Befuddled new guy here

**Charles Kelly** · 11-09-2011, 01:01 PM

I'm Charles. I tried the aquarium hobby once upon a time--and like a fool, started with the smallest tank I could get. Major disasster. A lot of guppies died for my stupidity.

Now I'm saving up to start up again after ... seven or eight years. I know what I want in a tank--30 gallons. After that ... I'm not so sure about anything. I'm having a hard time savig money because I can't devise a reliable budget. I've gotten estimates ranging from $600 to $2,000 for a system. So, here I am looking for help.

As for me, personally, I'm using my real name because I think annonimity has brought out the worst in people on the Internet. I can't change that, but I don't have to contribute to it. I'm 50. I own a condo. I live and work in Seal Beach, California. I'm a full-time newspaper man. (Yeah, I know, last of a dying breed.)

Anyway, I'll be posting in the days and weeks ahead in hope of getting help finding my bearings.

Charles

**Aeonflame** · 11-09-2011, 01:04 PM

You've come to the right place Charles. You will find all the information, advice and help you need at the AC.

Trust me, it doesnt cost anything close to 600 to 2000 dollars for a 30 gallon tank. You may want to start by checking out your local craigslist ads for used tanks. There are usually great deals to be found, including equipment.

Welcome to the forum.

**Honey Badger 1** · 11-09-2011, 01:09 PM

Hello and welcome.
Look on Craigslist for a used tank. A couple years ago I bought a used 75 gallon from Craigslist. The total cost of buying the tank and setting it up was less than $300.

**rich311k** · 11-09-2011, 01:17 PM

Welcome to AC! A 30 gallon FW setup will not cost that much money.

**Cliff** · 11-09-2011, 01:25 PM

Welcome to the forum

Your set-up is going to cost you a whole lot less than that.

Even a 30 gallon salt-water set-up could be less.

**Lady Hobbs** · 11-09-2011, 01:35 PM

You can go to Walmart and get a 55 gallon with everything set to go for $159.

**Pamela2Heaven** · 11-09-2011, 01:44 PM

If it cost that much then I wouldn't be in this hobby! I have a 37 gallon (plus two 10 gallon and a 6.5 gallon) I do have quite a bit wrapped up in all of them together - but probably no more than $600 for all of them, that includes everything from gravel - fish - decorations.

**Cecile1** · 11-09-2011, 02:05 PM

Welcome! We all were befuddled at one point or another! As an college student, still actually reads newsprint, so please keep up the tradition! And, as the other folks on here have said, you can get lots of equipment and tanks for great prices on CL, and no need to go expensive, as an college kid- I always seem to be able to get what I need at reasonable cost.

**ladygoodwrench** · 11-09-2011, 02:18 PM

I picked up a 30 gallon tank with gravel, air tubing, and decorations for free from Freecycle.org

**Waterfroggy** · 11-09-2011, 03:37 PM

Hi Charles,
I got my 31 gallon + stand and everything else for $200 on craigslist.

I also killed two guppies and a frog because of stupidity - well, ignorance really. It was terrible.

Now that you've found the forum, you will have all the info you need to succeed! It's great. I spent a month on here researching and learning from others, so good.

The most important purchase, in my opinion, is three API brand test kits - One for Ammonia, one for Nitrite, and one for Nitrate - to be sure you've fully cycled your tank! (The test strips aren't so great in my experience, it's worth the money to buy the kits and it is fun to play with test tubes anyway!)

With those and some patience and lots of time on here, you will do great!

Sara