Thinking Of Starting A Tropical Fish Tank

[simon10]

Hey guys...i have been thinking hard and would really like to set up a tropical fish tank, i have only kept coldwater fish before, so i am unsure of the processes of setting up a tropical fish tank. i am thinking of buying a tank roughly about 3feet in length, other things i know i will need:

HEATER
FILTER
LIGHTING
GRAVEL
PLANTS
DECORATIONS

I just wanted to really see what everyone thinks and to see if anyone could give me any ideas or help, thanks

 

[NinjaSmurf]

To be honest, I'd try to figure out what fish you want to keep before deciding anything else. Fish size and numbers will be a huge factor in what size tank you might want, and things like whether you'll want fake plants or real, rocks and/or driftwood, what type of substrate. Depending on what size tank you decide will lead you to what size heater and size/type filter you'd need.

And if you decide you want live plants, you'll need to figure out what kind of lighting you'll need.

 

[Curiosity101]

Personally as a new keeper I'd suggest you go for a full set-up as opposed to putting one together yourself.

3ft is a good size as a starter tank for sure and will allow you to really get a feel for the fish keeping hobby. NinjaSmurf does have a point about picking fish and then picking a tank. But there are so many options with a 3fter that I wouldn't bother doing it that way round.

So if you look online at some aquatic stores and have a look at what types of tanks you like the look of. Then either buy brand new or find one second hand.

Once you've decided on a tank and have one on it's way/going to buy one you need to think about cycling.
You want to check out - Beginners Resource Centre
And read the topics on cycling so you can decide how you want to cycle yours.

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome over to the warm side of things Simon. If you have been keeping cold water fish successfully, all you need to add to go tropical is a heater. For everything else, it works much like a cold water tank. I have been stepping back to the cooler, not cold, side of things by breeding goodeids, which do best without a heater. They can't take the cold like a goldfish would but they do appreciate having the temperature fluctuate with the time of day and the season.