Small Aquarium Choice ...

[nckate]

Hi. I'm setting up my first tank, and there are some financial (and space!) constrictions, so I wanted to ask here first.

The ones I'm considering:

5 Gallon Eclipse Hex
6 Gallon Eclipse
12 Gallon Eclipse
10 gallon generic one (from PetSmart, though I'm not going to buy the fish there!)

I don't want anything fancy or elaborate -- those will come later, I'm sure. Also what extras do I need? My fiance says test kits really aren't necessary (he's kept fish for years and raised koi for sale,) and that it's fine just to put my first fish in there without cycling, but I have my doubts.

Is there a cheaper place to buy this stuff than PetSmart? If I get the 5 gallon hex, I'm looking at 45 for the aquarium and probably another 50 for the heater, gravel, accessories ... that's before the plants and fish. This is not a cheap hobby, is it?

*headdesk*

 

[AndyDrew]

Hello

have u not looked at your local freecycle or loot or even on ebay ??

Andy

 

[barb-e]

You should definetly cycle, preferably using the fishless cycle method (research it). In my opinion Petsmart has pretty good deals. But sometimes local pet stores have combos you can get the filter, heater, etc. for a resonable price. Find some fish stores in your area and shop around. You might even be able to bargain for a lower price (I said MIGHT).

 

[mark.w.jones]

If you want a reasonably interesting community tank I would say bare minimum is 10 UK gallons. 20 is the best size for a small beginner tank in my opinion. Anything less than 10 gal UK and you are seriously limited in what fish you can stock.

 

[vinylman]

You could do worse than the Aquacube; made in two sizes, 32 & 40 litres. They look fabulous with either cold or freshwater fish. Comes complete with light and filter. I'm very tempted to set one up and just use it as a coldwater with a dozen whiteclouds and plenty of plants.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

what are you wanting the tank for? community, single specimen, any particular fish?? cos that will all affect the tank you need

 

[Breeze7050]

NC - you may think about checking WalMart, they usually run the whole tank/filter/heater all in one box for pretty cheap. it's a starter kit. It will at least get you the basics. Generally speaking the bigger the tank, the better. Easier to get and keep your water levels at the correct numbers. Of course, with out a test kit, you would'nt know what those numbers were! So, I would highly recommend a test kit!
Also, you can check craigslist.com for used tanks, they usually sell on there for a pretty good price, if you keep your eyes open!
also, it is best to run a fishless cycle before adding any fish to the tank. That's what nearly everyone on the boards will say. Check the stickied/pinned topics for more info on a fishless cycle.
Best of luck!

 

[Irf]

You've had good advice already.... carry out fishless cycling and let your fish choices define your tank size. Read the pinned article on fishless cycling for details of how to do this. It's easy, and a better and more rewarding way to kick off the hobby.

And you must get a test kit. Even a small one will be fine, but get one.

Irf.