We bought an aquarium recently and we are now keeping about 40 tropical fish and some snails in a 106 litre tank with some plants. It has been quite a learning curve for me. It is not just about putting water and a heater in and "Bob's Your Uncle". It took about 5 weeks for the water to get the right nitrates/nitrites and we now have quite a few varieties of fish and it is very pleasing to have in the living room, especially with the kids watching them too. We chose tropical after some advice telling us to make our mistakes with tropical (not salt water) fish and not marine (salt water) fish. I did not know that tropical was not salt water for example. Anyone else have an aquarium?
It is not massive by any means 36" x 12" x 18" It is surprising how much water goes into these things, Timmers.
Another thing I find with fish tanks is that I find them highly decorative and colourful, it enhances a room.
I'm thinking about getting one on our return to the UK. Only ever had 2 fish, both died within 2 weks!!! I suppose you have to make sure you get fish that get on otherwise you'll end up with just one big fish!!
I used to keep marine fish in the UK and had my tank for around 8 years. Very expensive hobby there! Now that we live in the Philippines I will be building a marine tank about 100 meters from the sea so I can stock it with local reef fish and invertebrates and not have to worry about buying expensive product such as reef salt!. A few tips for a new tank setup.. Start off with just one or two guppies for the first month or two whilst the bio system in your tank begins to mature. Try not to give into temptation and add more than one fish per month until your tank has reached a capacity that is sustainable for the biological filters and tank size you have employed. Always seek out the most knowledgeable staff in the aquarium shop and ask them about which fish are compatible with the ones you already have. Get that wrong and expect your tank to turn into the UFC Octogon overnight! The fish waste produces Ammonia which is converted to Nitrite but in a well bio balanced and not over stocked tank its not a problem as the good bacteria in your filter will convert them to Nitrate which is less harmful.. Higher nitrate levels can become harmful to fish and thats why you need to do a 15/20% water change once a week. Dont overfeed as wasted or rotten food will further strain your your little eco system. Good luck!
The 3 places I have been buying fish from all highlight whether the fish are "good community fish", "fin nippers" or "aggressive". I have only bought "good community fish". I have had a few that are lying on the bottom of the tank (not at the same time) and I am not sure whether they were old, too stressed or had a disease. Water temperature has been spot on, water quality good and bubbles at both ends. Fish are great to watch.
Thanks for that, Bootsonground. I don't really know how much food to add though. I have about 40 fish in there. I think my wife over-feeds them. Must be great to live so close to the sea in Phils.
ive kept fish for 46 years. for 10 years (till retirement ) i worked in an aquatics center. i agree almost totally with what BotG has said--except for the guppies ! most guppies offered in fish shops are somewhat fragile--they are line bred--and often very beautiful--but not as hardy as "mongrels" that breed in fish keepers home tanks. there are other fish that are more hardy. TBH shark--i think you probably have too many fish in your tank---but if you can list on here the types and quantities i might be able to offer advise--if you want it.
relaxing--ha ha ha ha. in my experience its just about the most stressful nerve-wracking hobby you could ever have.
It is wonderful to see all the fish but a bit sad when one is lying on the bottom. We had one on the bottom and then it was gone overnight. Maybe the snails ate it?
