New Member - Some Guidance Please

[SlyT]

Hello everybody,

I have been reading up on keeping tropical fish for about 4 or 5 days straight now. I think I have a reasonable understanding of the basics, certainly enough to know that there is a lot to learn!

My main problem is choosing a tank. I'm not rich, however I am not planning on cutting corners on this either. I dont want to buy a tank that I subsequently regret because I should have gone a bit bigger.

My local fish shop has some Aqua One "Amazon" tanks for sale. These are exclusive to the chain of stores, however they appear to be broadly similar to the Aquience range. My wife and I prefer the Bow Front versions but are open to suggestions if there are any reasons not to go for one.

There is a 200Ltr, a 240Ltr and a 300Ltr. The cost of each is £399.98, £474.98 and £529.99 respectivley. If I were to opt for the "classic" flat fronted, the cost would be £319.98, £399.98 and £529.98 respectively.

At 120cms wide, the 300ltr would overshadow our lounge. I can just about fit it in, but I can't help feeling it's a bit too large. The 240ltr is 100cms wide, whilst the 200ltr is 85cms wide.

In terms of "what is the aquarium for?" my wife likes Angels in particular, but we both like discuses and many of the smaller schooling fish. Probably opting for things with a bit of colour, like some coral gourmais. I am considering breeding fish (somewhere down the line) and possibly looking at other "things" to keep in the tank, such as inverts etc. to give the tank another dimension.

I hope I have provided some useful bits about where I might like to be in the future. Although I have read almost every starter / beginner guide I have found, and hunted around a lot, I know enough to know that I don't really know anything yet!

I look forward to conversing with you over the weeks, months and probably years ahead.

Alex (and Mairi!)

 

[rdd1952]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

As a general rule, bigger is better. Larger tanks are more stable and easier to maintain. I'm not familiar with the tanks you mention and pricing in the UK but those prices seem high to me. I bought my 75 gallon tank about 4 years ago for $300 including the wood stand. I would stay away from the "fancy" tanks (bowfronts are fine) for lack of a better word. They are generally more expensive. Just a plain rectngular of bowfront tank is really what you want. Don't need the ones that have built in filtration or lighting that becomes a problem if they fail and you have to try to switch them.

 

[paulbr1]

Hi and Welcome, I am quite new myself here but have learned loads as you probably have also.

I had a small tank and have recently purchased a 260L bow front (Jewel in cycle) after buying the tank I have spotted loads of nearly new ones on Ebay at very good prices, so have a look before you buy.

You have the same idea in fish as I did - Angels and Discus but have read since that they are not good tankmates

I am still looking for campatibles because I don't know which way to go..

Good luck

Paul.

 

[SlyT]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

As a general rule, bigger is better. Larger tanks are more stable and easier to maintain. I'm not familiar with the tanks you mention and pricing in the UK but those prices seem high to me. I bought my 75 gallon tank about 4 years ago for $300 including the wood stand. I would stay away from the "fancy" tanks (bowfronts are fine) for lack of a better word. They are generally more expensive. Just a plain rectngular of bowfront tank is really what you want. Don't need the ones that have built in filtration or lighting that becomes a problem if they fail and you have to try to switch them.

Cheers for the quick reply,

The tank comes with heaters, lights, external filter & media and few other bits including a cabinet stand. All the kit is Aqua One separates so aren't built-in. I can get them to come down on the prices a bit if I buy anything else I need, such as substrate, gravel, backdrop and/or ornaments etc at the same time. Perhaps you are right about the price, but aesthetics will be important as it will be in the lounge. The tank can also be used as a marine tank which I thought would give me options in the future. (Obviously Id need skimmers etc, but the idea that the tank "could" be used seemed a plus).

Looking around online, for the UK I haven’t been able to find anything fantastic, but I might not be looking in the right places. I’ve been to 3 Aquatics centers near me; one of them only sells custom built tanks. I figured this would be an expensive route to go down! Although I use the internet to buy quite a few things, I am nervous about getting a tank online as I am new to the whole thing.

In terms of the difference between the 3 tanks, what would the difference in fish be? i.e. what extra / different fish might I be able to use in the extra capacity?

Ill try and see if I can do some more research on prices. If there are any UKers out there, I would be grateful for any comments / guidance.

A

 

[rdd1952]

Buying tanks on line is usually very expensive because of shipping costs. Acrylic might not be too bad as far as shipping costs but still would probably be high. If the kit includes everything, it certainly makes the price a lot better. Once again, I would go bigger if you have room, especially since you are thinking about angels and discus. The 200l may be too small for angels or discus or t best minimum size. Angels also need a taller tank because of the height of their fins.

 

[-SPB-]

Hi

I've just had a quick look, and found this tank, a Roma 240, which comes with a free cabinet and includes filter. lights etc, seems a good price @ £249.99. Also comes in 3 colours.

http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/roma-240...-light-oak.html

As mentioned above, it's also good to look on ebay but also classified sites such as gumtree, loot etc. Also http/www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk can have some good deals.

I myself picked up a steal a couple of years ago, a Rena Aqualife 300l, about £500 new, i got for £50, complete setup. So keep an eye out as there are always bargains to be had.

 

[SlyT]

I havent yet been able to find anything second hand that is the size we are looking for, or near enough to us.

The LFS has almost convinced us to go for the 300ltr. As everyone on hear says, get the biggest you can. This would be prettymuch the largest tank I can physically fit in the lounge.

The dimensions are 120cm (w) x 45cm (d) x 140cm (h) including the cabinet. The height of the tank itself is approximatley 60-65cm. Rather sadly I took photos of it which I am happy to post if anyone is interested.

What do you guys think - what would you do ?

A

 

[SlyT]

I havent yet been able to find anything second hand that is the size we are looking for, or near enough to us.

The LFS has almost convinced us to go for the 300ltr. As everyone on hear says, get the biggest you can. This would be prettymuch the largest tank I can physically fit in the lounge.

The dimensions are 120cm (w) x 45cm (d) x 140cm (h) including the cabinet. The height of the tank itself is approximatley 60-65cm. Rather sadly I took photos of it which I am happy to post if anyone is interested.

What do you guys think - what would you do ?

A

Here is the tank. Its £529.

Any thoughts / comments ?

A

 

[AdAndrews]

its a nice tank, you said earlier about the tank overshadowing the lounge, for me this has to be taken into account, there is no point having a big tank if you think it looks silly in its place.

i know this would take a while but you could measure up and cut some cardboard to make the basic shape of a tank, and see how that looks.

obviously if you have the room then bigger is better but at the end of the day its up to you. i am going to buy a new tank for my bedroom, i could probably fit a bigger one than i am going to get in,. but i think the biggest would look silly where i want it to go.....

good luck deciding, have you looked at other tanks for sale? the jewel ones are good build quality imo