How Did You Learn?

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Dunbar said:
Thanks guys



Yeah I have a 5 and just got a 29. Gonna deck the 29 out (for a 29) since it is going to be in my apartment next year, then when I move back home for the summers once I have that place, I can leave just the tank there and bring my two sunnies home to a bigger tank at home. I am hoping to get a nice tank at home because my dad would be all about that haha.

And how is petco generally? I am considering applying there since I do need a job and the discounts would be nice for misc stuff
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I would suggest you get a job that pays better so you have the means to buy better equipment and other things. Once you get your setup and equipment your not really going to buy much more other then fish food. If you move up to the bigger setups, your not really going to buy much of your equipment from there anyways. The fish keeping hobby is a way to relax, enjoy and/or to take your mind off other things like work, school etc.... If you have to do that at your WORK, you might not enjoy it as much when you get home? I dont know thats just what think after talking to a lfs owner whose shop I visit for a few years now.
 
MikeOway said:
I would suggest you get a job that pays better so you have the means to buy better equipment and other things. Once you get your setup and equipment your not really going to buy much more other then fish food. If you move up to the bigger setups, your not really going to buy much of your equipment from there anyways. The fish keeping hobby is a way to relax, enjoy and/or to take your mind off other things like work, school etc.... If you have to do that at your WORK, you might not enjoy it as much when you get home? I dont know thats just what think after talking to a lfs owner whose shop I visit for a few years now.
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Yeah thats a valid point. If all goes well I should have a pretty nice internship full time for the summer. I really want to build a wild tank with some cold water fish. A little wild brown trout would be very cool. I've always wanted trout
 
As others have said, the best way to learn about fish keeping is to read. Practical experience (trial and error) helps a lot too. Also if possible, join a tropical fish club. Most clubs have monthly meetings with guest lecturers who present programs on all facets of the hobby. Attend fish conventions where you can hear more speakers, meet other fishkeepers and learn some more.
 
I learned the basics from my dad, who as someone has said already is a good way to get a mixture of practical knowledge and old wives tales. I have lurked at forums the past few years, and these past few months have actually started posting since I am wrapping up school and will be getting a job soon.

As for petco, about everything they sell can be had for cheaper online, with the exception of fish which is only true because of shipping costs. Their fish quality vary wildly from store to store. The one in the town I live in I wouldn't take their fish if they paid me. One town over and they have some beautiful, healthy stuff. Funny enough, the guys who work here are morons and will push a sale even if it isn't right for you, but the guy next town over actually talked me out of buying some plants I liked the look of and talked me into cheaper ones that will more likely survive.

Advice I can give is don't pay money for something until you look into it a lot. Time spent reading is informative, entertaining, and cheap. You are much less likely to regret a purchase if you are an informed consumer.

Also, scan craigslist for a while and look for a deal on a tank. My brothers 55g with an obscene amount of accessories was 60 bucks because he didn't jump on the first one he saw.
 
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