Which Tank To Buy?

[Fintastic!]

I've been banging on about buying a Juwel Rio 180 for some time now and I'm thinking of buying it this week, but I'm wondering if there is anything I should know before parting with my hard-earned about that particular model or would another model be better. I currently have a small tank that I've only had a couple of months. Any advice would be appreciated as always!

 

[KittyKat]

Which fish do you want to keep and how many of them? A 4 ft tank (even of the same volume) may allow larger fish or more territorial fish, for example.

 

[lilfishie]

go second hand, much cheaper and you can generally get some real bargins and some near new, i've brought 3 of my tanks 2nd hand, cost me the price it would have for the smallest new that it cost for all 3, with equipment

always worth a look in my opinion

 

[Fintastic!]

I'm not sure Kittykat which fish I want to keep. I'll definately up the cory numbers, I currently have 2 rainbows which I plan on returning to the lfs, I have 3 platys and a molly also. I'd like some kind of feature fish that would be hardy enough but placid with the other fish. I'm finding the rainbows dodgy. Lilfishie, I've been looking around for a secondhand tank but not much luck in or around my area at the moment.

 

[stu40]

It depends on how patient you are.
If it were me i'd hold out for a second hand tank, as suggested.You can find bargains.That way you can spend the money you save on customising if needed (different lighting, external pump etc) or spend the money on more fish

have you tried aquarist classifieds?

 

[Fintastic!]

Yeah you're right Stu, I'm impatient. I've just had a look at your Rio and I'm very impressed!! Well done! I'm just a tad jealous too...

 

[KittyKat]

[…] I'll definately up the cory numbers, I currently have 2 rainbows which I plan on returning to the lfs, I have 3 platys and a molly also. I'd like some kind of feature fish that would be hardy enough but placid with the other fish. I'm finding the rainbows dodgy.

Rainbows dodgy? How do you mean? They're not in a school, so obviously would not be behaving how they should, so keep that in mind before thinking of returning them. Ideally, they should be kept in groups of 10+ of one species, which is possible with all rainbow species I can think of, in a 120 cm tank, but not that great for the larger ones in a 100 cm tank.

With the livebearers in mind, rainbows are quite nice, as would be keyhole cichlids or Bolivian rams (although not compatible with particularly hyper rainbows and I would want a 120 cm tank for both, but then would have a group of 6 of either). You could also always increase the livebearer numbers.. and they will breed.

 

[stu40]

Yeah you're right Stu, I'm impatient. I've just had a look at your Rio and I'm very impressed!! Well done! I'm just a tad jealous too...

Cheers

 

[nathpolo]

for a second hand fish tank it's all about ebay and gumtree about 3 weeks a go i won a Juwel Vision 260 Aquarium for a £165 with external pump, books, heater

 

[Stoty]

just be careful buying used. You could end up with a leaky tank. Always a risk, but if it all works out, it feels good. i bought a 20 gallon with stand for $20. and it is great.

 

[Fintastic!]

Thanks guys. I'll keep looking and suss things out. Kittykat, I just mean they're not suited at the moment. I don't think they're in a suitable environment. Tank too small and there's only two of them. The larger of the two is constantly chasing the others around and following the corys and eating their food. To be fair to them I'll return them. I'm making lots of mistakes but thanks to you guys I'm learning, albeit slowly!

 

[KittyKat]

Kittykat, I just mean they're not suited at the moment. I don't think they're in a suitable environment. Tank too small and there's only two of them. The larger of the two is constantly chasing the others around and following the corys and eating their food. To be fair to them I'll return them.

That's very fair of you..