I'm getting a fish tank!

[Brian Fein]

Many of you long-timers may remember about 2 years ago I posted a thread on here that I got a small, 1-gallon fish tank and subsequently killed about 7 fish. 

Well, I've decided to increase my genocide to a larger scale.  I have plans to purchase a 29 gallon fish tank in the coming weeks.  I think that, with a real filter, and regular maintenance, I will murder less harmless creatures and be able to enjoy them as pets.

I read a stat that 72% of fish tank owners reported lower stress levels than non-tank-owners.  Sounds good to me!

Any advice from the masses regarding getting an aquarium going?

[bsfins]

Basically the same thing goes for the bigger tank as it does the smaller tank...except you'll get less wild fluctuations in temperature,and your biologicals...

Good luck,some pics of the tanks would be nice once you get it set up....

[Sunstroke]

and subsequently killed about 7 fish. 

Well, I've decided to increase my genocide to a larger scale. 

Opening in 2010...The Brian Fein Petting Zoo.

[Fau Teixeira]

we have a fish

his name is diesel

he's a betta

don't get one of those

he'll kill all the other fish

my fish is badass

yay fish

[BoSoxGrl]

It really all depends on what kind of tank you are using.
I owed a 50 gallon a few years back and really wanted salt water becuase the fish were prettier...however, it is EXTREMELY time consuming.  It is an every day part time job.

So I opted for fresh water and I got african chiclids which come in a lot of colors.  Not as much matinence, but very rewarding.

Advice.  Buy "dirty" fish first (goldfish) and let them muck up the place for a week or so.  This makes teh transition easier for other fish.  Also, but from somewhere with a return policy...it's true, they have them.  If your fish dies within 2 weeks, you bring it in for a new one.  Not worth it for a $1.25 goldfish, but at $40 a whack for a chiclid, definately worth it because you will kill a few before you get it right.  Other then that, half water changes and daily water testing and you should be good! 

Enjoy!!!

[Brian Fein]

DEFINITELY Freshwater, saltwater is too much work.

What about live plants?  I would like to get some live plants in my tank.  Before or after the fish?

[Dave Gray]

When I had a fish tank, I used to get those little mini banana-plants.  They seemed to be pretty resilient.  Also, are you against mixing it up a bit?  I used to have newts and found them to be much more entertaining than fish.  You have to give them space outside of the water, including rocks to crawl on, but they're fun.

[Brian Fein]

No, I'm actually in favor of having wierd crap in the tank, but I want variety.  Like seahorses, shrimp, crawfish, starfish, plecos, etc.  But most of the cool stuff is saltwater.  Can the newts live with the fish in the same tank without eating each other?

[Philly Fin Fan]

we have a fish

his name is diesel

he's a betta

don't get one of those

he'll kill all the other fish

my fish is badass

yay fish

We have one too.

His name is Sea-Dang.

Thats what a betta is called in Thailand.

Get it?

[Dave Gray]

Newts may eat fish....I know that they ate tadpoles.  You'd have to ask the guy at the store.  I think that you might have issue with the water level.  Normally, newt tanks are only half filled with water, and the top half is rocks and stuff for them to get out of the water, but still enough room, so they don't crawl out of the tank.

I mixed it up with frogs and newts together.

[Defense54]

What good is a Phish fan without any Fish!!? 

I had a huge Fish Tank Hobby from my early teens to my first son was born.  Kids and Fish Tanks don't Mix IMO. But I'm looking forward to starting the hobby up again in the near future. (Hint)  Tons of people buy Aquariums just to sell them a short time later because they don't realize how much work can be involved.  Scan Local papers for great deals on used stuff.   

[Pats2006]

Any pic's?

[simeon]

Hey bro make sure when you set up your tank, do not put fish in it for atleast 3 days of the pumps and filters running, then make sure to cycle your tank with hardy fish, this will bring your tank to proper chemical levels. Beta's can live with other fish as I have two of them. good luck with your tank, I like the idea you are including live plants.
Where you are running a decent size tank make sure to ask the pet store what fish are compatible, or if you have a certain type in mind just research on the web. The rule of thumb is one fish per each gallon of water. Do not be afraid of cloudy water, this is a sign you are over feeding, give it a week or two to clear up, don't be afraid of algae either, as a mater of fact controlled algae growth is good for your tank and your fish.
I would not recommend that you place beta's in a 29 gallon tank, as they are mostly loners, and fighters who like small tanks like 3 galloons or less.

[Brian Fein]

Update:

Today I bought myself a tank system.  WOOHOO!



I got a 29-gallon tank.  It supposedly has a Eclipse system, not sure what that means.

Now - questions: Do I need an external water heater?  bubble pump? Anything?  Just not really sure what I need, or even what this comes with...