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Post by dutchstokie on Jul 25, 2013 6:58:22 GMT
Morning,
Just been given an aquarium yesterday - 1mX75cmX50cm bit of a big un if truth be told.
Ive looked into different brands of pumps, purifiers, heating elements etc. types of plants, different types of substrate, gravel, water treatment products...didnt realise it was so complicated if Im being honest
If anyone has got any tips/advice on what products are reliable, which fish go with which ( Ive been told some a right bastards with other types) and general maintenance it would be greatly appreciated.
Genuine request
Cheers
Dutchstokie
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2013 8:57:39 GMT
tropical freshwater or marine?
if freshwater then go for things like platties to start off with as they're quite robust (and probably the closest looking to the traditional goldfish - but your tank isn't big enough for goldfish really).
you'll need to cycle the tank for a week or so (i.e. add the plants and some biological supplement to get the bacterias going with no fish in it at all) then introduce the fish (hi, i'm a fish pleased to meet you!).
if platties look a bit boring then get half a dozen guppies or tetras in (you can get them in loads of colours so they're quite nice to look at), once one lot are established then you can introduce some others and have a mix and match; guppies, gouramis, platties....avoid having things like mollies or barbs where you have smaller fish or fish with long fins as they can be quite aggressive and nip fins which distresses fish quite a bit.when you go to buy fish you'll probably find that the labels by the tanks will tell you if they're aggressive, can be kept in a community tank (a t ank where there are several species), if they are shoaling fish (in which case you'd need at least 6 of them together rather than just one or two) or if they are fin-nippers and the people there will advise if you tell them what fish you already have.
a plec is a good idea too, they can get quite chunky but generally keep themselves to themselves and just feed off wafers or the bacteria that grow on the tank, ornaments etc. and i'd also invest in an assassin snail too; when you first introduce your plants it's very common to find an infestation of snails occur as they lay their eggs on the plant leaves so quite often aren't noticed and then they hatch when they go into your tank, you can end up with literally hundreds of snails roaming around but 2 assassin snails will clear those up and keep them under control for you.
i used to use tetrafin or nutrafin products and you'll need things like tap water conditioner, biological supplement (for when you first cycle it), food (in most fish shops you can get bags off "Live" food like little shrimps or ice cubes of bloodworms etc. as well as the dried flake stuff, good to give them a variety)and definitely get a water testing kit (with PH, ammonia, nitrates and nitrites).
equipment wise i'd go for fluval pumps (only just over a tenner or so for a tank your size)and the heaters you can get for a tenner or so as well (i'd also get a digital water thermometer to make sure you basically don't cook your fish although lukewarm/tepid is about the right temp...if freshwater then they can survive anywhere between 17 and 25 degrees but aim for about 22-24)
so, once you have everything then slap your gravel in (after rinsing and washing it because of all the dust), put your plants and ornaments in, conditioned water in, turn on heater and pump, put some biological supplement in, leave for a week or so then add your fish! make sure when you clean your tank out (you can get siphones for less than a fiver which makes it quick and easy) that if you do clean any of your ornaments then clean them in the water you're about to chuck away rather than just under a tap and remember to add the tapwater conditioner to the water you're putting back in.
sounds like a right royal pain in the arse but once it's all set up then the hard bit's out the way and you only need to worry about cleaning the tank every now and again then (i used to do it at least once a week and they were more than happy, only takes 15 minutes or so when you get used to doing it but how often will also depend on how many fish you have and their size).
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Post by lordeffinghamhunt on Jul 25, 2013 10:06:32 GMT
I'm a Capricorn
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Post by stokiefromblythe on Jul 25, 2013 18:44:37 GMT
Japanese fighting fish are easy on the eye..and will tolerate all species...:-)
Sent from my GT-I9100P using proboards
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Post by harryburrows on Jul 25, 2013 19:01:43 GMT
I used to keep tropical fish in the 70s used to be a great shop in Fenton where I got all my stuff ,
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2013 20:09:44 GMT
Morning, Just been given an aquarium yesterday - 1mX75cmX50cm bit of a big un if truth be told. Ive looked into different brands of pumps, purifiers, heating elements etc. types of plants, different types of substrate, gravel, water treatment products...didnt realise it was so complicated if Im being honest If anyone has got any tips/advice on what products are reliable, which fish go with which ( Ive been told some a right bastards with other types) and general maintenance it would be greatly appreciated. Genuine request Cheers Dutchstokie Congletonstokie maybe Cheshirestokie is your man... He runs a very good site on this very thing.......he'll talk all day about it mate.....really good lad too Give him a pm I've kept tropical and marine for years....marine being my favourite but haven't kept them for many years now and equipment and techniques have changed enormously If I remember the name of the site ill pass it on
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Post by Potters-Online on Jul 26, 2013 9:45:09 GMT
Morning, Just been given an aquarium yesterday - 1mX75cmX50cm bit of a big un if truth be told. Ive looked into different brands of pumps, purifiers, heating elements etc. types of plants, different types of substrate, gravel, water treatment products...didnt realise it was so complicated if Im being honest If anyone has got any tips/advice on what products are reliable, which fish go with which ( Ive been told some a right bastards with other types) and general maintenance it would be greatly appreciated. Genuine request Cheers Dutchstokie Congletonstokie maybe Cheshirestokie is your man... He runs a very good site on this very thing.......he'll talk all day about it mate.....really good lad too Give him a pm I've kept tropical and marine for years....marine being my favourite but haven't kept them for many years now and equipment and techniques have changed enormously If I remember the name of the site ill pass it on I don't have ocean-wonders any more as I now work in the industry (www.iquaticsonline.co.uk) so it was a bit of a conflict of interests, if I can help with anything DS please feel free to drop me a PM, I am more than happy to try and put you on the right path if I can
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 10:00:59 GMT
I just been to a bar in shanghai and they got jelly fish in there look mega dramatic and with fluorescent lighting with different colours the effect is awesome....
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 11:06:08 GMT
I just been to a bar in shanghai and they got jelly fish in there look mega dramatic and with fluorescent lighting with different colours the effect is awesome.... I love jelly fish....and IceBream
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 11:10:26 GMT
Congletonstokie maybe Cheshirestokie is your man... He runs a very good site on this very thing.......he'll talk all day about it mate.....really good lad too Give him a pm I've kept tropical and marine for years....marine being my favourite but haven't kept them for many years now and equipment and techniques have changed enormously If I remember the name of the site ill pass it on I don't have ocean-wonders any more as I now work in the industry (www.iquaticsonline.co.uk) so it was a bit of a conflict of interests, if I can help with anything DS please feel free to drop me a PM, I am more than happy to try and put you on the right path if I can Told you I was behind the times shawn
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 11:43:18 GMT
I just been to a bar in shanghai and they got jelly fish in there look mega dramatic and with fluorescent lighting with different colours the effect is awesome.... I love jelly fish....and IceBream some of your eating habits are disgusting ...?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 11:49:25 GMT
I love jelly fish....and IceBream some of your eating habits are disgusting ...? mmmmmmmm.......jelly......
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 11:52:48 GMT
some of your eating habits are disgusting ...? mmmmmmmm.......jelly...... Fish flavour jelly !
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Post by Godo on Jul 26, 2013 12:07:37 GMT
As indicated by mickmillslovechild the critical thing is to get the bio cycle going in your tank before adding any fish. Best to suit the fish to your type of water rather than trying to adjust the water. Don't forget to add tap water conditioner to the water that you add from the tap to the tank.
For the type of water we get in Stoke - fairly hard and alkaline - fish like platties and guppy's are best. Neons in general are better in softer, neutral to acid water. Most types of Barbs are generally quite frenetic and do hassle the other tank inhabitants.
Re suggestion of Siamese fighting fish - I would add a note of caution with these - you cannot mix 2 males in the same tank, they do not like tanks with hardly any surface movement and they will fight with co-specifics such as gouramis
As for plecs be careful which one you go for - the most attractive when young that is commonly available - usually known as gibbiceps or sailfin plecs - can grow to over 16" in length!
Don't place the tank in a location where it is in a draft, don't overfeed, don't overstock, do partial water changes every week or so - about 20% of volume of tank - and it should be problem free.
I've got a 250 litre tank with a shoal of boesmani rainbows, some angels, couple of bristlenose catfish and a pair of juruparis and it's very enjoyable to watch and it looks really good.
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Post by dutchstokie on Jul 26, 2013 12:50:53 GMT
As indicated by mickmillslovechild the critical thing is to get the bio cycle going in your tank before adding any fish. Best to suit the fish to your type of water rather than trying to adjust the water. Don't forget to add tap water conditioner to the water that you add from the tap to the tank. For the type of water we get in Stoke - fairly hard and alkaline - fish like platties and guppy's are best. Neons in general are better in softer, neutral to acid water. Most types of Barbs are generally quite frenetic and do hassle the other tank inhabitants. Re suggestion of Siamese fighting fish - I would add a note of caution with these - you cannot mix 2 males in the same tank, they do not like tanks with hardly any surface movement and they will fight with co-specifics such as gouramis As for plecs be careful which one you go for - the most attractive when young that is commonly available - usually known as gibbiceps or sailfin plecs - can grow to over 16" in length! Don't place the tank in a location where it is in a draft, don't overfeed, don't overstock, do partial water changes every week or so - about 20% of volume of tank - and it should be problem free. I've got a 250 litre tank with a shoal of boesmani rainbows, some angels, couple of bristlenose catfish and a pair of juruparis and it's very enjoyable to watch and it looks really good. Cheers for the advice.....and to mickmillslovechild n all. Ive mentioned elsewhere Im gonna get all the kit this weekend and play around with it then chuck a few fish in next week..Stil havent decided though btu some good reccomendations already. The water here in NL is quite soft so I would imagine I need to do the oppo of the hard water you get back home 250 litres????? fuck me you can keep a whale in that! Mines 160 n I thought that was big
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Post by murphthesurf on Jul 26, 2013 15:23:39 GMT
I used to keep tropical fish in the 70s used to be a great shop in Fenton where I got all my stuff , Afternoon, Harry! I think the shop you refer to in Fenton might be Glovers Aquatics? www.gloversaquaticsstoke.co.ukThe last few times I called in they had a fantastic, huge iguana-type lizard - called RITCHIE!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 15:28:58 GMT
I used to keep tropical fish in the 70s used to be a great shop in Fenton where I got all my stuff , Afternoon, Harry! I think the shop you refer to in Fenton might be Glovers Aquatics? www.gloversaquaticsstoke.co.ukThe last few times I called in they had a fantastic, huge iguana-type lizard - called RITCHIE! Hello murph ...where have you been hiding recently ?
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Post by murphthesurf on Jul 26, 2013 15:58:12 GMT
Hi Bisp........ Sitting in the garden, under a cherry tree, in the shade, trying to keep cool, usually with a large G&T or three!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 16:13:48 GMT
Hi Bisp........ Sitting in the garden, under a cherry tree, in the shade, trying to keep cool, usually with a large G&T or three! Only three....?
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Post by murphthesurf on Jul 26, 2013 16:20:42 GMT
Well, to start with!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by murphthesurf on Jul 26, 2013 16:29:26 GMT
As indicated by mickmillslovechild the critical thing is to get the bio cycle going in your tank before adding any fish. Best to suit the fish to your type of water rather than trying to adjust the water. Don't forget to add tap water conditioner to the water that you add from the tap to the tank. Hi Dutchie,Yes, can't stress this enough - getting the bio cycle right first is absolutely crucial. When anyone gets a new indoor aquarium or outdoor pond it's only natural that they want to just fill it with water and then put the fish in straight away - but you have to avoid doing that like the proverbial. Some incredibly knowledgeable people on here who've given you loads of fantastic advice - I take my hat off to them. I wonder if local enthusiasts know about Ripples Waterlife at Bridgemere Garden World….. Huge range of fish and aquatic products - I get all my pond supplies from them, and if you need any help, advice or guidance their staff are out of this world - the best anywhere. Good luck with your aquarium, anyway. •.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸.•´¯`•...¸><(((º>
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Post by harryburrows on Jul 26, 2013 17:13:54 GMT
I used to keep tropical fish in the 70s used to be a great shop in Fenton where I got all my stuff , Afternoon, Harry! I think the shop you refer to in Fenton might be Glovers Aquatics? www.gloversaquaticsstoke.co.ukThe last few times I called in they had a fantastic, huge iguana-type lizard - called RITCHIE! Sounds like it mate
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Post by Clem Fandango on Jul 26, 2013 20:40:02 GMT
As indicated by mickmillslovechild the critical thing is to get the bio cycle going in your tank before adding any fish. Best to suit the fish to your type of water rather than trying to adjust the water. Don't forget to add tap water conditioner to the water that you add from the tap to the tank. Hi Dutchie,Yes, can't stress this enough - getting the bio cycle right first is absolutely crucial. When anyone gets a new indoor aquarium or outdoor pond it's only natural that they want to just fill it with water and then put the fish in straight away - but you have to avoid doing that like the proverbial. Some incredibly knowledgeable people on here who've given you loads of fantastic advice - I take my hat off to them. I wonder if local enthusiasts know about Ripples Waterlife at Bridgemere Garden World….. Huge range of fish and aquatic products - I get all my pond supplies from them, and if you need any help, advice or guidance their staff are out of this world - the best anywhere. Good luck with your aquarium, anyway. •.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸.•´¯`•...¸><(((º> I've got to backup what Godo and Murph have said. Along with saying that the key to it all is to take your time and to research the fish you want or those that catch your eye. Far too many fish are sold to unsuspecting beginners who quickly find themselves overwhelmed with a fish that is unsuitable (mainly tank busters). As Godo say try and match your fish to the local water conditions (ph and hardness). Be careful with the likes of Guppies and Platies as they are know as livebearer fish and breed like crazy meaning you can run out of room very quickly. You can often from good fish shops get guppies or platies which are only one sex. I'm a member of this site and it has an excellent forum with lots of information. linkIt is a great hobby. Enjoy!!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 21:25:46 GMT
Glovers was and is shite Harry
Don't ask for info on marine fish they haven't got a clue
Oak hanger aquatics near alsager , the little one in kidsgrove and the one in congleton are better
On saying that they'd all sell you a piece of shit if they could persuade you
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Post by Mr Wheeze on Jul 26, 2013 21:28:26 GMT
Used to keep tropical fish up until 4 years ago. We always found the best local place was here... a-z aquaticsAmongst many other fish we bought from there we had one of these... and the fucker bit me!
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