Aquariums - I know you all must have had one at some point

[BaggedLancer]

Ok, so as a little boy I had a 15 gallon fresh water aquarium with some simple fish.......BORING.


Now that I am a bigger boy I am looking to set up something in the 100-125 gallon range, I realize it is expensive but people on craigslist are giving fish tanks away with equipment and everything so I am going to try and collect parts from different people to get a good setup going.

However, I have NO CLUE what a tank in the 100-125 gallon range needs. My goal is to put in 3-4 red bellied piranha when the tank is complete and has been running for a few weeks for stable water.

I know I need simple things like filter, heater, undergravel filter, lighting, etc, but what sizes and what brands are the best? Last aqaurium I had was 10 years ago atleast.

The piranha eat live fish so I definately need some sort of good gravel filter and probably some type of large algae eater fish that the piranha won't eat.

Any help is appreciated, it's getting lonely around here and i hope the fish can keep some company.

[audiobliss]

it's getting lonely around here and i hope the fish can keep some company.
Wow. That's true desperation.

:rolleyes:

:p

[BaggedLancer]

Wow. That's true desperation.

:rolleyes:

:p


I agree, it is.

[Mike682]

I used to breed Discus in a 30gal tank.

In my experience, AllGlass makes excellent tanks. As for filters, I had a couple. I used a Second Nature wet/dry filter that was excellent for breeding Discus (I don't think they make that filter anymore). I also had a Fluval canister filter that was excellent.

Funny you posted this as I've been thinking about setting up again. It's been a while since I ran a tank..

The pick below is from the internet, but I had a breeding pair just like these:

[BaggedLancer]

The more youtube videos I watch the more I want to increase my number from 3-4 to 7-8 red bellied piranha.

The more the merrier and they make sure they eat all the goldfish rather than letting parts sink to the bottom.

For the larger tanks I am reading that I should use canister filters versus the ones that hang on the side of the tank? That true?

[BaggedLancer]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=AqWzUQ8lp3M

and

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mrtBv11Iwy0

NOT FOR THE WEAK STOMACHED, GOLDFISH LOVERS

[beardog03]

My daughter`s boyfriend has a couple of tanks...

It can be alot of work, but definately worth it


I have been thinking about going saltwater, but that is too much work to start with

100 gal tank should be sweet !!

Post pic`s when you get it up and running

[chillywilly]

I personally use marineland. My fish guy won't even carry Hagan (fluval)

[BaggedLancer]

My daughter`s boyfriend has a couple of tanks...

It can be alot of work, but definately worth it


I have been thinking about going saltwater, but that is too much work to start with

100 gal tank should be sweet !!

Post pic`s when you get it up and running

Nothing will be up and running if i can't figure out what i need.

I keep google searching but come up with stupid personal websites of people feeding their piranhas and such, no detailed facts about whats needed.

[hypertone]

I used to be big into aquariums. I still get the urge to get another one but I don't have the room.

For a 100-125 gallon tank, you'll need 500 watts of heating, and at least 300gph of filtration. Ebo Jager heaters are pretty well regarded. My favorite heater was my Won Pro heat Titanium.

I've always preferred canister filters (Eheim is the best), but the hang on Aquaclear filters are great too. I don't like undergravel because all that gunk collects under the plate and raises nitrates. If I started another tank, I would try a filterless setup, with live plants and a light fish load. I had a small tank set up like that and it was the most trouble free setup I ever had.

3-4 Pirahnas would be a good conservative load for a 100+ gallon tank. Less fish=less maintenance and a healthier tank. You could probably add a large Pleco as a scavenger. I don't know if he'd get eaten, but would fare better than any other algae eater. Provide a good hiding place for him.

If you aren't growing live plants, light doesn't matter, whatever looks nice. Just don't get too powerful a lighting setup or you'll get an algae bloom.

Do a search on "fishless cycling". It's the best way to get a tank ready to support fish.

[BaggedLancer]

I was just reading and they said atleast 265 gph for a filter on 125 gallons. I would assume that the more the filtering the better, especially when your feeding your fish other live fish.

I will look into all those brands you listed. Thanks.

[66chevyIISS]

Definitley a sump setup or a canister filter system for tanks 100+ gallons. GPH is partially dependant on the type of fish and how much current they like. 265 would be a minimum.

I currently have a 135 gal freshwater tank, with a 4 Jack Dempseys (one breeding pair) and a 12" catfish.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g55/66chevyIISS/Fish/Fishtank3.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g55/66chevyIISS/Fish/catfish3.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g55/66chevyIISS/Fish/parents.jpg

[disneyjoe7]

I too wish to jump in with both feet and do a 125+ Salt water tank. But being $$ and time killer I haven't done it yet.

[madmax]

I found the bigger the tank the less the hassle with cleaning. I liked oscars. They get really big and are a very stout fish. Mine liked to play a lot. I could hold a stick above the water and they would jump up and grab onto it. Pretty cool!
madmax

[Polkitup2]

Ditto on the Oscars, they can get huge in the right tank and actually do seem to have a personality.

[McLoki]

Don't do the under gravel filter. (if you decide you have to - go with a reverse flow.)

They appear to work at first, but they just pull all the crap in your tank into your gravel where it will sit there forever.

a canister filter will keep your tank sparkly clean, but you also need something for the biological to work with. I have had good luck with Emperor filters (from marine land). I would run at least two of them . (two per side if they fit) wet/drys work great (if they fit) but you will need a sump \ overflow system for them to be really effective.

fish that eat other fisth are really messy, keep that in mind with whatever filtration you decide on.

Michael

[tom t]

eheim are the best,would go with one of them. i have one still going after 20years

[bobman1235]

So Mark, I thought you wanted to save up money so you could move out of your parents' house, and now you're buying a money pit like an aquarium?

[BaggedLancer]

So Mark, I thought you wanted to save up money so you could move out of your parents' house, and now you're buying a money pit like an aquarium?

I do, but you can get aquariums and equipment for free on craigslist, just gotta know what to look for. Have a look yourself, people give away the tank, stand, filters, heaters, everything, so I'm hoping if i can figure out what i need I can mix and match enough to build a solid aquarium.

My savings right now isn't going to help me get out, it's a matter of graduating and landing myself a nice job. No part time job will even come close to giving me enough money to get outta here and I've been getting along a little better on the home front thus leading my parents to getting my bathroom, closet and hallway re-tiled.

[66chevyIISS]

Also, you need to think about the kind of weight a big tank like that brings. Are you planning on this being upstairs or on a main floor? You need to know which way the framing and joists go. Hate to have it fall through your floor. :D 1 gallon = 8.35 lbs, plus a glass tank weighs a ton, add the rocks and sump that holds extra water. It adds up really fast.

My tank weighs about 1500 pounds with rocks, sump, stand, etc.

[BaggedLancer]

Also, you need to think about the kind of weight a big tank like that brings. Are you planning on this being upstairs or on a main floor? You need to know which way the framing and joists go. Hate to have it fall through your floor. :D 1 gallon = 8.35 lbs, plus a glass tank weighs a ton, add the rocks and sump that holds extra water. It adds up really fast.

My tank weighs about 1500 pounds with rocks, sump, stand, etc.

Basement, concrete slab, I'm safe.

[Demiurge]

I do, but you can get aquariums and equipment for free on craigslist, just gotta know what to look for. Have a look yourself, people give away the tank, stand, filters, heaters, everything, so I'm hoping if i can figure out what i need I can mix and match enough to build a solid aquarium.

My savings right now isn't going to help me get out, it's a matter of graduating and landing myself a nice job. No part time job will even come close to giving me enough money to get outta here and I've been getting along a little better on the home front thus leading my parents to getting my bathroom, closet and hallway re-tiled.

Well, you will likely learn from your mistakes, but any opportunity to help prevent someone from making them is not something I think we should pass up.

Speaking from experience, do not buy an aquarium until you have your own place. When I say your own place, I mean a place you actually own. A place you're going to live in for many years.

They are a pain in the ass to maintain as it is. That said, people do enjoy that pain in the ass, however the pain is compounded when you're renting. It's extremely expensive and just not worth it in the long run.

Please keep in mind that I am speaking in general here. Keeping fish is a great hobby, but it's just one of those hobbies that is best for people who own their own home.

The best thing to do when you're single (not married) and living in apartments/with roommates is to live as light as possible. It's bad enough trying to lug around an HT, let alone trying to move an aquarium (and it's contents), which includes rocks/etc. that are covered with living organisms required to be part of the environment for the various species you have in it to survive.

Having an aquarium is much more than just filling it with water and throwing fish in. In fact, you can't put fish into your aquarium for a long time until the water and environment is ready for it.

Don't do it. :)

[BaggedLancer]

Well, you will likely learn from your mistakes, but any opportunity to help prevent someone from making them is not something I think we should pass up.

Speaking from experience, do not buy an aquarium until you have your own place. When I say your own place, I mean a place you actually own. A place you're going to live in for many years.

They are a pain in the ass to maintain as it is. That said, people do enjoy that pain in the ass, however the pain is compounded when you're renting. It's extremely expensive and just not worth it in the long run.

Please keep in mind that I am speaking in general here. Keeping fish is a great hobby, but it's just one of those hobbies that is best for people who own their own home.

The best thing to do when you're single (not married) and living in apartments/with roommates is to live as light as possible. It's bad enough trying to lug around an HT, let alone trying to move an aquarium (and it's contents), which includes rocks/etc. that are covered with living organisms required to be part of the environment for the various species you have in it to survive.

Having an aquarium is much more than just filling it with water and throwing fish in. In fact, you can't put fish into your aquarium for a long time until the water and environment is ready for it.

Don't do it. :)

Great advice......I've always wanted a dog but the rents would never let it fly......however now they seem to be more willing.....I may try and push the dog thing again since my mom kinda wants one as well. Only issue I see about a dog is who gets it when I move out.

[Demiurge]

Yeah, don't do that either. ;)

If you're feeling 'bored' go out and interact with people!

[BaggedLancer]

Yeah, don't do that either. ;)

If you're feeling 'bored' go out and interact with people!

If I was good at that.......nevermind

[BaggedLancer]

So Saltwater is definately out of the question, when I move it would be just impossible to transport that.

I went to the pet store today for a look around and 100 gallons is much bigger than I anticipated.....I think a 55-75 gallon would be more in my range. Oscars will be the fish of choice...nice garbage disposals as the pet store employee called them today.

[Sherardp]

Definitely go with marineland products, for tanks setups check www.tenecor.com and they can get you setup for a good price. I have 3 red belly piranha in a 90 gal tank. I also had an Oscar and + 1 on the personalities they seem to have when you come up to the tank. I like the piranha for mouse feedings. Thats just awesome. I'll probably add 1 or 2 more since they do more damage in packs. My current fish measure in at 7 inches each.

http://www.extremescience.com/Piranha.htm

[bobman1235]

A guy I work with had a saltwater tank. He moved a few years back, it took us an entire day and a LOT of equipment to get his stuff moved (including pumping his tank into a large container down ina truck and then pumping it back up into his new house).

Tanks just aren't worth the trouble IMO. You really have to be into it for the hobby of actually maintaining the thing, not for looking at pretty fish, wh ich will get old fast with all the maintenance.

[BaggedLancer]

Definitely go with marineland products, for tanks setups check www.tenecor.com and they can get you setup for a good price. I have 3 red belly piranha in a 90 gal tank. I also had an Oscar and + 1 on the personalities they seem to have when you come up to the tank. I like the piranha for mouse feedings. Thats just awesome. I'll probably add 1 or 2 more since they do more damage in packs.

http://www.extremescience.com/Piranha.htm

Cool video on that site. Unfortunately I found out that in the People's Republic of Massachusetts RBP's are illegal. However in every bordering state they are 100% legal, go figure.

Oscar is what I am going to go with. Care level is easy and they have good personalities I hear.

[Demiurge]

Sounds like you already made your decision, eh? :(

[engtaz]

Saltwater aquariums are the way to go. Fish have a lot more color and different fish have different attitudes.

[BaggedLancer]

Sounds like you already made your decision, eh? :(

Yep, sorry on that, i want some fishies. I'm hoping they like 2 channel SDA music cause they are gonna be listening to lots of it.

[BIZILL]

saltwater, hell no. most gorgeous, but most time-consuming and expensive. and i agree with demiurge. but if you decide to go ahead with a tank anyway, get a 30-35 gallon set-up. that, or make sure folks want to keep the 125 gallon when you're gone. i was actively seeking a set-up for 6 months, doing all the research and joined a few forums. i own my own house. but in the end, i opted NOT to do this. my only advice to you is research until your eyes bleed before doing anything at all. it took me 6 months to talk myself outta doing it. glad i did.

and btw, usually the stuff on craigslist is crappy when you see it in person. and no warranty. get what you pay for. if you move to an apt, they may charge you a security fee for having a tank or waterbed. that, or renter's insurance is needed. also, don't go into purchasing a dog or any pet under a 'temporary' mind-set.

[BaggedLancer]

if you move to an apt, they may charge you a security fee for having a tank or waterbed. that, or renter's insurance is needed. also, don't go into purchasing a dog or any pet under a 'temporary' mind-set.

Wouldn't even consider puchasing a pet under a temporary mindset.

Also have no plans to ever rent an apartment, for any reason.

I currently live in an in-law apartment with the parents living in the house. When I move out, it will be into my own house.

[Sherardp]

Saltwater is difficult as all hell to me. The fish are very pretty and colorful however the hobby is very time consuming. Freshwater plus he decided on Oscars should prove very easy. Once you buy the tank, depending on size let your water cycle week to two weeks before adding any fish, from there its pretty much self maintenance. You want to buy a python water cleaner, makes zero mess and is the best thing ever for water changes. I bought mine online through petsmart, check it out https://www.petsolutions.com/Python-No-Spill-Clean-Fill+I94002514+C10251.aspx Your oscars should prove to be very aggressive as they get older, they have a very nice bite, so dont try playing in its mouth as I did, I've been biten by the red bellies too while cleaning the tank. Very painful, felt like a thousand pins were in my finger at once. Oscars will eat goldfish and pellets, I was feeding the Oscars and the RBPs 40 goldfish a week. So make sure you plan for that as well since they grow rather fast.

[BaggedLancer]

So I was telling a friend what I want to do and he said I should just get an aquarium screen saver and be done with it. :eek: :eek:

No need to feed it or take care of it

[auto_pilot]

Cool video on that site. Unfortunately I found out that in the People's Republic of Massachusetts RBP's are illegal. However in every bordering state they are 100% legal, go figure.

Oscar is what I am going to go with. Care level is easy and they have good personalities I hear.

They are aggressive...and will eat all kinds of things...just stick it in the tank and watch...well, that is when they get bigger.

[auto_pilot]

And if you add to your aquarium...you'll need to go with either a docile type fish like catfish...or another type of Cichlid...Oscars are aggressive, and territorial. It will probably kill, or harass, any other fish you put in there, unless that fish is aggressive too...but then you may end up with a duel to the death...or very ugly fish with missing scales, and missing fins.

[66chevyIISS]

Just so you know a 55 gallon is not big enough for two adult Oscars. I speak from experience. I would get 75-90gal. Oscars are an awesome fish and will eat pretty much anything you put in the tank (also know this from experience, but don't ask what I fed them haha) but they can be very messy, poop a lot and will dig up anything you put in the tank lol. If you feed them live fish I recommend doing frequent water changes as it will become very acidic very fast.

Here is my old pair:
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g55/66chevyIISS/Fish/oscars.jpg