Jumpin' Into The Fish World Finally!

[mp0033price]

Hey everyone.. I've finally let my 5 year old 'think' I'm getting him a fishtank for Christmas.. Really, I'm getting 'myself' something I've always wanted to, but was too scared to try.. Now I can blaim it on him if I fail... No, I'm really excaited, but nervous. Especially after I've read SOOOOOOO much details.. But I loved Ms. Wiggles post about the cyclying.. Finally think I can understand somewhat.. Okay, here's the deal. The tank is 29 gallons and under our tree wrapped. Now, I'm wanting to wrip that baby out and start the cyclying process, so we can get some fish somewhere in January hopefully.. LOL Maybe! Well, the fish shop chick said 24 hours was all we had to wait.. Now I find out better.. And it makes perfect sense actually... We don't know what fish we want either. All we know is tropical.. I ordered an API test kit. http/cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250527602453&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT Hope it's right! BTW, I'll need help please.. LOL I saw the thing about getting some mature matter off of someone and I think OldMan47 is the closest to me that is still active. How do you obtain that? Ship it? Anyway, any tips are greatly appreciated! My tank is the kit 29 gallon from Wal-Mart. If you think anything in it will disappoint, we'd love to know too. We didn't wanna invest tons right now when we don't know much about the fish world! Thanks in advance.. Fish are lucky to have people like all of you..

 

[Ghost9001]

Everything in the wal-mart starter kit should be OK, except for the filter, it will most likely be a cheap filter that will not work so well in the long run. I would advise getting a bio-wheel filter, one for your size tank will cost around $30 at your lfs. Also have you picked up gravel or any ornaments?? Congrats on entering the fish keeping world, its really fun once you get into it.

 

[mp0033price]

thanks ghost9001.. So far, I've bought no decorations.. I bought 5 5lb bags of blue rock.. Then I found out I need lots more! LOL And now I found out, I might need sand...??? It can be a lil' overwhelming. Thanks for the tip on the filter. Is that something you think I should start off with instead of going through cycleing with my current one?


BTW, I haven't opened the gravel, so I can return if I need to if I decide on sand..

 

[mp0033price]

I'm also wondering if I would be best to start off the tank with water other than my city/tap water that has all the chlorine and chemicals.. I know 29 gallons of water is a lot to transport, but I could get it delivered pretty cheap (my brother in law does this at his job).. So, would spring, distilled (probably not..), or anything be better or quicker?


Also, does anyone mix sand, gravel successfully?

where do you get the pure ammonia if I for sure will need it?

Sorry for so many questions!!!

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome to the forum MP Price.
Let me know where you are located and we can get together to give your new tank a good start. I like to use a filter cleaning to start a clone, because I have done it many times and know what to expect. That also means my media doesn't really need to fit in your filter. Filters are the weak link in the kit that I bought from Wally world. The filter went right onto the shelf and I brought out another that I had on hand. I am into plants these days so I also got some better lights but that would not be essential for a first fish tank. If you have the same water that I have, you can have some of the creamsicle mollies that I have been raising as soon as you are cycled. They are nothing but a breeding experiment to me but they are looking OK. This is them at 3 months old. I don't have recent pictures, they are like kids that way, Lots of pictures when young and then it slows down.

 

[mp0033price]

thanks OM47! The thing is, you're the closest.. But not close! LOL I'm in eastern KY.. I didn't know if you could ship things to help get newbies started off right or not! I do love the youngsters you have there though! And thanks for all the information.. I want to get into plants as well as soon as I get confident enough.

 

[waterdrop]

How far east in eastern Ken., what city? WD

 

[Gr44]

You could always get the filter and put it in a bucket of water... turn it on and add ammonia. At least that way you're starting the process, obviously it won't ever finish until you get it in the tank and add the correct amount of ammonia etc but it takes a good week or 2 just to get the bacteria to start forming, let alone any thing else!!

Make sure you put a heater in as well though - set it to ~28-29*C

Then your boy still has something to open... he won't notice it doesn't have a filter or heater in it!!

 

[waterdrop]

Absolutely agree with Gr44, well said. WD

 

[mp0033price]

Wow.. Thanks Grr for the tip! I never thought of that... It would start the process and I wouldn't feel like I was wasting time..

WD~~~ I'm in Paintsville. Got any suggestions? The LFS have offered me mature tank water and that's as far as they will go. I have a little tank at work that has one little orange fish (have no idea if it's a gold fish or what) and an algae eater.. It's been up and running for a long time. I have no idea what kind of filter, etc is on it but I have access to it.. It's maybe 5 or 10 gallon. It was a kit tank. Would anything from it help me and not hurt it?

 

[OldMan47]

Why not help them out at work and clean the filter for them while doing a water change. Make this difference though, take the filter cleaning water home in the bucket and dump it where your new filter will pick it up quickly. That may be all of the jump start you need to get that new filter cycled quickly. The filter cleaning will disturb the biofilm no matter how careful you are, and the bacteria will live long enough for you to drive home and get that new filter started.

 

[drobbyb]

Going back to the filter, I recommend an aquaclear filter for a few reasons: Firstly, they are very versatile with all the media options available for them and the media is easily located at better LFS. Secondly, they are very reliable and use very little power making them a great choice for the thrifty fishkeeper (I've had one last for more than 5 years.) Lastly, they aren't the most expensive filter on the market, but that doesn't mean they skimp on the quality.

I have had both the aquaclear and the bio-wheel filters and of the two, in my opinion, the aquaclear wins every time.

 

[mp0033price]

okay.. So, I'm going to try to clean the filter at work as you suggested. I've never fooled with it, so this is what I'm doing, right? Taking a clean bucket, water conditioner, and a few empty clean (probably distilled) gallon water jugs. Then take out about 3/4 of the tank water into my bucket.. Take out whatever is in the filter (sponge, cartridge or whatever it is.. ); rinsing this thing or rubbing off whatever is growing on it into this bucket of tank water.. Put the filter back in the tank. Poor the water from the bucket into my gallon jugs and put the lids on to bring back home with me.. Then put tap water in my bucket, add water conditioner to that and then put back into tank.. Is this correct? I'm really confused.


Do I need to still add ammonia to this water at all? I've been looking at discus online and really love them. I'm thinking seriously about exchanging the 29 gallon kit for the 55 so I can have those someday. So I haven't put the filter in a bucket or anything yet til I make up my mind... What do you all think? What else do I need to buy? Hope it's not too pricey!

So far.... A new filter, Sometype of air pump I think, gravel vac I think, algae magnet I think, ammonia, and someday~~~F-I-S-H!!!

 

[drobbyb]

Here's a link for pricing on the AC filters in the US. Not too pricey and worth every penny.

 

[mp0033price]

Robby~ Is this the filter you are speaking of? I'm thinking about getting the 70 gallon so if I do end up getting the 55 gallon, it will still be very efficient. I think $47 sounds very reasonable with the free shipping. What's everybody think?

http/www.petco.com/product/4051/AquaClear-Aquarium-Power-Filters.aspx