Starting out as a fish-ist: aquariums matter
Discussion
Wasn't sure where to post this, but on the basis it will be in my house... here goes.
I've decided to get a fish tank. Nothing special, just a small one on a stand to make the front room look a little different and provide a low maintenance pet (or pets).
Having spent the day at a local fish shop (aquatic centre, not the "'n chips" variety) I've asked a few questions and seen a starter kit I quite like. Was wondering on some practical advice from any PHers who have done likewise. Thinking of going for tropical fish, which would mean a tank with a heater - as I've been told that marine is a bit more maintenance and faffing (although the fish arguably look cooler).
The tank I've seen is about a foot and a bit cubed - not sure how many fish I could look to have (have seen guidance on surface area of water v's length of fish).
Any pointers, or pics of your efforts gratefully received
I've decided to get a fish tank. Nothing special, just a small one on a stand to make the front room look a little different and provide a low maintenance pet (or pets).
Having spent the day at a local fish shop (aquatic centre, not the "'n chips" variety) I've asked a few questions and seen a starter kit I quite like. Was wondering on some practical advice from any PHers who have done likewise. Thinking of going for tropical fish, which would mean a tank with a heater - as I've been told that marine is a bit more maintenance and faffing (although the fish arguably look cooler).
The tank I've seen is about a foot and a bit cubed - not sure how many fish I could look to have (have seen guidance on surface area of water v's length of fish).
Any pointers, or pics of your efforts gratefully received
You're thinking along the right lines, freshwater is much easier and cheaper than marine. Something to aspire to perhaps (with a much bigger tank)?
There are a couple of formulae for calculating stock levels. One inch per gallon or one ince per 12 square inches. If the tank you're describing is 1x1 that gives you 12" of fish which is not a lot really. Any chance of a slightly bigger tank?
Are you thinking of cold water or tropical? Both are easy with the latter giving a bit more show in my opinion (never been a fan of goldfish and the like). Start off with guppies, mollies, platys which breed easily. A bottom dweller or two to hoover up, stay away from agressive fish like angels and siamese fighters until you can have a large enough tank for them to have a territory without bothering the other inmates. Best bet would be to read a few books.
There are a couple of formulae for calculating stock levels. One inch per gallon or one ince per 12 square inches. If the tank you're describing is 1x1 that gives you 12" of fish which is not a lot really. Any chance of a slightly bigger tank?
Are you thinking of cold water or tropical? Both are easy with the latter giving a bit more show in my opinion (never been a fan of goldfish and the like). Start off with guppies, mollies, platys which breed easily. A bottom dweller or two to hoover up, stay away from agressive fish like angels and siamese fighters until you can have a large enough tank for them to have a territory without bothering the other inmates. Best bet would be to read a few books.
We've just started down this route. 3 weeks and nothing dead yet...
We have a 40L tropical freshwater aquarium with 8 neon tetras, one siamese fighting fish, and one apple snail. We let the tank sit for a month with water in it before we started (we were going away in August, so didn't want to wait when we got back). We started with 3 tetras and the snail, then added 3 more tetras, then 2 more, and finally the fighting fish.
The tank is 24oC and has a heater in it, along with pump and plantlife. The pump became blocked and everything slowed down, but once we cleaned it out everything was fine again. Adding plant food has caused a problem with froth, but it's becoming weaker, especially after we changed the water (about 1/3 water changed).
Easy...
We have a 40L tropical freshwater aquarium with 8 neon tetras, one siamese fighting fish, and one apple snail. We let the tank sit for a month with water in it before we started (we were going away in August, so didn't want to wait when we got back). We started with 3 tetras and the snail, then added 3 more tetras, then 2 more, and finally the fighting fish.
The tank is 24oC and has a heater in it, along with pump and plantlife. The pump became blocked and everything slowed down, but once we cleaned it out everything was fine again. Adding plant food has caused a problem with froth, but it's becoming weaker, especially after we changed the water (about 1/3 water changed).
Easy...
Have a look here for some inspiration:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... a pick of your Fish tank & Fish&mid=77507
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... a pick of your Fish tank & Fish&mid=77507
I might have a tank for sale its a HQI 28G nano cube.
I bought it for a mantis shrimp but then learnt the floor in my lounge is no t level and needs leveling out first and with it comes salt and sand... its about 6 months old (2nd hand) and I will use it given the chance but if someone else can make use of it before me then it can be sold.
I think one of of the leds has blown but its a £10 fix.
I bought it for a mantis shrimp but then learnt the floor in my lounge is no t level and needs leveling out first and with it comes salt and sand... its about 6 months old (2nd hand) and I will use it given the chance but if someone else can make use of it before me then it can be sold.
I think one of of the leds has blown but its a £10 fix.
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