Thinking of getting a small tropical fish tank...

gam3r

gam3r

gam3r

Soldato
Joined
20 Jun 2005
Posts
3,826
Location
London..
Hey guys.

Been toying with the idea of getting a small sized fish tank for some tropical fish(2-3 max)...I've been looking at Betta(Fighting fish) and was wondering how much it might cost me to get everything set up?

Can anyone also recommend me any tanks? How big will the tank need to be for Betta fish?

:)

Edit: oh yea, I know you can't have more than 1 male fighting fish in a tank
 
Last edited:
Hey mate, good to see someone getting into this hobby - very rewarding.

I would recommend perhaps a 10gal bio-orb if you want to get betta. Trick is to make sure filtration flow isn't too strong as they don't like strong current. You can get different varieties (finnage etc).

As you say, more than 1 male isn't a good idea - much more to it but I'd suggest you check out www.fishforums.net - some excellent advice there.
 
I have the Fluval Edge and love it - just wish I had a bigger tank for more fish.

fishtank6.jpg


fishtank7.jpg


Would be perfect for 2-3 small fish - I have an Albino Cory, 3 Danios and planning on getting 2 shrimp/a pleco.
 
Just cycled the aquastart 320 so went out and got a male fighter yesterday.
It's a reasonable starter/small tank (28 litres) doesn't take up much space but a decent shape.
More than enough room for a betta on it's own. Back in the old flat I had it set up in last year we had the betta and 2 aquatic frogs. It worked quite well. :) I believe some frogs can be nasty buggers though...

Can't remember how much I paid for it originally, certainly don't think it was more than £40. Say about £5 for gravel, couple of pounds for generic plant... About £10 for some decorative rocks and a bit of bogwood...
Thermometer, water conditioner, food, these aren't too much either.
Think my heater was about £15.

Just make sure you've given the tank plenty of time to cycle first. I set this one up last month, would usually just leave it a couple weeks but had things to do over the last while so put off buying (currently without a name) fish.

Liking that Fluval! The desk ornament... :D
 
Loving that little desk ornament!

I used to keep Bettas. I had two in small tanks. Very easy to keep and very pretty fish. Only require a small tank with gravel and plants for decoration, a filter with an appropriate water turnover, heater and light. You can usually pick up some semi decent package deals at somewhere like Maidenhead Aquatics.
 
Last edited:
Before adding any fish i would cycle the tank or some/all of your fish will die or get a diseases.

Cycling a tank is basically getting your tank ready to successfully get rid of most of the waste from your fish by creating bacteria within your filter that converts the harmful waste into something less harmful, this can take 4 - 6 weeks and there are many forums out there with detailed guides on how to do it.
 
Hi.

1st - sign up here http://www.tropicalfishforums.co.uk/ I have found the wealth of knowledge very helpful there.

2nd - as for setup I went to my local Pets at Home afair and bought a tank on offer. Its 58 litre and in it I have a few real plants, some black gravel, bog wood and a decent filter and heater. As for fish I have 6 danios and 1 bristle nose pleco. Fish like Danios are excellent beginner fish as they are hardy. Nothing more frustrating than setting up a nice tank and throwing some expensive fish in to find them floating on the surface a few days later. Read the formentioned site regarding tank cycling and just crack on. I find my fish often entertain me more than my TV :D
 
Don't be tempted to go small. Bigger tanks are easier to maintain allow to stock more heavily and are less hassle and obviously look better. Aim for 70l min. (for your first tank, then fill all the spare space in your house with tanks until you finally get bored of it;))
 
I was gonna have my dads tank of him, when i get back. So, once i get my own place ill probably get some tropical fish too.
 
if they are like marine fish start with a bigger tank, then if anything goes wrong with the conditions you wont lose everything in the tank over night and will have more time to try and fix it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom