Do I Want An Aquarium?

[snowflake311]

Haha I think really what it comes down to is do you want a buddy . Or do you want a hobby. A cat or dog can give you so much more then any fish can. They are very very differant pets to pick from.

If I had to pick one or the other it's hard since I'm so into this hobby. But if I was looking for a pet to keep me company a cat would win hands down. My cat had eye lashes too.

 

[chrisbassist]

Oh, and they're both as much "work" as each other. And if you keep the cat indoors, the cat will end up being a little more work.

 

[Shelby]

As for dogs... I thought you'd be able to train them better than that. They're supposed to tear pieces off to eat so they can share the cat with the rest of the pack.

The problem is the cat runs really fast.. and by the time the dogs catch it.. well they are to torqued off to take little bites!

 

[chrisbassist]

Still sounds like a training issue to me. Get down the blue cross, get a load of cats and get training those dogs!

 

[Shelby]

oh oh oh...I got it.. he needs a puppy! Not a kitten haha has to show off what happended today!

 

[juggernuts]

Awww beautiful puppies... eyelashes yet?? and just get both!!!! both imo are really easy to keep I seem to be doing okay and im a borderline simpleton

 

[Shelby]

they (the puppies) are literally only hours old. Such sweet little things.. but #40## they are noisy! Their eyes will not open for about 5-10 days so I'm pretty sure no eyelashes yet!

 

[Matute]

So mush talk about dogs now I'm undecided between sa cat, a fish or a dog... thank you very much...

For what I've learned a 30 gal tank for starters with FW and problably cichlids is the wat to start... it seems it all comes down to the little accessories like heaters, filters, food, etc.

about filter: Some metioned the bran aquaclear, is brand name important? I founf this one:

http/fishpetlove.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=346_57&products_id=5775

at fishpetlove.com, I've visited bigalsonline.com, fosterandsmithaquatics.com, marinedepot.com, but they seem to be a bit more expensive, I want to buy everything from one place, any recommendations?

What would be the nest thing to look for? [lightning, plants, heater] Plants are specially imprtant, i don;t want the little guys to get bored! I understand the reef aquariums have to be SW.. #28###.. is there a FW option?

Thanks.

 

[Shelby]

Personally I use Aquaclear HOB filters and I love them. Mainly because the are sponge filters which when buying replacements may cost a little more but they last forever and ever and ever so you're really not buying them except for every few years. Not to mention you can take out the carbon and other stuff and put all sponge media in them. oh.. and they have adjustable flow rates. http/www.aquariumguys.com/aquaclear1.html Filter brand is more of a personal thing although some do work better than others.


For cichlids please remember most of them I believe are a minimum of 6 inches so don't overstock your tank!

I personally know nothing about plants in tanks so I can't help you there. There is however a planted tank section on this board. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/forum/10-plants-and-planted-tanks/ I'm sure you can find lots of help there.

I'm not sure about cycling a tank with plants. Your first purchases should be:
tank (most tanks come with a hood or you can just buy a standard hood to fit the tank, special lights are not really needed for freshwater fish although plants are a different matter.
heater
filter
liquid master test kit (most use API brand)
amonia (to cycle the tank)
Then read cycling resources

I'm sure someone else will come along with more information than I can supply

 

[chrisbassist]

There is a different process for cycling a planted tank, close to fish in, but it can only be used with densely planted.

More important than brand is that it does the job. People buy brands because of reputation. With the expectation their model will be as good as the reputation.

As far as a reef. SW only unless you get fake stuff.

 

[Mikaila31]

Cute puppies ! One of my kitties attacks any dog that comes within 20 feet of me . He walks up, no poofy fur and will even smell noses with them then @%^# breaks loose. Luckily all hes met are friendly dogs. Usually I have to hoist him off the ground by his scruff. My cats are sweet though, we have a daycare and they are super friendly child tolerant cats. Cats are totally trainable just as much/easy as dogs IMO. Perhaps not command wise, but mine know all tables and counters are off limits, no scratching in the house, they never poo anywhere except in the litter box or outside. One of mine does know how to sit and shake. I love love dogs too, it just seems like I come across too many untrained ones. Ones that jump all over me and take food off the frickin counter while I'm babysitting. Its not the dogs fault, but more the owners fault. Just if you get a cat or dog make sure you train it and lay boundaries.

As far as pros and cons. Cats and dogs are expensive. A tank may be expensive to setup initially(it doesn't have to be though). However maintaining an aquarium does not cost much. Fish food is cheap, same with decholro, ferts too if you choose that route. The cost of spaying, and vaccinating a cat or dog along with annual vet visits is expensive. Not to mention good food like science diet is expensive stuff. Also with cat don't buy all those fancy toys, my cats won't take a second look at them. Yarn and a $2 bag of 100 crafting fuzz ball is heaven to any cat. Anything fancy you will just have to keep fishing out from under the refrigerator. Those safety release collars are double edge swords. They release for "safety", but my cat intentionally looses them. I got him a new one for Christmas along with nice tags, tied the safety release closed. Thing still went missing 3 months later. I'll keep replacing and rigging the collars for the birds sake, but I'm done with tags.

 

[Matute]

From your opinions and others that this is my starting updated list:

-go freshwater
-get a 30 to 40 galon tank
-get a filter [aquaclear i guess]
-get water conditioner / primer
-get an aerator
-get heater
-get water test kit
-put it close to a sink/water hose
-put it on a sturdy table or stand
-cycle
-get fish food
-get fish: cichlids seem to be a good option [dwarfs are ok for now]

I am inclined to buy everything new, even if it is more expensive, I'm a little affraid of
getting defective equipment and becoming a unintended fish killer....

This is how I would like my future fishtank to look like:

http/fishpetlove.com/ ==> see the tubular tank?

A bit fancy and probably very expensive... well I'll just have to get rid of one of my private jets...

A fish tank in a plane... now that's an idea! [though probably not too original]

 

[K-Holed]

Welcome to TTF

Here would be my list of things to get

* A tank - This is what will hold the water (pretty obvious really)

* A hood - This sits on top of the tank and allows you to fit lighting. It's fairly common to find tanks that are sold with a hood included.

* A lighting ballast - This fits into your hood either partially or completely. It is what's used to supply power to you lights. Once again, this may be supplied with (or built in to) your hood.

* Light tube - This will allow you to see your fish and also allow you to grow plants. There are many specialist tubes available and the one you choose (and how many) will depend entirely on what you are
trying to achieve (Good plant growth, a flattering light for your fish or décor)

* A heater - This is used to regulate the temprature of the water in the aquarium.

* Tank stand - This one is very important. It is easy to underestimate the weight of a tank. 1 litre of water weighs approx. 1kg. A purpose built stand is usually the safest option, but failing that a piece of solid furniture which will not bend and buckle over time.

* A filter - This will 'clean' your water for you. The main function of a filter is not to stop it looking dirty, but to make sure things are right at a microscopic level. (Reading the topics on cycling will explain all this.) - There are many filters out there and each have their strength and weaknesses. Most people would agree that canister type filters are the most efficient, but they are also some of the most expensive. For smaller aquariums there are HOB (Hang on back) type filters or filters that sit completely within the aquarium. These often offer less options, but are significantly cheaper in most cases.

* Substrate - This will lie on the bottom of the aquarium and most commonly is either gravel or sand.

* A NEW bucket - This will be used for water changes and other maintainable tasks.

* Test kits - Most people seem to recommend the API master test kit. The test kit allows you to monitor your water perimeters and make sure everything is doing what it's supposed to be doing.

* Dechlorinator - This is to remove harmful chlorine and chloromine from your water, when you do a water change.

* Syphon tube - This is to help you perform your water changes. The better ones have a substrate cleaning attachment included.

* Fish food - Flakes, pellets, sinking tablets, live foods, algae wafters. There is lots of choice here. Which food you buy will be dependent on the fish you want to keep.

* A bottle of Ammonia - This is for your fishless cycle.

* Lastly and most importantly, patience. You'll need this in vast quantities in the early stages. Resisting the temptation of charging in, all guns blazing, is worth it in the long run.

There are other things that you will need or may want, but these can come later. I've probably missed something obvious off the list, but I'm sure someone will jump in once they spot it.

Kind regards

Jimi

 

[Matute]

Thank for the replies!

Jimi: can I use any sand as substrate? most say no, but I fugured I'd ask... thing is that there is a very nice sand on a beach not too far away from here [florida] and would like to use it.

But first Things first: any tank brands you can suggest? I know of Penecort and TruVU...

I've checked fishtankdirect.com, they have a wide selection but noe idea what brand is better than others... by the way, i'll keep it simple with a rectangular tank.

On the other hand, I was browsing through this wesite and found this:

http/fishpetlove.com/FishPetLove-Jingle

It's funny how some companies try to cut on their advertsing budget!!

Thanks Again!

 

[Matute]

OK. I called a couple of places to see if they had kits to get me started, the majority had their own preset ones, but Fred, the owner of fishpetlove.com said that he could put something together for me, he is waiting to get new aquariums, so I've decided to wait until he gets them to give him the chance to get my business.

I will go 50glns instead of 40. Any brands you could recommend?

By the way, any aquarium publication you coiuld recommend subscribing to?

Thanks again!