Newbie Starting here!

G

Gujustud

AC Members
Dec 17, 2003
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Richmond, BC, CAN
www.ditchmond.com
Um. Wow! Thats all I gotta say.

Background: 23/Male. Till I was 5 years old, I remember in our old house that we had a huge fish tank. I'm pretty sure it was freshwater, and I remember my parents having to empty the fish out, and clean the whole tank out, every so often.

Fast foward a few years, and here we are today. No fish tank in the house since, but I know my mom's still always wanted one. With Xmas coming up I thought it would be a nice idea. But what to get? Fresh water? Salt water? Who will take care of it?

So for the last week I've been browsing several sites on the internet. Made a stop at Pet Cetra a few days ago, spent about 20 mins browsing there. Then today I stopped by Big Al's, and spent over a hour chatting with the manager there about starting up a tank.

Now, it seems the more I think about it, the more I want to get a tank (not so for my mom, but for myself! lol).

So the deal was for my bro/sis to pitch in for the gift. Obviously I'll be putting more in, as I may take up the hobby slightly, but I know my mom will really love it.

I'm about 85% sure, that we'll be going the salewater way. They seem to have a really good startup kit for $350cdn for a 29g tank. I should of written down all the details, but I'm sure I'll drop by again for more information.

I guess what surprised me the most was the amount of people who are involved in this. I never thought that having a fish tank would be so much a "hobby" but it certainly is. I use to think that people were crazy for modding their cars and computers, and here I am doing the same today. And now I see the same with fish tanks and so forth. Wow!

Seems to be a very cool lil, or big world in the water. Can't wait to jump into it!
 
Not to be a grinch- but I couldn't begin to absorb all that is necessary to buy components in one week- it took me six months!

And pets as a gift are a notoriously bad idea if you have not checked with the recepient to make absolutely sure she is ready to take on such an expensive, demanding hobby.

I would certainly hold off on any "starter kit" you come across as it is quite likely that many of the items included will not be what you want in the long term.

Success in this hobby comes from understanding what you are doing and requires more than a bit of study. Most folks recommend that you narrow down what you want to keep before even doing your research. Are you interested in a reef tank? Fish only? Want corals? What type?

Everything you buy will reflect on what you intend to keep. Purchasing in haste almost guarantees having to repurchase again- sooner rather than later.

Maybe find your Mom a good book on marine tanks and see if the interest is really there? A great book list here.

I'd start with The Conscientous Marine Aquarist.
It will whet her appetite and then you can go shopping with her if she decides to take on the responsibility.
 
Gujustud,

I have to agree with Cearbhaill. First, you will regret trying to get all the components together in a week. Second, starter kits are rarely assembled very thoughtfully.

I really want to encourage you to get into the hobby. It can be a whole lot of fun, and a huge learning experience. However, to make a marine tank work, so that you don't give up in disgust when something goes wrong, requires some homework.

One possibility is to decide on a tank size (as big as you can afford, most people will agree), buy the tank, and place it as a standing IOU for the full setup. Like with a big bow on it or something. Then you can learn and assemble over the next few months, without haste.

Alternatively, start with a freshwater tank. They can be quite pretty, and the parameters are a little more straightforward. It's still not like buying a toaster, but it's a more sure bet.
 
Thank you for your reply!

We'll over the last several years I know my mom has talked about getting a fish tank. I know herself, she hasn't really read up regarding it, and she always thinks back to when we had our first fish tank, and how hard it was to maintain (this was about 18 years ago). I believe technology has changed for the better since then, so it is somewhat more easier.

I've been reading a ton lately, and yesterday, I even picked up a book at chapters, and so far I'm 1/2 thru the book (good thing I work for my dad so I can waste time at work ;) )

As much as the gift is going to be for my mom, I'd say its also one for myself. My birthday comes up shortly after xmas (jan 2) so I figured it would be a combined gift for myself and her xmas present (Yes I know it makes no sense whatsoever lol).

I found out about the kit I was "going" to get. It was the eclipse 29g. The fellow I talked with at the LFS said he has 15 years of experience, so I believe he gave me good info. As I slowly get into the hobby, I'd rather stick with one store rather than use several, just for the fact of getting to know who i'm dealing with, and so at the same time they understand myself.

Again, i've been reading a galore of information. I've been reading how a LOT of people have started nano-reefs. I know they are harder to keep going however.

As much as I'd love to have a coral reef/fish, I know that with the eclipse systems the lighting isin't good enough, and you need to get a retrofit kit for them. Thats why I was thinking about getting LR and fish just to start off. Then maybe several years down the road, if everything goes well, I may look into maybe another tank with coral. (note: several years down the road).

I know this is something to NOT rush into. That is a big thing I've read everywhere, and I've come across some horror stories, and I really don't want to fall into those shoes.

I'm on that edge of saltwater/freshwater. I was told about some other fish (african chilids sc?) that are freshwater, but are great fish to have. However I think for myself, I'd really

1) regret not starting a salt water
2) like to be up for a challenge (not saying freshwater is not a challenge)
 
Okay, so if I'm hearing you right you are not expecting to have a tank with water and fish by Christmas. That's good!

I don't know what book you have, but the ones mentioned above, as well as A Simple Guide to Keeping a Marine Aquarium are well worth the money. It's a great place to start, and will set you up for success.

On the tank--before you buy, decide what fish you want. That 29 will really limit you in terms of how many fish you can get, but also in what fish will survive in there. If you want a pair of clowns and a few smaller gobies, that's fine. Tangs, lions, triggers, groupers, and most angels will be off the list. I think many people end up very disappointed with small tanks because they can't get some of the more commonly available SW fish--even though the little guys are just as interesting and beautiful.

So--I'd make another trip to the store. Spend more time looking at the fish than at the equipment and decide what really catches your eye. Then, research those animals and decide if you can meet their needs.
 
You may also want to check your local want-ads or ebay for tanks and supplies. Yeah I know, used items as gifts is tacky, but it doesn't hurt to save 2 or 3 hundred either. I got my 75g with a top and light strip for $20, so they are out there. Also you mentioned that some of the items in the pre-packaged setup you were looking at is either not enough or not right for you, so you will be paying for items you don't want/need. Just a thought.
 
Hey Gujustud.

I think that an Eclipse system is the wrong way to go for a Saltwater tank. I've read somewhere in this forum where Eclipse hoods keep your nitrates up (as with other filters i.e. canisters). If you really want to start up that saltwater tank, I would suggest you get as big a tank as you can get, some good lighting, a heater, a couple of powerheads, a good protein skimmer, a bunch of live rock, and some live sand. You'll probably end up spending a bit more money than that beginner setup, but you'll be grateful in the end. With that beginning system, you would probably have to get the better lighting, protein skimmer, powerheads, rock, heater, and sand anyways.

Just my 2 cents :)
 
OrionGirl, who is the author of "A Simple Guide to Keeping a Marine Aquarium?" I was doing a search on Amazon and can't seem to find the book. Also searched with google. Other titles such as "A Simple Guide to Marine Aquariums" came up. Is this the same book?
 
Wups--you're right, I had the title wrong! It's the one by Jeffrey Kurtz. There's also a FW version by David Boruchowitz. Both are very good.
 
Originally posted by OrionGirl
Okay, so if I'm hearing you right you are not expecting to have a tank with water and fish by Christmas. That's good!

I don't know what book you have, but the ones mentioned above, as well as A Simple Guide to Keeping a Marine Aquarium are well worth the money. It's a great place to start, and will set you up for success.

On the tank--before you buy, decide what fish you want. That 29 will really limit you in terms of how many fish you can get, but also in what fish will survive in there. If you want a pair of clowns and a few smaller gobies, that's fine. Tangs, lions, triggers, groupers, and most angels will be off the list. I think many people end up very disappointed with small tanks because they can't get some of the more commonly available SW fish--even though the little guys are just as interesting and beautiful.

So--I'd make another trip to the store. Spend more time looking at the fish than at the equipment and decide what really catches your eye. Then, research those animals and decide if you can meet their needs.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, for sure no fish by xmas. Maybe new years, or near my bday.

I was searching around, and found a store close by http://www.aquafanatics.com. So I figure I'd drop by and pay them a visit. Again, great store. I spoke with the fellow there for about half hour. He also has the 29g eclipse tank, and also recommends it (2 stores so far).

He doesn't exactly have the full kit, only a biowheel. He worked out whatelse I'll need (I have the list in my car, I'll post it later). I got name brands for the items he mentioned and stuff, so I can post them here, and you can tell me if they are good or not.

He said they would give me their salt water to start to speed up the cycle. I'm not sure if this is good or not. Recommendations? Should I start my own water, or use theirs?

I'll be checking back with Big Al's and see if they are willing to work something else out than the full kit, as if you think I won't need it all, then I'd rather not get it all. Once I get all the specs down and stuff I'll be sure to post up.

Sregnar35: I'll be doing that tonight for sure. I'm sure I can find some good deals in the buy/sell.

As per lighting, and if I go with the eclipse, I know the lighting isin't the best. I'm lucky as I work at my dad's CNC Machine shop, so most likely what I would be doing is builing my own hood, custom fit, with lighting and all. But again, I probably won't go with coral to start.
 
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