Newbie here, many questions

Eustachius · 02-27-2010, 06:34 PM

Alright, I've been looking to start up a new hobby, and starting up an aquarium has always been something popping up in my mind. After making a few trips to petsmart to gather information I realized my best bet would be to google it. I stumbled across this website, read a few posts, and decided that my best bet would be to make an account and ask, dare I say, professionals?

My main goal here is to have a freshwater tank of medium size with a healthy ecosystem. I was thinking of having some live plants, 1-2 pieces of 'bamboo,' and one or two bamboo shrimp to keep the tank clean and add some diversity. I was thinking a total of 3-6 fish.

So I've decided I have the room for a tank from 20-29 gallons. Looking at the Top Fin 20/29 gallon tanks w/ hoods (http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...448&lmdn=Price). Now these hoods include the fluorescent light bulb but nothing else. Priced from 59-89. Now is this worth the money or am I better off looking elsewhere for tank/light/filter/heater separately?

I may be looking at this entire endeavor improperly, if you could suggest a guide that can lead me in the proper direction or if one of you wouldn't mind emailing me back and forth as I venture into this would be greatly appreciated. All and all, thank you for reading and in advance for your responses.

Judge · 02-28-2010, 09:28 AM

Welcome Eustachius to FTF. You have come to the right place..lots of friendly knowledgeable folks here about a wide range of topics. So far I think you are on the right track. You are taking the time to research BEFORE doing anything and that is the most important step! Next step, check out our video tutorials and articles. We have tutorials on fishless cycling, which we absolutely support and recommend and there is a great article on that subject called "Cycling for Dummies, written by a Dummy" which is great. We have articles and videos about setting up aquariums, plus you can use the search function on the tool bar to look for specific issues or problems.
My only recommendation at this point is to NOT listen to Petsmart people who are in it for the $$, they will sell you 4 $5.00 to cycle with and a bottle of miracle juice that can magically cycle your tank in 24 hours so you can add more expensive fish!! (just my experience) Be patient, research well, ask questions and ENJOY this great hobby. Some tend to forget, these are pets just like our dogs,cats, snakes...etc.
Again, welcome to FTF I think you are going in the right direction so keep us posted on the progress..maybe a pic or two, swim around get acquainted with some of the great members and friends we have here.

Jay · 02-28-2010, 02:58 PM

Hey Eustachius...welcome to the forum

Quote:

So I've decided I have the room for a tank from 20-29 gallons. Looking at the Top Fin 20/29 gallon tanks w/ hoods (http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...448&lmdn=Price). Now these hoods include the fluorescent light bulb but nothing else. Priced from 59-89. Now is this worth the money or am I better off looking elsewhere for tank/light/filter/heater separately?

Top fin products are about mid-quality as Petsmart is a Walmart of pet supplies. I have tapped on these guys in the store and I think you could do better. If you have a mom and pop store near you I would look for an "all-glass" or "perfecto" as they are clearly better quality.

I think you are on the right track buying components separately...IMO that hood light is just about useless for plants or fish too for that matter .

Hand picking your other components will pay off for you in the long run .

Jay