i'm new....

U

ufdff15

AC Members
Aug 22, 2005
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Uxbridge MA
www.fusionsoftgoods.com
Hi i'm new to the "hobby" of keeping a aquarium, Now that, thats out of the way.

I in the market for a aquarium, i planning on getting a 20-29 gallon tank. Would it be in my best interest to purchase a kit or buy the nessacary parts seperatly. What is everyone's recomendations on filter types? I'm planning on getting tropical community fish, how many and what species should i get after i have my tank setup?

Sorry for the very newbie post but i would like to start off the right way. Thank you in advance for your help.

also i'm aware of the cycling and have read all of the stickies.
 
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I am new to this group...but not new to having fish...i've been starting with goldfish, convict cichlids, and now trying to see how long i can keep my 2 plecos alive. It keeps me busy and i enjoy every minute.
 
Get the biggest tank you can get, it is easier to maintain water stability, which in turn means that it is easier to keep fish healthy.
 
You'll save money by getting an aquarium kit, the drawback to that is you won't be able to pick and choose your equipment. PETsMART has aquarium kits ranging in size from 10 to 55 gallons, they come with everything you need to get it going, except for a stand and of course gravel and decorations. Top Fin tanks, filters, heaters, air pumps and strip lights have a lifetime guarantee that covers everything except light bulbs and filter cartridges. If you decide to buy everything separately talk to people that have the brands you are thinking of buying and read product reviews. Buy the best equipment you can afford, because you and your fish will rely on these things for many years to come. If you don't feel up to the task of fishless cycling (I know it can be confusing for people new to fishkeeping) try using Bio-Spira when you set up the tank. I've not used it myself, but I have heard enough good things about it to see it is well worth the money. If you stock the tank with compatible fish, avoid the temptation to overstock and keep to a regular schedule of partial water changes you'll have a healthy, successful tank! :thm:
 
Buy the 29 gallon. It will fit on the same size stand a 20 galon will (12X30") and hood/light. TRUST me. You will learn that a 10 and even 20 gallon are just too small. The larger the tank, the easier it is to maintain stable water conditions and it allows you to have more species and the correct number of each one including schools of fish. A 55 gallon is ideal but a 29 gallon is a very good size and practical. You can do kits but I wouldn't myself.

Filter: Hang on Back power filters are easiest. Aquaclear 300 (70) is ideal. Put a sponge in it and some biomax and perhaps a caron insert. (these are all aquaclear inserts sold at every pet store). You never have to replace the sponge or biomax.

Heater: I recommend a submersible heater. A heater that hangs on the back can crack if exposed to air and often does during water changes.

Water conditioner: use a chlorine/chloramine remover that converts free ammonia into other substances. (Prime or Kents Ammonia Detox)

PH test kit: Must have but don't worry about adjusting your PH too much. PH isn't that important for most hobbists.

Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate test kits: must haves. You can do without the nitrate test kit if you keep up with water changes.

Gravel, fish net. Thats basically what you need.
 
my .02
I use Juwel Tanks and founf the Rio 125 (30g) excellent.
I use these as they have everything i need and have not got my own place yet to build a custom
http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/index.php
 
Most kits have lower quality components and you may find yourself replacing them down the road anyway, in which case it's not saving money. However, if you're planning a simple setup only, something to learn with, but then to get a bigger tank after you've gotten the swing of things, then a kit will do fine.

BTW, when I say "lower quality", I don't mean that these are necessarily crappy, just not as good.

The tank size decision can follow the same logic as above. If you're going to make this your main tank, then get the 29g and buy the best gear possible. If it's just for learning, the 20g will do. I'm usually on the "buy the biggest you can afford" bandwagon, but in this case we're talking about a relatively minor difference in stability. I think that a 20g strikes a good balance between stability and affordability (remember, it's not just the price of gear, it's price of fish, plants, ferts, etc.) for a learning tank.

If you really get into the hobby, you'll find yourself looking for the 90+g soon enough anyway. But for the mean time, you've already taken the right first step by looking for information before the purchase.

Once you make the decision on tank size and kit vs. individual then we can better advise you as to number and types of species.
 
thanks for the responses, We've (my wife and I) have decided to go for the 29g tank. We are headed out to petSmart to do somemore looking and possibly purchase the tank. What does everyone prefer for filters? brand?
 
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For HOB, I prefer the AquaClear line of filters. Biowheels, while useful, are overkill, IMO. Plus they're just one more thing that can go wrong - everyone I know who's had them has had one get jammed at one point or another.

With AC filters you just pack them with as much cheap filter sponges as can fit and you're set. No expensive cartriges.
 
I agree. I have loved my Aquaclear filters, they have been very good to my tanks. I just bought a new 29 gallon and can't wait to get it up and running. Remeber not to buy fish until you understand what you are getting.

I suggest making a list of fish you like at the fish store and then doing some research to see if they are the right choices for you and your tank. Ask people on the board as most have kept some of the commonly available fish out there and can help steer you in the right direction. No sense making the same mistakes as someone else.
 
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