Newbie Needs Reality Check - Buying First Tank (Acrylic)

[blue2fyre]

The thing about kuhli loaches is they need an established tank. I would suggest that they be the last thing you add if you choose to get some

 

[Srenaeb]

kuhli loaches have always kind of freaked me out

bettas are really nice and super pretty and not actually aggressive little guys =)
your wife may find one of them + danios a good compromise?
Also super easy to keep alive.

 

[Michwol42795]

Well most bettas are nice, some are mean though! Make sure you get a nice one and it should be fine. With kuhlis you also want to make sure they can burrow in the substrate pretty good (their favorite is sand).

 

[grav]

Okay some of you are scaring me on the acrylic tanks. I'm ready to plunk down 250.00 on a Sea Clear 46g Bow front. My kids are out of the house and I don't have any pets except for my fish in my 55g tank, so no worries there. Could someone maybe define "easy to scratch." I mean am I going to scratch it simply by putting sand or gravel in the tank? How do the dedicated acrylic cleaners do?

 

[whyzee250]

I would definitely get that stand issue taken care of. If it is a defect you are putting your first rule (kids safety) at a possible risk.
As always, keep us updated.

 

[Michwol42795]

I agree, you can never be too safe. I would check that out.

 

[Naught]

Here is someone's experience with that 46 bowfront tank:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/t...935-46-bowfront-goldfish-grazing-project.html

Other than the light, he seemed to like it. I did not get my 30 gallon yet.

I e-mailed the manufacturer about the stand, but no reply yet. I sent them a photo with a bunch of playing cards in the gaps so they can tell what I was talking about. The right-front corner has a gap 4 playing cards deep between the top wood platform and the vertical corner support, so I don't see how it could help support weight.

I hope they respond soon because I don't want the project delayed...my work is going to get busy soon.

 

[Naught]

I just wanted to give everyone here an update on the stand....

It looks like I am dealing with some top-notch companies here.

Drs Foster & smith got the stand to me in less than 3 days, and offered me compensation right away when they heard it had some minor damage. I told them to wait until I heard from United Pet Group (Marineland) about my safety concern.

United Pet Group had me send them some photos of my concern. They responded they would test a new stand there and then send it to me. It'll take a few weeks, but I'd rather wait and do it right. I like that they will test it there first so I will be assured I won't get another stand with the same problem. Wow!

(By the way, I did a reality check with my wife and she had the same concern)

 

[Naught]

Hi there,
you may also want to join a local fish keeping community and buy a sponge/get a bucket of cycled water/and old filter pad/etc from someone to help cycle =) I heard they need to be within a 30 minute drive if you're borrowing germs

I found out two of my neighbors have fish tanks.

 

[Michwol42795]

It's great that the companies responded so positively! Are you going to get some established media from your neighbors?