Setting up a new aquarium

feralcelt2

feralcelt2

AC Members
May 6, 2005
38
0
0
45
virginia beach,va
hello all

i am thinking about starting a freshwater tank, i already have five bettas, and im getting that new tank itch again!!!!

Im thinking about a 29gal planted tank, will probably get the cheapy walmart kit but im still pricing online and at the LFS.

my question is, i am starting to think about what to put in my tank once im done cycling and just need advise on selecting the fishies!!

there are several species i have my eye on, i was thinking

6 tiger barbs (i know they can benippy so im open to alternatives)
2 dwarf gouramis ( there was a solid red variety at my lfs that i did not
regognize it wasnt the fire gourami, they were labeled as
dwarfs and gorgous)
4-6 albino cores

and maybe one more small school, possibly zebra danios or cherry barbs

ive also thought about 1 rainbow shark
3 platies

any advice would be great!!!



I've already started thinking about a smaller tank for another room, possibly a species tank, anybody know anything about dwarf puffers!!!!!!
 
Welcome feralcelt2!

First things first - the Wal-Mart 29 gal. kit was what I started out with. If I could do it over again, I would have bought the tank and supplies seperately. First of all, you should figure out how much $$ you are willing to spend on the setup.

Since this will be a planted tank, you will need to take lighting into consideration. The single tube flourescent light that comes with the kit isn't adequate for growing most plants - even low-light plants. You will need at least a twin-tube normal output light strip, and even then you will have to stick with low-light plants. It would be good to decide which types of plants you will want to grow, and then you can figure out how much light you will need.

The hang-on-back filter that came with my kit (Regent) was barely adequate for my needs. It did the job, but didn't give me the flow I wanted. Cannister filters are best for planted tanks, but cost more than HOBs. A quality HOB will do the job if you don't want to spend the extra money for a cannister filter.

The heater that came with my kit turned out to be not-so-reliable, and ended up being replaced as well.

As you can see, it is better in the long run to purchase the tank and other supplies seperately, than to save a bit of money up front by buying the kit. Something to consider anyway. I have more to add, but have to run for now.
 
thats what i figured. the lfs has a tank for 42, or what caught my eye was a 30gal long with stand was on sale for 118.

i did the math and it would be about the same price to just buy the nice stuff to start vs. the kit, its about 20 more than walmart and petsmart had a nice starter set that was actually 10 more than if i just bought the bits individually!!!

does anyone know anything about the eclipse tops, ive heard they can be a pain to lift to maintain, but it would be nice to have everything hidden under the hood,
plus they "claim" their light is suitable for most plants.

thanx again for all of the great tips i have been getting on the forum
 
ill tell ya i know you would like all new but you can find really nice setups in your local bargain sheet if you are patiant...
 
feralcelt2 said:
thats what i figured. the lfs has a tank for 42, or what caught my eye was a 30gal long with stand was on sale for 118.
Click to expand...

The 30 gal. is a nice size. I would rather have that size than my 29 gallon, but of course that is a matter of personal preference. The extra length is nice for aquascaping, vs. the extra height of the 29. The shorter height means light will penetrate to the bottom more easily as well.

As judgemax said, keep an eye out for used tanks and supplies as well. Sometimes you can find good deals in the classifieds or swap/buy/sell guides.
 
thats what im leaning toward, its a 33gal long and uses stands and hoods to fit a 55gal. i found out that the hood, cover and lights are included in that price!!!!

i am keeping an eye out in the paper, but so far nothing, im in no hurry, we should be moving in the next three months so i dont want to get started now to just have ot move everything, but if a great deal comes up before then i will jump on it!!!!
 
I've also been preaching ebay if you would be interested in a used set up. I've gotten a couple of tanks on there for a great price. You can search in your local area and decide how far you'd be willing to go! And I might be wrong, but you should look into if the barbs would bother the d.gouramis, I know they have those long feelers, could those be tempting? I've never kept barbs, so not really sure!
 
just got back from the lfs and the tank that was listed for 118 is now 197,

but we drove a bit farther and found a nice littlle mom and pop shop that had good deals and amazingly healthy fish (compared to the other stores locally)

there are actually a few 55 gallon setups for sale in the paper for about 200 so im gonna check those out.

figure if its a good stand and equipment ill grab it, even if the tank is no good!!!

still in love with that 33!!!!

thanks again for all of your help

and about the barbs, i think i read somewhere that tiger barbs wouldnt do well with the dwarf gouramis, but cherry barbs are ok

i also saw a species at the little store ive never seen before, glolight tetras,
they were gorgous, looked like zebra danios with a deep red background.

this was also the only local store ive seen that does not have some form of dyed fish for sale that was a plus for me!!
 
I have a versitop (AllGlass) on my 30g ($26 in my new england area). I love it so far. It is 2 sheets of glass with a hinge and I set my 15g light on it, hoping I won't have to buy another for my low light plants. It is cool cause you get the area for lots of light and you can get into the front and the back of the tank with the way the hinge is...not like the typical hoods where you have the narrow front entrance.

I divided my soping among 2 shops (well sort of 3). I got a tank, stand filter deal for $120 at mom and pop place, then anticipated getting a regular hood for about $50 at a chain, until I found out about the versitop thing (and I needed more gravel). Then ended up giving my business a store I really like (also mom and pop), rather than going for the cheapest around. I was too impatient to get used stuff.

Get the stuff you want, so you're only buying things once, and give the business to the places that deserve it, is my philosophy.

New tanks are great! Good luck!

Lisa
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom