Starter Advice - For A Total N00B

[phox]

Hi, first post so don't eat me!

I'm looking to start keeping fish, preferably neon tetras as these (or so I am told) will glow under ultraviolet light.

I have absolutely no experience keeping fish, and have read many different things about keeping them.

I would like some advice on a tank etc. I have got a limited budget of around £50~75 for the tank, not including fish or stand. I also need advice on what to do to set the tank up, I know I'm supposed to cycle it several times and let it settle for two weeks, but I'm not really sure what cycling is.

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi there, welcome to the forum
 
It's not neon tetras that glow under UV lights; that's a fish called a 'glofish', which is a genetically modified zebra danio, and not available in the UK. Neon tetras are not the best fish for beginners, tbh, they can be a little delicate. There are plenty of other fish that are a bit tougher.
 
'Cycling' means growing a colony of good bacteria, inside the filter, that will eat the fish's wastes and stop the water becoming toxic. You add a source of ammonia to the tank (fish's wastes are mostly made up of ammonia), before you add any fish, to get those bacteria to grow. We have lots of advice on cycling in the 'Cycle you Tank' sub forum, which you might fish useful
 
Once you've cycled your tank, it's safe to add fish (most fish 'diseases' are really caused by poor water), and most tropical fish are quite easy to look after; keep them fed, but not overfed, and do weekly, partial water changes.
 
If you're on a tight budget, it might be idea to look at second hand set ups. You can often find a bargain (usually along with loads of medicines because the previous owner didn't know about cycling and all the fish got sick and died!). Something in the 60 or 100l size is good for a beginner; gives you plenty of fish to choose from but isn't too daunting.

 

[phox]

Hi there, welcome to the forum
 
It's not neon tetras that glow under UV lights; that's a fish called a 'glofish', which is a genetically modified zebra danio, and not available in the UK. Neon tetras are not the best fish for beginners, tbh, they can be a little delicate. There are plenty of other fish that are a bit tougher.

Knew it was a bad idea to trust pets at home...
So neon tetras don't glow under UV? Could've sworn it was tetras in the aquarium the other day...
Would you recommend guppies?

 

[phox]

Also, found this:

Neon Tetras:
Neon tetras look excellent under the glow of a black light. The shiny blue stripe down their body glows, as does their thin skin, creating a very unique lightshow for the aquarium viewer. Oftentimes, clear substances, such as the body of a neon tetra, create a fluorescent glow under a black light. Because neon tetras are a peaceful fish, you can purchase them in large schools for a truly rewarding black light experience

The fish would only be subjected to the blacklight (UV) for about an hour a day, except Monday and Tuesday, where they would not be under it at all, and alternate weekends. Would this be harmful to them?

 

[rms]

 

Hi there, welcome to the forum

 
It's not neon tetras that glow under UV lights; that's a fish called a 'glofish', which is a genetically modified zebra danio, and not available in the UK. Neon tetras are not the best fish for beginners, tbh, they can be a little delicate. There are plenty of other fish that are a bit tougher.

Knew it was a bad idea to trust pets at home...
So neon tetras don't glow under UV? Could've sworn it was tetras in the aquarium the other day...
Would you recommend guppies?
 

 
Unfortunately many shops will lie bare faced through their teeth. Sounds a bit harsh, but I have experienced it on monumental levels. A total disregard for fish, their environment and the expense of the customer. The pressure of overhead costs, moving stock, lack of training or experience.... IMO the best piece of advise would be to use forums like this one and do some research on the internet. There are some decent shops, but it's a shame that so many are terrible. 
 
To keep costs down you can buy from Ebay. I get most of my stuff from there and you can pick up a decent size tank for £75 in good condition. Some even come with everything you need, but avoid stocked tanks. Go for the biggest tank you can fit in your space as it means any toxins will be spread over a larger amount of water, giving you more time to sort them out. If you cycle your tank without fish then you shouldn't run into any trouble. This is by far the best method, and the cheapest.
 
Maybe concentrate on getting your tank and kit before thinking about stocking. While it's cycling you can research stocking and post on here etc. Maybe buy a decent book on tropical fish as well. 
 
Oh, and welcome to the forum and such an awesome hobby

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hello and welcome

Lots of good advice given already. It's great you are asking for advice and researching before actually buying and setting up anything. Good on you.

As already mentioned, I would say get the biggest tank you can afford and have space for, not really recommended to get anything below 60 litres for beginners, the bigger the better.

Lots of great bargains to be had when looking at second hand, look on the classifieds on this forum, might be something for sale nearby to you, Gumtree and eBay are also places to look for a tank set up. It is a buyer beware when buying second hand, so be sure to ask questions and advice on what to look out for, take your time.

Also when you get your tank, do take into account you'll need to get some substrate/gravel, plants (plastic or live), tank decor so be sure to budget for these as well.

And lastly, doing a Fishless cycle is by far the best, easiest and quickest way of getting you filter and tank ready before adding fish
You will also need a bottle of ammonia and a test kit for this by the way.

If this sounds daunting, it isn't, this is an exciting start to what is a relaxing and rewarding hobby

 

[phox]

I've been offered a couple of tanks for free! One is a fluval edge (46l I think) the other is a 60l, which one should I go for?

 

[fluttermoth]

Get the 60l.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Fluval Edge is a nice looking tank, I have one. However it is quite difficult to maintain due to access on top if tank through a smallish hole. Also at 46l it's not really a tank for a beginner imho and stocking on a tank like this is fairly limited as well.

Go for a more conventional tank and upwards of 60 litres would be much better.

 

[phox]

If I get the edge I get all the accessories, but the 60 may take a while to get...

 

[nortonmad213]

if they are both free, why not get both?

 

[rms]

If it was me I'd stick to one tank as a beginner. It's complicated enough when you're starting out and you'll be suprised at the few £ here and there that are needed to get up and running with only one tank.
 
You can pick up the kit needed for a 60l very cheap second hand. The only thing you should buy new is the filter media, and start your cycle from scratch. Better safe than sorry