I'm not even at Newb level yet...

[mgk]

Thanks for the info, is that freshwater? I would prob go with a 55 freshwater, what kind of fish can I get, or what do you all recommend? I would love to have 1,2, maybe 3 "centerpiece" fish, then whatever you all suggest. The tiny guys don't do anything for me really...would love ya'lls favorites

I think its a much better idea to look through a bunch of fish and find ones you like, then find out what you need to keep them, if its not doable for you then look back through the fish and choose another one and look up that one, and so one.

also you may not find you favorite fish the first time, personally I have been through several different types of fish from fresh also all the way to salt.

also I would decide what you want mostly fish, plants, corals etc...

I included corals as I don't believe saltwater to be very hard just expensive. Of course I seen quite a few costly fresh water setup on this site too.

some quite good looking tanks
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saltwater tanks: heres a page with a number of good ones
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/totm.php

or fish

 

[Fat Homer]

^ If i'm not mistaken, I know the owner of the shop that owns the tanks that won 3rd & 6th place in that video... although if i remember correctly he sold off the 6th Place tank to a hotel and restarted the whole aquascape in the shop all over again...

 

[ALTownsend1]

Is there a web database to look at fish and figure out what would work? Or a place with the different prices?

I would definitely be looking for a craigslist find. A guy has a 55 gallon tank with beautiful wood base and top, and a ton of supplies and a really nice light for 350. It comes with a HUGE coral reef but because it sounds like salt water may not be the way to go, I guess I could just sell it or let him keep it for a discount. I'm not saying I'll bight but its nice to see that there are deal, at least it seems like a deal

 

[Columbian Shark Catfish]

1. Fresh vs. Saltwater--What are the pros/cons, whether it be species possibilities, or general upkeep and costs
I have both a freshwater and brackish tank. Brackish is slightly salty, basically a mix between the two. It does involve more work, but not as much as full saltwater.

2. How varying can your fish be? i.e., is it possible to have a good number of different species in a single aquarium?
Alot of community tanks can vary with different types of small fish such as tetras, peaceful, small catfish, and many different fish. Try search "Community aquarium" on youtube.

3. What is a generally good sized aquarium?
Great question. Most people such as my self make the mistake of starting small. Worst idea ever, because trust me, your tank is NEVER to big. I started with a 10 gallon. I quickly moved on to a 26 gallon and then after 2 months I ended up with two 75 gallon tanks. I would start with a 55 or 75. Anything past that starts getting really expensive.

4. What are average monthly costs and what are the general upkeep requirements?
Costs on electricity can vary if you have plants or messy fish which need stronger filters. Plants will need more light, and some lighting fixtures can be expensive. I don't pay too much for electricity.
Water changes are very important for fish keeping. I do about a 25% water change ever week on both tanks.

5. Where do you purchase your:
I get my fish from stores I trust. Chain stores such as Walmart and Petco don't always have the best fish. Alot of the times their fish contain a common stress related disease called "ick". Other than that, I go wherever they have my favorite products for filters, media, heaters etc. Try reading up reviews on different brands and try sticking with one brand that suits your budget.

6. Do fish allow you to vacation? i.e., can I go home for the weekend without coming back to a tank full of dead fish? How do you handle time away?
I know one person that feeds his fish once a week. I personally feed my fish small amounts throughout the day everyday. They do have vacation blocks of foods, but not all fish accept it. When I go on vacation I let my really good friend come in every other day to feed them.

7. How do you transport fish in case of a move?
Never leave the water and fish in the tank. One of the lease stressful ways to transport is get a rubbermaid container and fill it with the water IN THE TANK. You never want to change their waters right away, this can lead to stress related diseases.
Also, most catfish have serrated fins which can get cought it nets. So if you own catfish, always catch them with a bag or a cloth that won't let their fins get caught.
8. Any other advice or opinions?
Invest in a water testing kit. This tests ammonia, pH, nitrate, nitrite, etc. If fish do die, always test the water to see if the levels are off.

9.
I have a 75 gallon brackish tank containing two Columbian Shark Catfish which are personally my favorite fish. They are very hard to keep, so I wouldn't reccomend them as a beginner fish.
I also have a 75 gallon freshwater tank containing small catfish and loaches.

 

[devder1]

Is there a web database to look at fish and figure out what would work? Or a place with the different prices?

I would definitely be looking for a craigslist find. A guy has a 55 gallon tank with beautiful wood base and top, and a ton of supplies and a really nice light for 350. It comes with a HUGE coral reef but because it sounds like salt water may not be the way to go, I guess I could just sell it or let him keep it for a discount. I'm not saying I'll bight but its nice to see that there are deal, at least it seems like a deal

i would look for something freshwater just so that you have the most margin for error as possible

 

[trebor69]

I think you have been given some good answers so I wont rehash

But unless you are constrained by space requirements in the home I would get a 75g not a 55g. I find 55g too narrow for my taste. The 75g is not really all that much bigger it is 6 inches wider(front to back)....but it just seems so much bigger to me and my fish.

just to give you something to check out....google for all male peacock chichlid tanks. There are a ton of different colors.