Another returner!

[Cheekyfella]

Hello everyone,

I'm another returner to the fish keeping world, I've been out of it for almost 20 years now!
I've always wanted to get back in to it but have moved around too much to enable me to start up again.
I've now settled in Luxembourg and have the opportunity to get set up. I've just ordered a Juwel Rio 240 tank and can't wait to get my grubby little hands on it.

I've been scouring the web for hints and tips on how things work these days with filtration and cycling etc, I'm still a bit baffled with the filtration part and the media required but I'll get my head around it for the set up.

I'd like to have living plants too and see a lot of references to using CO2 to enhance the growth, is that really necessary? if so then how do I go about setting this up? I will of course browse the forums for the info I need and it's already obvious to me that you're a nice helpful bunch on here and I look forward to reading up on all the info you guys have already posted to other newbies or returners.

Cheers
Mark

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Welcome Mark...or Cheekyfella,


I got back into fishkeeping when my son wanted a pet, and a furry one was out of the question at that time. That was about 9 years ago. Anyway, the basics haven't changed from when I was a kid. Keep your water clean... and the fish will thrive.

We have a really helpful article regarding the fishless cycle:
http://www.fishforums.net/threads/cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first.421488/


Ultimately, the answer to the CO2 question depends on the plants you plan to keep. Keeping plants, as with just about anything else, is all about the balance. Light, nutrients, CO2, and the plants.


If you keep the plants on the low-light end of the spectrum, they will have far fewer requirements for nutrients and CO2. If you need help with finding 'low fuss' plants, take a look through the planted section, and feel free to start a new thread and I'm sure some folks will make their way in there to discuss it with you in detail.

 

[Cheekyfella]

Thanks for the welcome and info eaglesaquarium. I will be sure to follow your advice and search through the relevant forums for what I need. I like the idea of 'low fuss' plants so will check that option out.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

One other element to note... check into your water parameters before making a stocking plan. And find fish that fit your water conditions, rather than trying to fix the water to match the fish's needs.

 

[Cheekyfella]

I live in a very hard water area but have installed a water softener which works fantastically. I do have the ability to take from the pre-softened source if that will make a difference? But yes, I will note the water conditions. I'm not looking to specialise in any type of fish, just a nice peaceful community tanks with tetras, plecs, gouramis, barbs, danios etc.