kelkat

With limited time, budget, and space, is having a fish tank even reasonable? It's something my husband and I have always wanted, so I'm willing to work to get it. What is the best way to start out? How about buying a used fish tank? Or is it better to just dish out the money to have someone come in and set me up from start to finish?

MsMcClain

Have you thought of using those tanks from Walmart. They look perfect for beginners and they come in a variety of sizes.

Trish

^Yeah, that would be a good idea. Find somewhere that sells tanks for beginners. You may also want to start out slow and just get one fish. Like a Goldfish or Betta. Then work your way up.

Jay

Whoa...that is really good stuff. What is your vision? What would you like to see three months from now, a year, etc.

Jay

kelkat

I'd like to see a wall of sea - but realistically, I'd be happy with color that dances. I was amazed at the coral the vet had in her tank, but I don't have the room for a tank that size.

Then I picture a cut out of the lake - you know, some fake pier bits, maybe some brim.

I haven't quite figured out how to just have my whole house underwater. It's just so soothing.

britnewt3

Ya its possible I get a 200$ from my family and friends and set up a 20 gal. with every thing for 200$ and I got all the fancy stuff. But there is no reason you cant do that alot cheaper with a ten gal. or even a 20. I would look in walmart for the tanks but I hate to say this I love walmart but the ones I've been in with fish the tanks arn't very clean and fish are dead every where. I have compared prices to other stores and it was actually cheaper to buy the fish at other places. But I'd get the equpiment at walmart,

Hope you can get the fish on you budget it's a very nice hobby that can be inexpensive. I know I can get a ten gallon set up for 40$ at walmart, all you need is some fish to put in it. But you would need to wait a week or two first of course.

importracer

SO your budget is $200???Give or take $40, try this....

60g glass---$60-$70
EBo-Jager 200watt heater---$20-$25
AquaClear300---$30
NovAqua De-Chlorinater---$4-$7
Stand---$20---Home Depot cinder blocks...Place a fitted piece of plywood on top of the cinder blocks and place the tank on it....Drape a nice cloth under the tank front, covering the cinder blocks....

Pissed...Try visiting yout local fish shops before deciding on purchasing your stuff at Wal-Mart.....Not only for quality reasons, but it may also save you a whole lot of money....

LyricB

This is all great information, because I'm just starting out too. I'm awfully scared about trying to keep it clean, but my friend assures me that with the right equipment it's no big deal.

fishboy

Yes, and not just equipment but a dedicated owner too
It takes more than just the right equipment to keep a good tank.

ahill3780

I think the biggest decision you need to make is whether you want a freshwater tank, or a saltwater tank as there are differences associated with both.

Being new to the hobby I would strongly discourage you from attempting your hand at keeping corals. Caring for corals takes patience, knowledge of not only the specimen but of the environment it lives as well, and they require the highest level of care and equipment in all of the hobby.

Start modestly, with a fish only tank to get yourself used to the various maintenance practices. If you really want to jump right in and have a beautiful tank then it is going to cost you, because I would have to suggest having someone set the tank up for you, stock it for you, and care for it for you while you learn how to do it for yourself.

Take my advice and start simple. We are here to help you out with any questions or concerns that you may have. Remeber that there are no stupid questions in this hobby, no one is expected to know from the start and there are plenty of people out there who are willing to help and offer advice. Feel free to ask.

Good luck, and I wish you the best in your new endeavor!