Do I want an aquarium?

[Matute]

I am not really an Aquarist but I do enjoy seeing other peoples' fishes at their places. The main reason for me not having fish is that it seems all too complicated: water skimmers, pumps, oxigenizers, water temperature... in terms of simplicity a cat would be ideal, only that a cat doesn't provide the soothing relaxation an aquarium does. So I guess I'm here to let you convince me to take the frist step and get an aquarium of my own instead of anoying friends and relatives by sitting in their living rooms all day and emptying their refrigerators!

Any idea where I can start looking for equipment and prices online?

Also, what is a reef aquarium vs a saltwater aquarium, can there be a freshwater reef aquarium?

Help!

[vio]

Also, what is a reef aquarium vs a saltwater aquarium, can there be a freshwater reef aquarium?

Reef aquarium is a salt water aquarium that contains corals that require specialized care and lighting.

saltwater is any marine aquarium. FOWL is fish only with live rock which is pretty self explanatory.

i find a lot of good deals on craigslist and ebay but they are hundreds of online distributors. Salt water aquariums are not for everyone. they require more maintenance than freshwater usually in the form of water changes about twice a month (granted not a reef those require even more maintenance than water changes).


freshwater reef not so much. i guess any structure underwater where fish and other creatures gather can be considered a reef but i have never heard anyone say they have a freshwater reef tank.


if you decide a saltwater tank is what you want do plenty of research and dont skimp. if you buy cheap stuff you will end up paying the difference in deaths of animals and system crashes.

[leebca]

This post is good for beginners to start a marine fish system with live rock. Start up for a reef is similar, but the chemistry control is a higher priority. Read through this post to understand what it takes to get a marine tank going and keeping up with it: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Another concern you should have is why people get out of the hobby. This is a good thread to scan through: Why Quit the Hobby?

I would never try to convince anyone to get into this hobby. It's either something you have a passion to do or not. There is, for all tense and purposes, no profit in it, so it's pretty much just what personally pleases.

[Steve McKay]

So I guess I'm here to let you convince me to take the frist step and get an aquarium of my own instead of anoying friends and relatives by sitting in their living rooms all day and emptying their refrigerators!

If you need to be convinced, you had better do that yourself. Having a aquarium requires dedication, time and money. It's not like a cat that all you have to do is feed it and clean the litter box. Talk to your friends with the aquariums and find out what is required, you might also help them perform tank maintenance and learn at the same time.

[Matute]

Thanks for your replies!

I understand at this point thar Reef and SW aquariums are more difficult to manage than FW, so I guess I would go into FW, but talking with a couple of friends I feel that SW enthusiasts are more into the hobby. I feel I want to have an aquarium because I like them and am the kind of person that does not mind some extra work when doing something i like.

Of course I want to make as easy as i can in order to be more effcient, therefore I take my research seriously. One of the things mentioned is that their are "hundreds of online distributors", I haven't found them yet! I have visited: fosterandsmithaquatics.com, bigalsonline.com, fishpetlove.com, www.marinedepot.com, to name a few, where are the other ones, and if you would be so kind to recommend one, I just want a reliable source for everything I need and then for the future supplies. I feel that local pet stored don't cut it, and i have no local aquarium store close by.

Thanks!

[Steve McKay]

Foster&Smith has everything you need most times they have the cheapest price , they also have all the live stock you could possibly want. If they don't have it or you want to check prices go to Marine Depot. Glad you are taking this seriously, didn't mean to sound like a old grouch.

[reeferguru]

If you need to be conviced to get a saltwater aquarium, then it probably isn't in the cards for you. Though you often find yourself amazed and entertained by your friends tank, it is much different going to watch someone elses tank, not having any of the worries or having to do anything to their tank, than if it were your tank.
Having said this, however, a saltwater aquarium can be an integral part of a persons livelihood offering hours of entertainment, enjoyment, pride and accomplishment. Research, gameplan and weighing of your options should be addressed before delving into a marine biotope!
Trust me, you will want to go slow and do it right without cutting corners for the best success if you do go ahead with a marine aquarium.

[Matute]

From your opinions and others i have decided to go FW this is my starting list:

-go freshwater
-get a 30 to 40 galon tank
-get a filter
-get water conditioner / primer
-get an aerator
-get heater
-get water test kit
-put it close to a sink/water hose
-put it on a sturdy table or stand
-cycle
-get fish food
-get fish: cichlids seem to be a good option [dwarfs are ok for now]

I am inclined to buy everything new, even if it is more expensive, I'm a little affraid of getting defective equipment and becoming a unintended fish killer....

This is how I would like my future fishtank to look like:

Aquariums and Aquarium Supplies , FishPetLove.com ==> see the tubular tank?

A bit fancy and probably very expensive... well I'll just have to get rid of one of my private jets... ;)

A fish tank in a plane... now that's an idea!

Thanks again!

[Steve McKay]

i have decided to go FW this is my starting list:

I think you are being wise to start out with a freshwater aquarium. Good luck.

[Parrothead]

If you need to be convinced, you had better do that yourself. Having a aquarium requires dedication, time and money. It's not like a cat that all you have to do is feed it and clean the litter box. Talk to your friends with the aquariums and find out what is required, you might also help them perform tank maintenance and learn at the same time.

I'm not trying to be harsh here, so please don't take it that way, I've kept freshwater(africian and south american cichlids including breeding pairs of each including discus), fo, fowlr, and currently a reef junkie.

If you need other people to convince you to do this, I personally don't believe this would is a hobby you should jump into, it requires dedication, money, time, and a helluva alot more patience than a cat(I own 2 + a 10 week old puppy).

Be 110% sure before you jump in. If not you are gonna blow alot of money down a hole, and when you try to resell it, you are not gonna get anything close to what you paid for it. JMHO

[Matute]

I am the kind of person that researchs and details all aspects of any project that I intend to pursue, hence me being here...

I have decided to go with a rectangular 30 to 40 gallon tank. I will buy new just because I feel more comfortable like that, do you guys know of any good name brand? I know of Penecort and TruVu because my friends have purchased them before, the rest seem not to care too much...

This being the first step, The next will be to choose the adequate filter. Canisters seem to be much more effcient so I will probably go that way. Any brand names here?

Thanks again for your help and encouragment ...

Oh, by the way check this out:

FishPetLove Jingle : Aquariums and Aquarium Supplies , FishPetLove.com

It's funny how they are trying to cut on advertising expenses!!!

[Steve McKay]

I am the kind of person that researchs and details all aspects of any project that I intend to pursue, hence me being here...

I have decided to go with a rectangular 30 to 40 gallon tank. I will buy new just because I feel more comfortable like that, do you guys know of any good name brand? I know of Penecort and TruVu because my friends have purchased them before, the rest seem not to care too much...

This being the first step, The next will be to choose the adequate filter. Canisters seem to be much more effcient so I will probably go that way. Any brand names here?

Thanks again for your help and encouragment ...

Oh, by the way check this out:

FishPetLove Jingle : Aquariums and Aquarium Supplies , FishPetLove.com

It's funny how they are trying to cut on advertising expenses!!!

Aqueon makes good tanks. You don't use filters as such on reef tanks. The only filter per say is a skimmer, make sure you get a good one. A Remora would work for you just fine on that size tank but you would need a sump unless you bought a hang on model.

[metalhead]

I'm not trying to be harsh here, so please don't take it that way, I've kept freshwater(africian and south american cichlids including breeding pairs of each including discus), fo, fowlr, and currently a reef junkie.

If you need other people to convince you to do this, I personally don't believe this would is a hobby you should jump into, it requires dedication, money, time, and a helluva alot more patience than a cat(I own 2 + a 10 week old puppy).

Be 110% sure before you jump in. If not you are gonna blow alot of money down a hole, and when you try to resell it, you are not gonna get anything close to what you paid for it. JMHO

+1 on all that! Good advice! I also had a lot of freshwater experience before jumping in to saltwater and do think it's a great place to start for several reasons... But just be aware that even a successful freshwater aquarium will still require of you all of the things that Parrot has already pointed out and then some.

That said, it is one of the most interesting and rewarding hobbies in which one can endeavor IMO. My advice would be to make sure you are ready for the commitment at hand and do a lot of research before doing anything, then research some more.

A good place to start may be to decide exactly what types of life you intend to support... Discus, Africans, Angels, Betas, plants etc... Each have specific requirements in regard to water chemistry and habitat.

Most of all good luck!

[Matute]

Thanks again for your suggestions.

I am sure I want to do this, I can't wait to get started, but I still need more research...

I like the aqueon tanks... thank! but i will see what they have at fishpetlove, I called around and FRed at fishipetlove.com told me he can get everything I need and make a packege for me, which is awesome because it will be almost a no brainer, he's gettiong more tanks in so i'll wait ans see i I give him my business. I like to suppport small businesses!

[Matute]

By the way any magazine you could recommend?

Also, fred asked me if a fishpetlove.com 'bar' for my browser would not anoy me, personally it doesn't... any comments?

Thanks!

[Matute]

Hi everyone.

Just an update: I am ready...

Let's see if the credit card doesn't burn!

I'll be buying almost everything within a couple of days, I'll keep you posted!

[berkdog]

People hate walmart for many good reasons, but they do sell cheap tanks and stands (and most equipment for a small-medium sized fresh water tank). I would do more research before impulse buying fish there, and don't assume their employees know what they're talking about if you have any questions ;;