New to the Aquariam game

[HymanKaplan]

My son and I are going to setup a tank this weekend. I have not had one since I was a kid and my Dad did most of the setup.

My question is, I don't know whether to use 'live' plants or not. Plastic seems fine to me but the wife says it's healthier for the fish if I use real ones. How can this be? Do the fish really know the difference?

This could be just another 'fad' in my son's life, God knows, we've been through enough of those, know what I mean?

My point is, I don't wanna drop big bucks if the fish don't give a hoot.

Advice? Suggestions?

 

[esmithiii]

Hyman,

Welcome. What kind of tank is this going to be? What kind of fish? How big a tank do you want? I am assuming it will be salt water.

If it is a fish only tank (no corals) then the set up really depends on the type of fish you want to keep. Live "plants" are not necessary for good fish health. Some fish will want hiding places, etc.

There is a lot to keeping a salt water tank. My recommendation is that you buy a good book, read it cover to cover before putting any fish into the aquarium. You will not be able to (should not) add fish in the first month anyway. A good book will save you tons of cash, and will ensure healthy animals in the long run.

This hobby is amazing! I am addicted. There is so much to learn, and it can be so satisfying. Learn as much as you can in the beginning and it will save you a ton later on.

Give us some more information on the type of tank you want, and some ideas of the types of fish you want. This way we can make some recommendations, and also point you towards some good books.

How old is your son? How willing is he to take ownership in the upkeep of the tank?

Good luck, and again, welcome.

Ernie

 

[Anonymous]

Guppies, Mollies and Swordtails.

 

[Cracker]

I'd seriously consider going freshwater first. The cost is much lower, and your efforts will pay off a little quicker.
Will it be as striking as a reef tank? No. However, if you have a good time in the freshwater hobby, you can always cross over.
Here is a forum that will give you a little insight on the freshwater game.
Aqualink
I'm not telling you not to go reef. However, if you do, please realize it is a long and expensive road to a finished product.
Whitey

 

[Jawbone]

I will give the same advice I just gave to Redfish, Bluefish

With the multitude of books on the market and the information that is on the net, you can succeed with a mini reef of your own. The trick is don’t buy anything until your 100% sure that this is the last one you will every buy... What I mean is don’t "Settle" for this light until you can afford that light or don’t "Settle" for this tank until you can afford that tank. - You know what I mean.
A couple of sights to try are...

http://www.reefs.org (right Here)
http://www.masla.com (good beginner setup instructions)

A couple of books to read are...
Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullock (great book for beginner)
Simplified Reef Keeping by Robert Metelsky (ok if you like the Do it yourself approach to all of your equipment)

My tank philosophies are

1. Read before you start. (This is nothing like sex) There is so much good information out there to help you get it right and feel confident that you did it right the first time.
1. Everything is a placebo. Most products give us a sense of relief, control and superiority when in reality its snake oil just separating you from your money.
2. K.I.S.S. (just an acronym for Keep it simple stupid) don’t complicate your system with useless gadgets and gizmo's
3. Time heals all. Most importantly take it slow. It is not an instant gratification hobby.

Oh and #4. Don’t do a thing I say because these are just what I theorize about this hobby based on what I have experienced... Come up with your own theories (just use a little of this and a little of that)

 

[nin1one7295]

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist is a decent book for beginners.

 

[xKEIGOx]

hemm... fresh water aquatic plant are not bad as well. You'll need some lighting. FL light will do with 4500-6600k will do. err... let's say like 25w/sqft? and ermm.. some pH and KH testkit plus fertilizer. You'll need a canister filter like fulval or eheim and ofcourse a CO2 system. There are many kind of CO2 system now but I think the standard Co2 cyclinder still are the best. :>
oh~ anti chlorine also!

Just need 2 weeks like that to finish cycle your tank. then you'll have some nice fresh water view

 

[HymanKaplan]

Well, to be honest, I'm not sure WHAT direction to take. Given what I've read here tonight it's not as easy as 'setting one up' on a weekend.

What's a good starter size? 150 gallon? Maybe I should just get goldfish, but we kind of wanted a 'showpiece' you know? Something to really admire.

Gotta tell ya though, I don't know squat about biology or chemistry. What's a good reference for setting up a fairly stable low maintenance environment?

 

[Green Lantern]

The Natural Reef Aquarium by John Tullock is a great book to get you started.

 

[Mouse]

OSCARS.......

Get some big mean Oscars and an armour plated Plecostamus.

This guys only a little weaner, but they do get big, nice big though not stupid big. Good for a 150G anyways, and would make an impressive display

[ May 08, 2002: Message edited by: Mouse ]</p>

 

[Anonymous]

Here's a site for information on both salt water and fresh water aquariums. (And brackish ones too)

Wet Web Media

 

[Anonymous]

...

 

[Anonymous]

The money is the biggest difference between the two, in my opinion. If you can afford to go out and get a 150 gallon, I would suggest Malawi cichlids. They are very colorful and a little cheaper than salt. They can make every bit as beautiful a display. Aqualink has a nice freshwater section. If you are set on marine, Here or there has many people with a lot of knowledge that can walk you through the steps. Either path is enjoyable, just depends on what you want.