hubby wants me to be excited

[phishy]

Okay, so here's the thing.... this is my husbands user id. He's been into aquariums for umpteen years. He loves his fish and I really enjoy them too, not nearly as much as he does, but I do really like them. But he wants me to LOVE the hobby and be excited about it as much as him. He thinks that the way for me to do this is by getting my own aquarium... nothing big, just a moderate size tank. He says I would have to figure out what fish I would want, what lights, filters, aquarium decor, etc.... He would guide and help me, but basically I would do it all, both setting up and maintenance. I am willing to try this. But what do you guys think? Do you think this will work?

If you do think this is a good idea, what do you think would be a good start up tank for someone who enjoys several types of fish/aquariums (cichlids, goldfish, planted aquariums), but really has no experience in any of it? Any good advice for me?

Thanks everyone!

[Drumachine09]

I really want to do an african cichlid tank, but that is just my wish. What kind of fish are you into?

[phishy]

Well, that's the thing, I'm really not sure what kind I'm into. I really like goldfish... they're so cute! But I also like cichlids, since there a lot of different kinds... my husband has one tank with a few cichlids.... I don't know exactly what AFRICAN cichlids are compared to other cichlids. I guess I just need to a lot of research and I really don't know where to start. Hoping some of you could help me out. I'm kind of at a loss here. :confused:

[Drumachine09]

Ok, well lets start with the basics. How big is this tank going to me?

[phishy]

My husband suggests between 30-45 gallons.

I've been thinking, and doing some looking around. I'm strongly leaning towards a planted tank with a few smaller sized fish like neons, etc... We have a book about aquarium plants so I'm starting to read up on it.

[cocoa_pleco]

i have a 33g community tank, its really comfortable for room, great size.

[Glasstapper]

Personally, for plants, start out with some hardy low light plants like Java Fern and Java Moss attached to some pieces of decoration and some anubias plants. See how those go, then add on from there.

As for fish, there's tons and tons of small peaceful fish that would just love to be in a 30-45 gallon tank. And your schools could be quite a nice size for that extra "wow!". Just a suggestion here:

for top swimmers:
8 fancy tail guppies (all male-they're prettier and won't give you tons of babies)

for middle:
10 neon tetras
6 plattys or swordtails (all male or female unless you want babies everywhere)

for bottom:
6 corydoras (any of the ones that get around 3 inches)

just an active, hardy, peaceful, and colorful example that could work with double filtration and regular water changes.

[cocoa_pleco]

corys are cool to breed. When I finally got eggs on a plant, I put them in my 20 hex with my dempsey, 10 min later- no eggs. I thought he would leave the eggs alone.

[Chrona]

You could also try cardinal tetras instead of neons. I've had bad luck with the neons (possibly due to inbreeding of my LFS's stock?), but cardinals seem very hardy as long as you acclimate them slowly, since they are more sensitive than most to sudden changes. Plus, they look arguably better and live longer.

[cocoa_pleco]

cardinals are excellent, but ive had good luck with glowlights, never neons.

[Chrona]

cardinals are excellent, but ive had good luck with glowlights, never neons.

Yeah, I've read articles about how the huge demand for them has resulted in mass inbreeding that are making them weaker and weaker. Sad :/

[cocoa_pleco]

At any of my LFS, they stock em by the hundreds, and you can easily spot 20 dead in a tank

[Severus]

At any of my LFS, they stock em by the hundreds, and you can easily spot 20 dead in a tank

That doesnt sound too healthy...
lol

Back to the topic at hand- I would steer away from cichlids if this is your first tank they can be very territorial and unpredictable. Everyone has already mentioned some very good starter fish that you will be pleased with. just try to read as much as you can and obsorb knowledge from your husband. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[phishy]

100gw.... my husband wants to thank you for the shot to his ego. :rolleyes:

Thanks for your input everyone... esp. Glasstapper. That's exactly what I'm thinking about doing.... I've figured out what kind of equipment I need already. Tomorrow I will read up on fertilizer and substrates. I don't think I will go with the neons, but something similar... and I like the idea of having the bigger schools of fish for the "wow" factor.

And guess what? As my husband thought, I'm actually getting excited! thumbs2: I can't wait to figure out what plants I want and then buy them! Live plants are so beautiful... with driftwood and a few rocks... can't beat it!

[Lady Hobbs]

Could be that since hubby always has aquariums and you "haven't gotten into it yet" that possibly fishkeeping just isn't your thing. Not everyone likes football, either. LOL

[Severus]

100gw.... my husband wants to thank you for the shot to his ego. :rolleyes:

haha, whatever i can do to help

[Scuba Guy]

Angels.....once you have them - you'll never go back.