Mystery revealed! - Aquarium Advice

middlechild · 06-16-2008, 09:36 AM

The mystery of who Middlechild is, that is.

A family from NH, with an interest in building a lasting aquarium. We don't do anything just a little, we dive in and strive to exceed expectations. Yes, slightly competitive.

We are working on building a 45g aquarium. In the past we have had several small setups, the almost required beta in a 5g bow front. When the beta passed on, we looked to put in tetras or others, but could not find a heater. So the 5g (or was it 2.5?) is outta here. Moving onto bigger things.

We have a 10g in place now as of sunday 6/15/08 with four fish of unknown types. We did not cycle first, as outlined in this forum, but due to strictly to circumstances and poor decisions on our part and does not reflect on the information within this forum. The 10g will become a learning tool, as we figure out the measurements, test kits, water changes, etc all to be used on the larger 45g which is a work in progress.

The 45g hopes to be up by the end of July 08, depends on many different factors and we are not tied to that date. Love to do the job right, with live plants, and a school of fish. Of course, this three objectives alone suggest end of July is overly optimistic without gobs of money, so we are open to change.

Looking into this forum to tap existing knowledge, to learn about this hobby. Keeping fish alive for long term, and a vibrant soothing aquarium!

neilanh · 06-16-2008, 09:47 AM

Welcome to AA!

**roka64** · 06-16-2008, 09:51 AM

Welcome to the site! Are you thinking FW or SW?

middlechild · 06-16-2008, 10:46 AM

Our goal is freshwater at this point. We have not considered saltwater, is it easier? With the 45g tank should be a pretty good setup if we take our time and learn from this site. We welcome any advice however. As an offspring of an engineer, we diligently explore any options before starting out. The 10g mentioned earlier was definitely an accident, not typical at all to start out with something on day 1.

Thanks for the welcome!

**roka64** · 06-16-2008, 12:09 PM

I couldn't tell you about FW, as I went straight for SW. I imagine they are kinda similar, the initial cost for starting a SW tank can be a little on the high side, but the monthly maint isn't much at all.

meegosh · 06-16-2008, 12:17 PM

I went for a freshwater setup in my both my tanks after doing some research and pricing. roka64 is right, the initial costs to get a SW tank setup are rather high, compared to a freshwater setup. Depending on the setup of your FW tank, you can spend quite a bit if you want to keep live plants. You will need a lot better lighting than the stock lights that come with most kits.

It really depends on what you want to keep in the tank, fish and plants. Good luck and welcome to the site!

**melosu58** · 06-16-2008, 12:46 PM

Welcome to AA

cmor1701d · 06-16-2008, 02:17 PM

**Ziggy953** · 06-16-2008, 02:31 PM

Welcome to AA!

**Zagz** · 06-16-2008, 04:44 PM

Welcome to AA! FW is a great aspect of the hobby with endless possibilities. You can go planted, or not. I'd recommend checking out the planted tank forum and aquascaping. It is addicting though, don't say I haven't warned you.

06-16-2008, 09:36 AM	#1
middlechild Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH, USA Posts: 43	Mystery revealed! The mystery of who Middlechild is, that is. A family from NH, with an interest in building a lasting aquarium. We don't do anything just a little, we dive in and strive to exceed expectations. Yes, slightly competitive. We are working on building a 45g aquarium. In the past we have had several small setups, the almost required beta in a 5g bow front. When the beta passed on, we looked to put in tetras or others, but could not find a heater. So the 5g (or was it 2.5?) is outta here. Moving onto bigger things. We have a 10g in place now as of sunday 6/15/08 with four fish of unknown types. We did not cycle first, as outlined in this forum, but due to strictly to circumstances and poor decisions on our part and does not reflect on the information within this forum. The 10g will become a learning tool, as we figure out the measurements, test kits, water changes, etc all to be used on the larger 45g which is a work in progress. The 45g hopes to be up by the end of July 08, depends on many different factors and we are not tied to that date. Love to do the job right, with live plants, and a school of fish. Of course, this three objectives alone suggest end of July is overly optimistic without gobs of money, so we are open to change. Looking into this forum to tap existing knowledge, to learn about this hobby. Keeping fish alive for long term, and a vibrant soothing aquarium!

06-16-2008, 09:47 AM	#2
neilanh MTS Advocate Community Mentor Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,792 Images: 15	Welcome to AA! __________________ ~Neilan In the DC Metro Area? Check out GWAPA Look, I have a My Info Page! Where's yours? Useful Links: Vote for AA, Nitrogen Cycle, Fishless Cycling, Articles, Acronym List

06-16-2008, 09:51 AM	#3
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,044 Images: 12	Welcome to the site! Are you thinking FW or SW? __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

06-16-2008, 12:09 PM	#5
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,044 Images: 12	I couldn't tell you about FW, as I went straight for SW. I imagine they are kinda similar, the initial cost for starting a SW tank can be a little on the high side, but the monthly maint isn't much at all. __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

06-16-2008, 12:17 PM	#6
meegosh Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 363 Images: 2	I went for a freshwater setup in my both my tanks after doing some research and pricing. roka64 is right, the initial costs to get a SW tank setup are rather high, compared to a freshwater setup. Depending on the setup of your FW tank, you can spend quite a bit if you want to keep live plants. You will need a lot better lighting than the stock lights that come with most kits. It really depends on what you want to keep in the tank, fish and plants. Good luck and welcome to the site! __________________ 10g - 1 Male & 2 Female Guppies & 10+ Fry, Tons of Ghost Shrimp Plants: Java Moss & Amazon Swords 30g Long - 6 Neons, 5 Diamonds, 4 Peppered & 2 Albino Corys, 2 GBRs, 1 Upside-down Catfish

06-16-2008, 10:46 AM	#4
middlechild Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH, USA Posts: 43	Our goal is freshwater at this point. We have not considered saltwater, is it easier? With the 45g tank should be a pretty good setup if we take our time and learn from this site. We welcome any advice however. As an offspring of an engineer, we diligently explore any options before starting out. The 10g mentioned earlier was definitely an accident, not typical at all to start out with something on day 1. Thanks for the welcome!

06-16-2008, 12:46 PM	#7
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 11,873 Images: 73	Welcome to AA __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

06-16-2008, 02:17 PM	#8
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 3,651 Images: 43	__________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor

06-16-2008, 02:31 PM	#9
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 3,294 Images: 5	Welcome to AA! __________________ Happy Reefing! *120 Build in progress 6/18/08* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here! Pods, algae and more!

06-16-2008, 04:44 PM	#10
Zagz Aquarium Advice Addict Community Admin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 10,728 Images: 92	Welcome to AA! FW is a great aspect of the hobby with endless possibilities. You can go planted, or not. I'd recommend checking out the planted tank forum and aquascaping. It is addicting though, don't say I haven't warned you. __________________ ------------ Anne My Profile Page My tank & fish photos. Have you voted for AA today? Like the advice or comments someone gave you? Show your appreciation with the reputation button!

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