Last year I got back into aquarium fish after having a couple 10 gallon setups when I was younger. I found out how much easier things are if you do it right and just keep up with things like water changes and chemical testing. I was given a 55 gallon years ago and decided to equip it last year and have since added a 36 gallon and two 10 gallons to my apartment. Through my recent experiences, here's what I would suggest. First, go to every pet store in your area and figure out what kind of fish you would like to have and then read up on them. Find out what is compatible and how much care they require as well as how large they get and how big of a tank you're gonna need. At the same time, you can get an idea of who in your area you can deal with. See who has guarantees on their fish and ask questions so you can find out who to trust. If there is anyone you know with aquariums, find out where they get their stuff. After you know what kind of fish you want and how many, figure out how big of a tank you need and go from there with your tank hunting. Read as much as you can on this forum and any others you can find about setting things up, maintaining the system and info on the particular fish you like. Do as much research as you can before going to buy anything. Don't take one article as fact, specs vary faster than opinions from book to book to website to website. good luck, Kyle
