About To Start A Tank

[ajs2294]

Hey guys,
I have been a fish lover for most of my life and am looking to get back into the hobby. I used to have a small aquarium with tetras and guppies that was very successful and even had many babies, of course I had my fair share of goldfish too. But that was about 7 years ago so I'm starting again, I have a 29 gallon tank and a 30 gallon breeder available for use. I only want to start one at this time and I presume that the 29 gallon being a higher tank is a better option that a long short tank, is this true?
I plan on using sand for a change, but I would like to know the best type I've heard to use either play sand or arognite but be sure to wash both before hand, any opinions on sand? I would also like to know what is the best rule to go by for stocking this tank, I would like to have a decent size school/shoal (not sure the proper term) of fish along with a couple angels. Along with some ghost shrimp or other cleaners.
Sorry for the long post, and all your opinions would be gladly appreciated
Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

 

[erk628]

Hey guys,
I have been a fish lover for most of my life and am looking to get back into the hobby. I used to have a small aquarium with tetras and guppies that was very successful and even had many babies, of course I had my fair share of goldfish too. But that was about 7 years ago so I'm starting again, I have a 29 gallon tank and a 30 gallon breeder available for use. I only want to start one at this time and I presume that the 29 gallon being a higher tank is a better option that a long short tank, is this true?
I plan on using sand for a change, but I would like to know the best type I've heard to use either play sand or arognite but be sure to wash both before hand, any opinions on sand? I would also like to know what is the best rule to go by for stocking this tank, I would like to have a decent size school/shoal (not sure the proper term) of fish along with a couple angels. Along with some ghost shrimp or other cleaners.
Sorry for the long post, and all your opinions would be gladly appreciated
Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

PS- I plan to get the tank cycling as soon as possible

Welcome to TFF! As far as the tank size goes it reall depends on the type of fish you would be wanting to keep. Most of the time though a bigger footprint is better so the 30 long wold be better then the 29. Now with the sand I get mine at a hardware store like menards, lowes, or homedepot. Just the play sand its like 3 or 4 something for a 50 pound bag. I would suggest you go with a fishless cycle you can find out how to do that here. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861. You can also find alot more useful information here http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/. As far as the stocking goes I think you should do some research find some fish you want make a stocking list and post it on here do see if it would work for your tank. I think its better doing it that way so you can find fish that you would like because when you ask other people there just going to mention ones they would like in there tanks.

 

[ajs2294]

Thanks for the reply!
I hope to get the sand tomorrow along with a filter. Now I used to be an avid turtle keeper and found they required a reliable filter which I found to be the aqua clear series. Is this a good filter for use with fish? If so should I buy the 20-50 or the 30-70 model? I'm unsure I want a good filtration amount but not overkill.

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome to the forum AJS.
The AC filters have a fairly good reputation. The one designed for 30 to 50 gallon tanks should be able to serve either of your tanks. The 30 long will be a better choice unless you intended to keep something like angels that require a tall tank. Something to keep in mind when you are laying out your stocking plan is that a few large groups of fish often looks better than a large variety of single fish. In many types of fish, it also makes the fish's actions much more natural.