Newbie Needs Reality Check - Buying First Tank (Acrylic)

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Michwol42795

CanTANKerous
Dec 28, 2009
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Chattanooga, TN
Sorry :(, I had the same problem with ordering a tank from petco.com, I had to talk to the manager at a local Petco a couple times but eventually they got it in. I told the manager about it in person, she got it all straightened out for me.
 

Naught

AC Members
Jan 7, 2010
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Good news! The tank arrives Tuesday! I'll be in New Orleans until Thursday though.

I made a decision about stocking the tank, once it's cycled (I bought the 2 bacteria liquid.. but cannot find pure no-additive ammonia yet).


Drum roll please......


I decided to make it a guppy tank! I have been researching them like crazy, and have a friend who used to really be into them. I think they are one of the prettiest fish, and are good for beginners.




I know the downsides of guppies:
  1. Many other fish pick on them, so will be limitted on other fish
  2. They like a little salt some other fish don't (my friend says they'll do OK with no salt though)
  3. They easily over-populate (saw some funny YouTube videos on this). Still researching how to best control it (assuming my fish live).
I will research bottom dwellers more down the line. But to me, guppies seem to have so much variety I am fine with almost all guppies.

I'll try to post a photo once I get things set up. And yes, I decided to stick with the blue jean gravel. I bought a hang-on-tank filter rated for 30-60 gallons, so as long as it fits in the acrylic slots I should be OK. If not, I bought it locally in case a return is needed. It holds two carbon filters (one on each side) so I think I'll replace them on an alternating schedule.

One thing that really bothered me about the acrylic tank was the lack of information on them when I researched it... so I plan to post a lot of photos showing opening sizes, etc.
 
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Jspigs

There is always more to learn
Aug 5, 2009
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Try Ace Hardware if there is one near you.

Ace Hardware sells a 10% ammonia solution with no harmful additives.

EDIT: The ammonia is called "Ace janitorial strength" or something like that.
 

Michwol42795

CanTANKerous
Dec 28, 2009
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Chattanooga, TN
Yes, Ace Hardware is where I found mine. By they way, Guppys should be fine without salt unless your water is really really soft. You could easily have some Cory Cats, as well as a pair of Honey Gourami (or something similar). Unless you have a lot of fry hiding spots, your tank shouldn't overpopulate with this setup.
 

WeedCali

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Dec 14, 2009
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yeah i have my guppies without salt and theyre fine. my sister does too and they are healthy as could be :)
 

Naught

AC Members
Jan 7, 2010
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The aquarium came when I was on my business trip! I got home last night at 12:30 AM but was so excited I literally stayed up most of the night starting to set it up.

I'll post pictures later.

The acrylic sure does look a lot nicer than glass tank. The back slot was just the right size for the 30-60 gallon hang-on-back filter I bought (but I did have to cut the water intake tube, which was hitting the bottom).

One corner is 3/16" higher that the opposite corner, so I think that is pretty close to level. Sound close enough? The two corners are 38" apart. The paperwork that came with it had a lot of warnings, but none said the tank had to be level (like the glass aquarium's did).

As far as the ammonia, Google says there is an Ace Hardware is 8 miles away.. I'll call first.

My water looks a bit blue... I hope it isn't because I didn't rinse the last 5 pound bag of gravel enough...
 

Troycool

Site's youngest EXPERT
Feb 5, 2010
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Chula Vista, CA
cant wait to see the pics of the long awaited tank
 

Naught

AC Members
Jan 7, 2010
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One thing that really bugged me was the lack of pictures... didn't even know the size of the openings, light length, etc. So here they are:

 

Naught

AC Members
Jan 7, 2010
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I was surprised.. the light fixture just slides along the top anywhere you want it. It's kindof nice actually... assume that's where I'll feed the fish.
 
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