Hello!

[samson7]

Hi everyone, my name is Sam and I'm looking to get my first fish tank within the next week or so. I'm new to all this but I've always loved fish, the ocean, swimming and I can't wait to dive in

 

[Fishkeeper123]

Hi everyone, my name is Sam and I'm looking to get my first fish tank within the next week or so. I'm new to all this but I've always loved fish, the ocean, swimming and I can't wait to dive in

Welcome to the forum.

 

[samson7]

Thank you @Fishkeeper123 I'm hoping my planned dresser will hold my incoming fish tank.

 

[emeraldking]

Well, welcome to iur forum, Sam...
Exciting time before the tank will be at your place, I guess...?

 

[samson7]

Well, welcome to iur forum, Sam...
Exciting time before the tank will be at your place, I guess...?

I'm scrambling to reinforce every corner of the dresser before the tank arrives!

 

[gwand]

Welcome to a great forum. May I ask if you know how to cycle your tank before adding fish? Also do you know the hardness of the water you will be using?

 

[samson7]

Welcome to a great forum. May I ask if you know how to cycle your tank before adding fish? Also do you know the hardness of the water you will be using?

I know none of these things. My local fish store is going to walk me through everything once the tank comes in.

 

[Back in the fold]

Glad to have you . You’re doing the right thing by reinforcing your stand before the aquarium goes on it . The best habit that will serve you well with fish and aquariums is planning and thinking ahead . How big an aquarium you getting ? Thought about what fish you want yet ?

 

[Essjay]

My local fish store is going to walk me through everything once the tank comes in.

Most of the members on here find that fish stores (local and chain) are worse than useless - they give very inaccurate information. They tell you to get a tankful of fish before it's cycled; they sell you fish that are unsuitable for your water or fish that will kill each other and so on. Ask on here, we aren't trying to sell you anything.

Cycling a tank is growing enough beneficial bacteria to remove the waste from a tankful of fish. Most stores will not mention this. We have a guide to the three methods of cycling.

Cycle Your Tank! A Complete Guide For Beginners

Fishless cycling https://www.fishforums.net/threads/cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first.421488/ Silent or plant cycling https://www.fishforums.net/threads/planted-silent-cycling.470400/ Fish-in cycling...

www.fishforums.net

The reason water hardness has been mentioned is that fish have evolved in water of a certain hardness. When kept in water of a substantially different hardness they get sick and die easier. If you are on mains water, your water provider's website should have your hardness level on their website. You need a number and the unit of measurement as there are several different units they could use. Fish keeping uses just 2 units and we can convert any unit into those two. If you are on well water, take a sample of your tap water to a fish store and ask them to test for hardness - again make sure they give you a number and the unit.
Then research before buying any fish; look for fish which have your water hardness within their range. Choose the website carefully as anyone can set up a site with little or no actual knowledge. This is just about the best site for research

Knowledge Base — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

Finally, any questions, just ask on here