Choosing A Tank?

[dobbin]

hi i am a bit of a newb at this so please bear with me, i am looking at tanks at the moment and wondering what makes the difference whether a tank can keep tropical or cold is it the actual tank or the kit that you put in it? if its what you put in it what kind of thing will i need?

thanks allot for any help

nick

 

[dwarfgourami]

The difference between a tropical tank and a coldwater is the heater.

 

[Squid]

Your next step is to figure out what kind of tropical or coldwater fish you would like to keep, as this will affect the size of the tank needed, potentially the filtration, and the decor etc.

Or, figure out the biggest tank you can afford, and then see what you can realistically fill it with

Squid

 

[dobbin]

great thanks for quick replies, i just got a 3ft tank few min ago on ebay it has an aquarium heater which i am not sure if that will be sufficient, what kind of heat should i be looking for a tank this size?

cheers

nick

 

[n3ont3tra]

What are the other dimensions (height, width)? That sounds like a good sized tank, from what you said, though, I'm guessing maybe 40 gallons?

Oh, and welcome to the forums!

 

[dobbin]

it the auction didnt have the other dimensions but it looks a decent size

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...p;rd=1&rd=1

thats te auction i won, i have been looking about and i think thats a pritty good price?

thanks

nick

 

[n3ont3tra]

Not really sure about euros, I live in the US and have no idea what the equivelent of a euro is in dollars.

 

[kev350d]

If you use ebay as i do try this guy for filters etc. (I purchased my 405 £40 cheaper than ive seen in any local shop) and he also has an exellent range of heaters etc.

ebay user : rapid_aquatics their website: http/www.rapidaquatics.co.uk/

(I couldnt thank this seller enough for the speed and customer service he / she showed)

Got my fluval 405 for £65 (New)

Also if you need tetra aqua safe i found this to be a good price (and you can use quite abit if you plan on regular water changes) so best buy bulk.

2x 500ml for £12.59 + £2.90 p&p but here's the clincher lol you get £3 discount for being a new customer. http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/water_a...nditioner/35921

Hope this helps keep your cost down a little

 

[n3ont3tra]

Once you get you're tank, you'll need to cycle it. Everybody thinks you just get a tank and get fish, and then they wonder why the fish die. It's because there is too much amonia. Basically, cycling is building up a type of bacteria that converts Amonia into nitrItes, and nitrItes into nitrAtes. Here is a good thread on that.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861

 

[dobbin]

thanks for those kev love a bargain lol

wow everyone knows there stuff here thanks everyone

 

[fishdawg]

i might have read the link wrong but isnt that a saltwater tank?
it said ocean rock and ocean sand. if it is there is a lot of stuff to do with it befor you can put freswater in it.

 

[dobbin]

o dear what kind of stuff will i have to do please?

thanks

nick

 

[kev350d]

o dear what kind of stuff will i have to do please?

thanks

nick

Dont worry as long as you have a heater, filter, lighting and tank your good to go really obvcourse you will need some substrate etc. Remember to soak everything and scrub it out with a very strong aquarium saline solution then rinse off completely, Id also purchase new media for your filter as the picture on their add tends to make me think thsat the aquarium was left unnatended for some time (personally if you can afford the extra i'd get an external i love mine and its very low maintenance).

Once you collect your equipment have a good sift through see whats good and whats not if your indoubt seek advice before usining it. I feel like a complete newb to the hobby although i had numerous tanks over 10yr ago.
So much has changed, as i can see some for the better and alot that adds alot of confusion and doubt to the hobby.
The hobby of fishkeeping is still as enjoyable and at times very relaxing to sit back turn the tv off and doze off in front of the tank. Mines been set up only two weeks (was cycled with fish and media and filters from an established tank) but has already took 1st place instead of the TV.