Newbie-Inherited a Tank and Looking to Learn

[tpbulle]

Hello,
My first post on this forum. I got a tank and some supplies like a filter, heater, lights and a stand from my brother and I would sure like to learn more about what is required to get it up and running so I do not make a disaster out of it.
I have not decided on freshwater or saltwater yet, I want to learn more about the differences in care and cost first.
It's a large tank, at least to me , 75 gallons seems large.

My brother had a saltwater setup ,but, never took the time to learn how to properly care for it and he gave up. Don't want to make the same mistake.

It's going to set up in a 1st floor room where we also have a pellet stove. About a 14" x 12" room with a 10' ceiling.

P.S. I have 4 kids who are anxious to see some fish.

I'm going to spend some time searching on how to's for fresh and saltwater tanks and advantages disadvantages of each.
Nice forum. Thanks to all who have posted good info here.

[krytan]

Hello, :welcome: to AC.

[Hebily]

:welcome: You came to the right place. I would reccomend a freshwater tank, for a first timer. There is a lot more chemistry involved in a salt tank. If you want a salt tank, and are willing to do the extra work, go for it! There are some really gorgeous saltwater fish and corals. Personally, for freshwater, I'm a huge fan of angelfish. The first thing you'll need to worry about is cycling. If you search for nitrogen cycle on this site, you will come up with a wealth of very useful information. I hope you fall in love with the hobby as much as the rest of us have.

[tpbulle]

Thanks for the welcomes.
From what I have gathered , freshwater is the easier of the two.
I will spend some time studying both options and if I feel I can , I would not be afraid to try saltwater once I was confident I had enough knowledge.

[BettaFishMommy]

Welcome home to AC!

i concur, start with fresh, then if you are set on doing a saltwater tank, go ahead once you have a little experience and know how, and funds. saltwater can be much more expensive!

[Lycanthropic]

Do Brackish! Its in the middle and isnt as much work as saltwater! lol.

[tpbulle]

Do Brackish! Its in the middle and isnt as much work as saltwater! lol.
Never realized you could do that in an aquarium.
Found this site about it, looks interesting.
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/brackish/brackish.html

[thesixis]

If you are a fish virgin, I would go with fresh to start. Much lower cost of fish and supplies. I would advise you to read before you purchase anything. Ask lots of questions on AC. Good luck.

[tpbulle]

If you are a fish virgin, I would go with fresh to start. Much lower cost of fish and supplies. I would advise you to read before you purchase anything. Ask lots of questions on AC. Good luck.
I plan on doing a lot of reading first. No real hurry, I would rather do it right.
Thanks

[mel_20_20]

Welcome to AC!! I like your style. :DYou plan to research, learn everything you can, and go slow. Excellent way to proceed.

This forum is a treasure trove of information that can help you become an excellent fishkeeper. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even lengthy ones, and there's no such thing as a dumb question.

There are experts here in every area of interest in all things aquaria/aquatic. These folks have vast experience, so much more so than the kids at the big box stores or pet chains, usually, and even the mom and pop lfs (local fish stores), very often, and the people here simply want to help, and their advise isn't influenced by the desire to sell you something.

Great to have you with us.:welcome:

[Rbishop]

Welcome to AC!

[dixienut]

:welcome: