Ultra newbie needs advice

[sleepwithfishes]

So I've always wanted to have an aquarium, and I'm figuring I'm going to make the plunge soon.

However, I know that in April 2009, I will be moving 4 hours away. I'm in the Marine Corps and when I reenlist in April 09, I'll be going to intelligence school for 4 months followed by more schools after that. I'm married, and I could teach her to take care of the fish, but what I'm worried about is the moves.

Is it really even possible to move fish across country? Once I'm done with intel school, I could go to Japan, Cali, etc.

Another thing I need help with, would be with the equipment. PetSmart has some interesting deals, 29 gallon glass tank with full freswater setup for $80. Are the filters and other componenets in these cheap setups even somewhat decent quality? Not much good in buying a setup if you have to replace everything in it with better components.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

It is possible to move fish, but the farther you go the more expensive and risky the move becomes. Basically I think you want to avoid having your tank down for more than 24 hours (possibly longer if you can provide some food and water movement in the tub containing your filter media/substrate), but maybe someone can refute this?

Depending on what you want to do with your tank (real vs fake plants, etc) the pre-packaged deals may not be the best choice. That being said, the 29 gallon kit my mother got is decent (although I'm not so sure the light source is quite adequate for the plants). The filter is very quiet (Top Fin 30 I believe) but wouldn't be as good as a filter with a bio-wheel, heater works fine, but get a different thermometer, the strip one that comes with those kits can be very hard to read.

The starting information that comes with those kits is also pretty bunk. (Will tell you to add too much bioload too quickly...my mother killed several fish using those instructions before I stepped in). Also, will tell you to change water less frequently than you should. Although it takes patience, a fishless cycle will allow you to pretty much fully stock your tank once it's done. There are good sticked threads on this forum about how to do that properly.

Those kits also don't include water tests which are key to keeping your fishy pets safe! In addition to your kit buy the API Master Kit (which is a liquid test kit), and Seachem Prime to dechlorinate your tap water with. Also pick up a gravel vac, and bucket that won't be used for anything but emptying or filling the aquarium. People with larger tanks often prefer the Python No-Spill system to clean/refill their tanks with, but imo a 30 gallon or less tank is easy enough to do with buckets..

*Edit* Oh, and several people have mentioned that some things...like the Master Test kit have a cheaper price posted online. If you print out the online info/price and show it at the store they will usually give you the cheaper online price. ^^

 

[mellowvision]

maybe you could find a future family for the fish before you collect them, give them to the family when you move and bring the hardware along... half the fun is stocking... and you wouldn't risk killing them

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would stick with something small. most of the time its better to find someone to take the fish then move and get new ones.

 

[ct-death]

Mgamer offers some very sound advice.:iagree:

This will also enable you to experience the hobby and learn your own personal likes/dislikes. I know everyone on this forum wished they did something differently!:lipssealedsmilie:

As for actually moving fish/tank setups, there are a lot of posts on this forum, but it is not easy nor is it practicle in most cases, but a simpe search on "Moving a tank" will give you more than enough insight. I like Mgamer's idea on donating your fish to a friend or a (local fish store) LFS.

Welcome to the Adiction!!!:headbang2: