at this point than I am
This will be my first foray, and if I do find its not for me, then I won't have thrown away as much money as if I buy a tank as big as a bath-tub!I'm willing to buy again and buy bigger if I really do get the bug.
Saw some other fish today at Maidenhead aquatics. Really liked the look of the lampeye! Their eyes really do seem to glow. Anyone keep them?
OK, so I've got my tank bought, and hopefully will pick it up today.
When I get set for my fishless cycle, do I put any plants etc in before filling with water? Or first, get the water right, then introduce plants?
Is it beneficial to have some live plants for the fish? Whats the benefit vs artificial?
When I get set for my fishless cycle, do I put any plants etc in before filling with water? Or first, get the water right, then introduce plants?
Is it beneficial to have some live plants for the fish? Whats the benefit vs artificial?
Live plants will assist in Nitrate removal and look natural. I f you get some Vallis and Jave fern they are pretty indestructable as well as giving some cover.
You can use products like Tetra Safestart to add fish immediatly, but its not something Im convinced about tbh.
Whats the details on the tank, ie size and filtration ?
You can use products like Tetra Safestart to add fish immediatly, but its not something Im convinced about tbh.
Whats the details on the tank, ie size and filtration ?
Hi
Just got it home, all I can tell you at this stage is its a "juwel" 120 litre. In the corner of the tank its got a black box which the previous owner told me the filter and heater went into.
Dimensions wise, its very similar to this: http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplie...
Infact Its so close I think i may just have an old model or something.
I've got a bag of miscellaneous bits... which look like they go in that black box somewhow! So I may need some help with how all that goes together later in the week (away with work now until Wednesday).
Having felt the weight of the thing, I am now very concerned if it is going to be too heavy... I live in a first floor flat. If it is 120 litres, then 120KG of water going in, and I would guess it weighs perhaps 25kg..... I'm probably being over-cautious... but its not going to end up going through the floor is it.... ?
Just got it home, all I can tell you at this stage is its a "juwel" 120 litre. In the corner of the tank its got a black box which the previous owner told me the filter and heater went into.
Dimensions wise, its very similar to this: http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplie...
Infact Its so close I think i may just have an old model or something.
I've got a bag of miscellaneous bits... which look like they go in that black box somewhow! So I may need some help with how all that goes together later in the week (away with work now until Wednesday).
Having felt the weight of the thing, I am now very concerned if it is going to be too heavy... I live in a first floor flat. If it is 120 litres, then 120KG of water going in, and I would guess it weighs perhaps 25kg..... I'm probably being over-cautious... but its not going to end up going through the floor is it.... ?
Roberty said:
Juwel are a decent make, the bulbs are a unique size ...
Do you mean for lighting? All Juwel tanks I've seen use standard length T8 or T5 fluorescent tubes - though obviously you need the right colour-temperature ones.However the lighting ballast is sealed in the hood and the whole thing is expensive to replace - I've rewired mine to use a standard 2x35w electronic control unit in the stand.
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