Anyone mind helping me with my first setup?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
there are many bottom dwellers fish other than plecos, and you cannot house plecos in a 20 gall tank forever, for a smaller fish check out the The New The End-All Mini tread, it'll give you more options for your selections. Besides, plecos have habits sucking other fishes slime coats, which is BAD.
I also have an empty 20 gall tank that I will use to house some raphael catfish, which is soon. They are a slow growing fish, but will need a larger tank in the future.
 
i would suggest researching more.

and when your ready to set a fish tank. buy a used tank and the other necessity ( new or used)

im sure you can find alot of used tanks in NY

i didnt know where you live

but here is a nice 75 gallon in your budget in albany, ny
http://albany.craigslist.org/for/1528890403.html
 
mm actually for $150 I could build a 300-400 gall tank my self here in my country, plus some tips:D
 
to be honest i started with a 20 gallon once you see how limited youll want to go bigger. on craiglist where i live theres 2 180 gallon tanks with about 3 grand of stuff going for 300. witch im buying this weekend lol
 
Rares;3740813; said:
Well I have $150 for the tank and everything, including the fish, filters, and anything else.
Click to expand...

I totally understand having a budget and wanting a new tank (craigslist many times has hidden treasures, give it a try. Your cash in hand can get you some awesome deals! Also try yard sales.).

Fish keeping is a progressive hobby, you can always upgrade as you get deeper into it. Equipment does not last forever!

A starter 29g that includes everything (except gravel, has heater,filter, light) at my local Walmart was $90, a metal stand at Petco around $30. We are now at $120 (If you have furniture that could serve as a stand then even better) That leaves $30 for the rest. But dont be in a rush to get your all your fish just yet!

Let the tank sit and make sure the temp is right and give time for chlorine to disapate; this will save some money in chemical water conditioners. Now is the biggest thing that will help you and save you the heartache of your hard earned $ going toward fish that will die. Ready...

CYCLE YOUR TANK!

You need to let natural bacteria build up in your tank before you fill it all up with fish. Choose small, cheap, expendable types for this (idea-small danio's). Also you are set on a pleco, no problem find a dwarf variety but guess what DO NOT ADD HIM AT THIS TIME! A new uncycled tank with no algae is no place for a pleco. He will basically starve to death!

The choice of fish is vast for a 29g and it will be much easier to maintain that is why everyone is reccomendind this. They want the hobby to be something you will enjoy for a lifetime.

There will be many hidden expenses with your tank: a gravel vac, food, medicine (hope not)/chemical water conditioners, net, decor/plants, a water test kit (some shops will check it for free), replacing filter media.

Just remember to have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions!

Oh yeah, I forgot to say WELCOME!
 
I would do a fishless cycle. It eliminates the chance of parasite introduction and is completely free, aside from the cost of a few pinches of fish food every day.

Also, all plecos have to be fed in addition to the algae that they may or may not graze on in the tank. Many plecos don't eat algae, and some are omnivorous, and require meaty foods, as well as the typical vegetable fare.
 
Alright, I've been looking around a little bit on Petco and a few other places.Two fish that seem interesting are Tiger Barbs and Panda Corys.

Tiger Barbs seem to be easily maintainable and seem to be interesting to watch.

Corys seem to be a bit more sensitive but also good fish.

It doesn't look like they'd go well together and I'm leaning a bit more towards the Barbs, would you guys recommend getting 5-7 Barbs for my tank?
 
I feel like an idiot but I don't see the edit button so I'm double posting.

I just read the two posts above mine and I guess I don't have to get a Pleco its just it seems like an easy fish that was very neat but have now learned otherwise. I think I may have to get the 20g but if I do, do you think my above post would be a good idea?
 
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/barbsart.htm

Here's an article on them if you'd like to read it.

I think these would be a good choice. They do better in odd numbers, so try to do that... You can mix various types of tiger barbs, as well, and I know there are at least the regular type, an albino type, and a green type.

I think the non-addition of the Pleco is a good idea -- the ones which stay smaller tend to have more exacting needs (in the way of water cleanliness/water chemistry/nutrition) and be more pricey.

As was stated earlier, it doesn't hurt to get the hang of the fishkeeping thing on a smaller tank, as you're doing, and a 20 gallon is certainly better than a 10. I'd look into the 20 Long, rather than the 20 High. More surface area -- better oxygenation. Also, the larger footprint means you'd be able to stock a couple of extra fish, and Barbs are active, quick swimmers, and could use the extra few inches.
 
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