Remotivating myself

[buballo]

Hi All,
Good to know there are places like this out there now. I remember 10 years ago whre information was not that easy to come by. I have an old 55L hexagonal tank. It has been sitting in the garage collecting dust for the last 6 years. I have a 6 month old daughter now who absolutely loved the little fish at the fish shop when I took her, so I though I'd set it up again. This is where you guys come in if you have the time to help. This is what I need to know:


What is the best way of cleaning the tank out to start with. I have all this old pebble which I will remove and not reuse (at least I dont think I will reuse it for now. I dont want to use any products which may affect the water.
What type of filter (or filters), heater, thermostat would best suit this tank?
Finally, and most importantly, I want to use as many contrasting colours I can use to make it more appealing for my daughter. So I need your advise on how best to set up the tank in terms of pebble colours/type plants other decorations and ofcourse beautiful little fish (type and how many you suggest I put in the tank).Thank you so much for any help you may have.

Regards,
buballo

[5xevy]

Hi and welcome to AC! Just wondering from what you want to do, is this going to be a saltwater or freshwater tank?

[buballo]

Hi 5xevy,
Good question, the honest answer is I am open to any and all suggestions. I was tending toward the freshwater as my understanding was that it was easier to maintain (please correct me if I am wrong).

From what I see in fish shops, the saltwater variety of fish seem to have the most alluring range of colours and it is something I would definitely consider as I believe my daughter would love it.

I am just dong as much research as I possibly can so no fish endures unnecessary stress and worst case scenario it dies.

Thanks.

[rockethippo]

What is the most money you are willing to spend? This will determine quite a bit :)

[buballo]

Hi rockethippo,
Well, I have the tank and I have a fluoro light. I need the rest. I think this means:

Filter
Thermostat
Heater?
Pebbles,
Plant
Decorations etc
And some fish

Without the fish I wouls say a couple hundred bucks to start then build from there.

Thanks for the reply

[SHK_ATK]

id say that if you are only wanting to spend a couple hundred bucks for a fish tank then stick to FW since you could do so many gravel colors plants whether they be fake or real Plus some a nice piece of driftwood w/ some rocks you could go nuts really. BUT

In the salty side. you will spend a couple hundred bucks just on life rock. then off course there is the sand, filter, protein skimmer, salt, hydrometer, lighting (if you are going to do corals, LOTS OF COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM THERE) the list really goes on and on. The pay off is MUCH MUCH MUCH more rewarding on the saltwater side then the Freshwater. But the cost is defenitly a lot cheaper going the Freshwater route. Also fish arent that expensive in the FW world. Salt tend to be more pricey but have more intence colors and intresting and unique patterns. Hope this helps a bit.

[buballo]

SHk_ATK
Thanks,
You are right as this is where I was tending to fgrom the beginning. I really want to keep it simple and I am convinced from the many posts I have read in between replies that FW is the way to go. Thanks for your time.

I know I can find a lot of information on the filers and equipment on this forum so I think I am covered there (any suggestions would still be appreciated). I would like some ideas on the fit out of the tank. What I mean is ideas on colurs, pebbles back ground, fish ornaments and plant. Also, the best place to shop for this stuff.

Thanks again guys

Thanks again

[5xevy]

!!!

We almost had one!

[Longinus]

Did you mean 55 liter? Cause thats a whole other story from a 55 gallon tank. A 15 gallon nano is easily doable for a couple hundred, my nano-reef cost me less than that and I had to buy the tanks.

but yeah, a 55 gallon would be a bit tough in terms of LR for under a couple hundred.