poss. 50 gal purchase

ZeeSparrow

AC Members
Nov 14, 2004
18
0
0
OK, so I have a betta I've had for a bit over a year. Last month, we bought a 10 gal setup, to which I moved the betta and added 5 neons and 4 ghost shrimp. (One of the neons is sick with something... may be NTD, still don't know.)

Also have a new 5 gallon tank with 2 African dwarf frogs and one ghost shrimp (stolen from the 10 gallon).

Both of these tanks have been 'cycled' with the help of bio-spira, and aside from the sick little neon, everyone else seems to be doing fine.

I'm ALREADY getting hit with MTS. :rolleyes:

There is a 50 gallon available for $100. I went and looked. Here's the situation: I need you guys to tell me if this is a good deal, a bad setup, or I'm getting in over my head and should just stick with what I've got for now..... or what.

I'm told this tank has been in its current location for about 6 months. Or they've had it a year and just haven't cleaned it in that long. No water changes, just additions. Although I've only been doing this for a couple weeks, I can tell the fish aren't being taken care of properly. Besides the fact that the reason they're selling the tank in the first place is "because we haven't cleaned it in 6 months and just don't have the time". So - good can come of this.

Anyways..... the fish in this tank are as follows:

1 Jack Dempsey
1 Pl*co
2 Angelfish
1 unknown/spotted catfish.
1 unknown. Same length as angels (about 3") but not as tall.
2 smaller fish, unknown.

The stand is included (just a "shell"), and all decorations. Undergravel filter, 3-4" gravel, large fake(?) driftwood, multiple plastic plants. Heater, am told 2 power heads included. Lights would have to be redone - doesn't have proper cover. Would also need proper hiding place for pl*co....

So, what do you guys thinK? Good deal? Good deal that I should pass on because I'm inexperienced? Good deal I should take and then try to get rid of some of the fish because there's too many? ;)

Any and all suggestions will be considered on this one. I hadn't planned on a tank of this size.....yet....... but if I should jump at this, I'll jump. I have the $100 now. In two weeks, will have more for supplies/extras that anyone suggests.

I'm off to research the cost of a proper cover/light setup for a 50 gallon setup now. :eek: :rolleyes: :eek:
 
Get it. Get it now. A larger tank is easier and more forgiving than a smaller one. Beginners should really have larger tanks.

Buy it, research how you want it done up, and then make changes accordingly.

If you regret it, then I'll buy it from you for the same price you pay.

Deal?
 
Thanks. I am picking it up this afternoon.

Can you, or anyone else, give me some tips or suggestions for this tank and these fish? I have been researching them so have found basic info, but more information is always good.

I'm really concerned about overstocking - these fish have been in this tank for at least 6 months, but I don't know how old they are.... or how much bigger they're going to get. I've got a book that tells me typical adult sizes, but don't they get stunted, or sick, if they're in too small a tank?
 
AquariaCentral.com