What Size Tank ?

[Yuki Rihwa]

IMO, mistakes usually forgiven with big tank and less frustration to deal with large volume of water rather than small volume water and the result of a mistake will take toll right away in small tank if not instantly and it'd lead to frustration then quit. Another thing is this hobby is not a cheap hobby for long run, you will need a schedule and commit yourself doing that for years to come, research...research and more research then think ahead about the maintaining schedule you will need to do per week.

 

[jclyde13]

I'm going to be a bit of an outlier here and say 40 breeder. They're very inexpensive (you can buy one for $40 at Petco during their $1 per gallon sale), they're big enough for a wide range of species, and they'll give you a lot of options for aquascaping. Plus, if you end up losing interest in the hobby at some point, it will be a lot less of a headache to move it.

 

[millerkid519]

I'm going to be a bit of an outlier here and say 40 breeder. They're very inexpensive (you can buy one for $40 at Petco during their $1 per gallon sale), they're big enough for a wide range of species, and they'll give you a lot of options for aquascaping. Plus, if you end up losing interest in the hobby at some point, it will be a lot less of a headache to move it.

If he ends up like any of us it does not stop at one tank or one size. We go threw the loop from an inexpensive tank to 15-20 and back to one or two with what he really wants. On a serious note if you are dipping your toes in and do not want to spend a lot of money 40b can be a good inexpensive choice. I would throw 2 aquaclear hob filters on it. That will cost more then the tank tho

 

[jclyde13]

If he ends up like any of us it does not stop at one tank or one size. We go threw the loop from an inexpensive tank to 15-20 and back to one or two with what he really wants. On a serious note if you are dipping your toes in and do not want to spend a lot of money 40b can be a good inexpensive choice. I would throw 2 aquaclear hob filters on it. That will cost more then the tank tho

I think most people end up with at least one 40b running at any given time, though. It's a great tank size for a lot of different purposes, even if you also have larger tanks set up.

 

[Alexxxxsv14]

75gal or 90gal

 

[Skalper666]

I agree the 75g is a good size.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I vote a 220 and then put one neon tetra in it. You will only have to change the water once a year, if that. Lol

Realistically, if I were you I would research around and find a fish you really like, and will be happy with for a long time. Basically, pick out your favorite fish, and then buy a tank that will house it.

Also, I can't stress enough how important I think it is to put some good thought into your water changes and buy the equipment you need to make them easier and quicker. This is probably the best thing you can do to keep from losing interest in the hobby.

 

[ragin_cajun]

I'm gonna assume if OP is posting on a site called "MONSTER fish keepers", he's interested in the big fish.

Start with a 180 -- 6X2x2. Look around your house now to see where you're gonna put the 450. You want it close to a water source, and on an outside wall of the house--for the drip system.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I'm gonna assume if OP is posting on a site called "MONSTER fish keepers", he's interested in the big fish.

Start with a 180 -- 6X2x2. Look around your house now to see where you're gonna put the 450. You want it close to a water source, and on an outside wall of the house--for the drip system.

This is why I think he needs to find his favorite fish first. When I got back into keeping fish (first time doing it seriously though) I came across the fire eel. It was so awesome looking to me and I wanted to get one. However, I looked up their size and knew I obviously couldn't keep one in my 29 gallon tank. It didn't stop me from constantly looking up more info about them and checking them out every time I went to the LFS. Basically, even though I went with different fish for my tank, they just didn't have my interest over the fire eels that I didn't have. I didn't keep up with water changes, didn't care to watch them, basically didn't care much for them other than feeding them. Eventually, I gave in to my obsession with them and had a talk with my wife about getting a bigger tank or getting rid of my fish altogether. After some convincing, she agreed and we set a budget that we were comfortable with taking out of savings (which I have blown) and I started my search for a larger tank.

My basic point is that if you don't end up going with your favorite fish at first, it will probably disrupt your interest with the fish that you get instead.

If your favorite fish needs a 500 gallon tank, and you can afford the setup, then I think you should go for that. If you really fancy bettas, then go with a 5-10 gallon tank. Just do your research and decide from there. If your favorite fish requires bigger/more thank you can afford, maybe rethink getting a tank at all, or try to lengthen your timeline to allow you to save up more for it.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck.

 

[Skalper666]

I don't recommend anyone "new" to any hobby going out and buying anything to extreme. Especially if you are not sure what fish you even like yet. You never know it may not be your cup of tea.