Tank Size for a Beginner?
- Thread starter Opicana
- Start date
I like 20 gal for the newbie. Seems that too often on smaller tanks, they are extremely overstocked very easily. The 20 provides much greater stability than 1, 5 and 10s'. Easily supports filters and heaters and gives a nice viewing area. They also make great QT space for the almost inevitable upgrade when MTS sets in.
Gunnie said:I agree. A 20 gal. long is a great size tank to start out with.
Thanks! I was planning on at least a 20 gallon. But a few people have mentioned that even larger is better. But I was wondering what would be too large for a newbie? I want large enough, but not so large that it is just too expensive and a waste on a beginner.
Kara
Gunnie said:
A python makes a lot of sense. I have never used one for aquariums, but I use one at work all the time. I work at a Sea Turtle rehab clinic and thats how we get the small particles out.
Hmm... you can't get too big, you say? Hmm...what would a good size be? I think I would like to do larger than a 20....maybe a 30 or 40?
Kara
I think that since you have some experience on what its like to have to cage for a tank (no, caring for sea turtles and fish aren't the same but I imagine that both require their fair share of work) that even 55g is a safe started. You can find used tanks on sale (my favorite place to check is www.craigslist.com) all around and 55g seems to be easy to find. Cost wise, I'd say that between getting the tank and all needed supplies, then decorations and having money set aside for my stock (still not fully stocked yet) cost approx. 350$ Mind you that's the tank, stand, two filters, heater, chemicals, testing supplies, heater, rocks, ornaments, live plants, fish, and a python. So IMO not bad at all for a first tank and a wonderful investment
Good luck!
Good luck!
I know I can keep the cost reasonable if I do a lot of research first (and this tank won't come until September, so I have time)...$350 would work for me. I am in the process of finding a new house (to buy)-we are moving to Ohio- so I just have to make sure there is wall space big enough for a 55 gallon, lol!
Now, what kind of dimensions do I want to look for?
What about those octagonal or 1/2 round tanks (my friend just got one, and its nice, but she know less about fish than I do...)?
Now, what kind of dimensions do I want to look for?
What about those octagonal or 1/2 round tanks (my friend just got one, and its nice, but she know less about fish than I do...)?
If you're going for a planted tank, half rounds are pretty challanging to plant with good view lines and I've seldomly seem them fit well in the flow pattern of a room for good access and viewing. Otherise, yeah, they look cool.
Hex tanks are interesting to look at, but not so great for looking INTO.
Peek at the corner of a regular tank and see how it distorts your view. Now multiple that. A big fish might be hard to see in one shot with smaller slanted panels. On the otherhand, if you're keeping huge schools of smaller fish, the distortions can make it look like you have more fish than you do.
The classic aquarium is a long rectangle for a very good reason--it gives the best surface area for the amount of water, is easily worked into/onto
furniture along walls, provides a long area for mounting equipment along the back and gives a large flat viewing surface.
Hex tanks are interesting to look at, but not so great for looking INTO.
Peek at the corner of a regular tank and see how it distorts your view. Now multiple that. A big fish might be hard to see in one shot with smaller slanted panels. On the otherhand, if you're keeping huge schools of smaller fish, the distortions can make it look like you have more fish than you do.
The classic aquarium is a long rectangle for a very good reason--it gives the best surface area for the amount of water, is easily worked into/onto
furniture along walls, provides a long area for mounting equipment along the back and gives a large flat viewing surface.