Hi, I Have Just Joined Tff And Am About To Buy My First Ever Tank!

[iceblueangel]

This is the first time that I have joined a forum so not sure how it all works, but having read a few posts it looks like its very helpful and friendly so decided to test the water.

 

[attibones]

Hi! Welcome! What size tank are you getting? You should definitely have a look at the beginner's resource center, where you'll want to read about fish-less cycling your aquarium to better promote the health of your future pets.

 

[BigTuna]

welcome and best of luck!

 

[iceblueangel]

Thank you BigTuna. Hi attibones, the size of tank is the first bit of advice I am hoping for. I have read a couple of different leaflets and the advice varies from "start small until you are sure you can cope" to "get the biggest tank you can afford so you don't have to buy again too quickly". So I am really torn about which way to go. Any advice would be very gratefully received.

 

[fluttermoth]

to the forum, iceblueangel.
 
The one big piece of advice I would give you right now (fishless cycling can come later

) is, if you have any particular species of fish in mind that you want to keep, ask here to make sure your tank, when you get it, is going to be the right size.
 
There's nothing more gutting than having your heart set on, say angels, and finding out the tank you've just bought isn't big enough!

 

[attibones]

I second what FM has said. Also, typically, starting with smaller tanks may seem like a good idea, but the issue there is that you'll find it is harder to keep an aquarium stable if it is smaller. I believe a 55 gallon would be the best starting size, but if that is out of your range, aim for a thirty or more gallon tank. These sizes will suit most good beginner fish as well as some of the trickier ones. Also take into consideration the location you wish to place an aquarium. It shouldn't be in direct sunlight (in front of a window) or too near a cooling or heating source (AC or heater). You'll also need plenty of plug space fairly close to the tank location.

 

[dgwebster]

Hello and welcome!

This is the advice I wish I had gotten when I started:

Small is less forgiving and immediately limits your firshy choices (first fishys, just made that up!)
Large is expensive. It can be very costly to find out the hobby is not for you.

So, hit gumtree! You will need a man with a van, but for me I can get decent mid range starters, around 3ft wide, 18" tall so suitable for young angels for example. These tanks typically cost £1 per litre in size around me second hand, but normally have everything you need to start tropical.

Once you have decided the hobby is for you, get the best you can for the money you can spare, but dont go nuts, you can do this with still being savvy.

 

[iceblueangel]

Thank you all for your advice so far. I have decided to try and get a 55 gallon tank, will be out searching for it the first week in July.  I have been wanting to get a tropical tank for about 30 years ( have never been one to rush into anything 

) so have seen many different types of fish in many different shops over the years and my favourites are guppies, neon tetras and angel fish, oh yes and rams, although I had never seen nor heard of them until last weekend - thought they were lovely! Would these types be OK for a beginner, and would they live alongside each other OK?

 

[BigTuna]

Congrats on the tank shopping.  55 gallons is a good size, that should be a lot of fun.  I have very limited experience with FW tanks, so I am far from an expert.  One of the others can correct me if I am wrong but I believe you will have fine compatability with the fish you listed.  I had a small group of Rams and they were very peaceful with all the other fish.  They were also my favorite fish, as well.  Cheers.

 

[SamB]

Hey & welcome! 55 gallons is the size tank I hope to upgrade to eventually! I just got a 30 gallon in addition to my 20.  I know tetras can be at risk with angels to become snacks. I'm not too sure on the guppies, but probably the guppies too. On the other hand, rams, tetras and guppies could live happily together to my knowledge! I keep my rams with rasboras.