what gal tank for first tank?

[snipes287]

hey, well im new to this whole fish thing...never raised a fish in my life but I think it is now time....so...what size tank do all of you recomend? the biggest I can hold is a standard 75 [acronym:4941453998="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:4941453998]. I would like the tank to be planted enventually...or imediatly...I really don't know. so, I was wondering if someone could help me out as to what tank, filter, heater and all of that stuff.

[redflame56262]

Well in my opinion it would be better to have a bigger tank to start with. You have more space for fish and easier to take care of. But it depends on how much you re willing to spend. It would also be able to start a planted tank as it will help the quality of your water. Hope this helps and if you have anymore questions just post and il try and help you out.

[mentallylost]

I recommend for the first time fish keeper to get the largest tank that they can find in a pre packaged set up, that they have room for. Usually a 55 gallon. You can find these set up's everywhere. Including Wal-Mart!
Buying a pre packaged set up insures that you have all of the necessities to begin with (ie. heater, filter etc.). These are usually on the lower end of the quality scale, but if you find that fish are for you, then you can always upgrade those components later. And if you find that fish keeping is not a hobby for you, then you are not out a lot of money.
I recommend the largest that you can get away wit because too many people start with a 10 gallon and either find that the fish that they have purchased either get to big and you have to buy another tank for them, leading to [acronym:bfa786bd68="Malaysian Trumpet Snails or Multiple Tank Syndrome, depending on context"]MTS[/acronym:bfa786bd68]. Or they find that smaller tanks are harder to maintain and get frustrated to the point of throwing in the hobby.
I am glad to see that you came here to AA to learn a little before running out and getting in over your head.
Welcome to AA!

[zilla870]

Fluval 404 Canister Filter
go with a 55 or 75 gallon
heater i have no info for you
use 2watt per gallon rule for your lights.
if you are going to do plants get a substrate for plants like florite, eco-complete, etc
master test kit now, when you get the kit, put some when in a galloon bucket or container, let it set for 24 hour and test [acronym:b2397da0b7="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:b2397da0b7], [acronym:b2397da0b7="Ammonium"]nh4[/acronym:b2397da0b7] , [acronym:b2397da0b7="Nitrate"]no3[/acronym:b2397da0b7] and [acronym:b2397da0b7="Nitrite"]no2[/acronym:b2397da0b7] and post your finding

[DeFeKt]

Well in my opinion it would be better to have a bigger tank to start with. You have more space for fish and easier to take care of

I agree,
Mainly as u have more room for trial or error
just remember to do things, like chemicals, [acronym:5c844731c4="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:5c844731c4] etc in small doses and work ur way up... until u find the perfect balance for ur individual requirements..
All the best

[zilla870]

dont get strips get the liquid test kit. sorry

[zilla870]

wal-mart kit tank suck, sorrry for language but they do, i am working on changing all my stuff on my 10g walmart kit tank filter, light, heater.

[snipes287]

yea, Im pretty sure im going to get into the aquarium sceene so I might as well spend the pennies now and not have to do it twice. I want good stuff but not really the best you know?

I think my main questions are:
1. What kind of filter? (type, brand)
2. What kind of heater? (brand)
3. what kind of hood and what bulbs?
4. will I need an under rock filter?

[redflame56262]

besides helping your water, a planted tank can help your fish if you ever plan to breed any

[zilla870]

dont get a udner rock filter
get a Fluval 404 Canister Filter about 100+ online at www.drsfostersmith.com
heater depeends on tank size
hood and bulbs go with the 2watts per gallon rule and see if the hold will get you the watts you need. i made that mistake on my 1st 2 tank. not doing that again with my 65g i am getting this friday.