Start with at least 20 gallon tank?

MsMcClain · 06-28-2006, 10:56 AM

I just read that contrary to popular belief, it's easier and better to start with at least a 20 galloon tank. Is this true?

Trish · 07-06-2006, 08:49 PM

Well, I think it just depends on the type of fish/es you are getting, what type of water(fresh or salt), how many fish, etc.

kelkat · 07-07-2006, 06:43 AM

Small house (not a lot of "extra" space), small kids (9, 7, and 7 mths), two cats (one's crazy) and lots of entertaining (approx 30 - 50 people per week - maybe I'm the crazy one.) Money IS an issue.

I was thinking a good freshwater tank with lots of foliage and hardscape would be the way to start.

LadyViper · 07-09-2006, 08:41 PM

I find it just as easy to maintain a 50 gallon tank as it is to maintain even the smallest tank. It does depend on the type of fish you have, and how much time you devote to their care. A lot of fish places can tell you what level of care the fish need. I find that the goldfish family does better in larger tanks, the more water it seems that the nitrites/nitrates/overall PH is better. Maybe it has something to do with the waste to water ratio.

Jay · 07-10-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

I find that the goldfish family does better in larger tanks, the more water it seems that the nitrites/nitrates/overall PH is better. Maybe it has something to do with the waste to water ratio.

Yeah clearly it does! Especially with goldfish which are waste factories. IMO 1 adult goldfish is too big for a 10 gallon

Ten gallons seems manageable but problems come at you so quickly a beginner can easily be overwhelmed or bankrupted by snake-oil purchases to fix this and that.

A nice 29 slows down the action a bit especially for beginners who tend to want too many fish right away and are impatient to have everything look and work right immediately.

Just my .02

Jay

taiarain · 07-11-2006, 01:40 PM

I think it really depends on the number and type of fish.

Taia

kelkat · 07-11-2006, 08:22 PM

I was thinking about staying away from fish to start with and looking at other creatures like crabs and what not. Then I could build up my hardscape and plant life before shelling out the money for fish.

taiarain · 07-12-2006, 09:38 AM

That's a good idea, Kelkat! I actually have this weird desire to convert an aquarium into an herb planter. I think colored rocks could make it pretty.

If only there were a reasonable space near a window...

Taia

britnewt3 · 07-18-2006, 11:12 PM

I got a whole tank set up it was 20 gal and did fresh water. I had no clue what fish to put in it so i looked it up. It was really easy for me.

Fish Head · 07-20-2006, 04:42 AM

My tank is 10 Gallons, its smaller than I would like but space is an issue unfortunately.