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ralitaco

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
Sep 14, 2012
Messages
3
Hello Aquarium Advice Forum,
I stumbled on your site while doing some research for aquariums. I am looking to get started in this hobby, again. I have had some tanks over the years, but never really knew what I was doing. But an opportunity has presented itself...my son has a 55 gallon tank that is empty. He had it set up in his room with an Oscar, but when he left on his mission, I killed it (pumps need water, fish need oxygen...but that's for a different discussion)

Anyway, he is back home and we would like to set up the aquarium. It will be in the living room this time and in order to keep my wife happy, it needs to be a nice setup. I want to do small fish that school and small angels (if that is even possible) after looking around, I think I want to do a planted tank.

To start with I am researching which pump, filter, lights, etc. I need and will work with the planted tank. As I am a novice to all of this, I am wondering if I should even do a planted tank. I also am looking for advice as to where to buy supplies, fish, etc as I am not sure about the chain stores.

once I get the basics down, I will be looking at how to make a tree. The theme of the tank will be "The Tree of Life". So I will need a large tree and I saw some driftwood / moss combos that might work. I will be looking at the planted forum and researching the driftwood/moss trees. I would love to have a weeping willow look.

I look forward to learning and posting my progress,
Jim
 
To start with I am researching which pump, filter, lights, etc. I need and will work with the planted tank. As I am a novice to all of this, I am wondering if I should even do a planted tank. I also am looking for advice as to where to buy supplies, fish, etc as I am not sure about the chain stores.
first of all :welcome: to AA

this link will bring you to all our supporting vendors

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/vendor/list-by-alpha/

I always buy my livestock online seems you can get better selection and fish ,plants and everything you need alot cheaper and healthier IMO
yes mail order fish always arrive alive and in good shape
and they have better live guarantee anywhere from 15 to 30 days pending on the vendor
no questions asked
 
Ok, I am new to this and want to try DIY decorating. I have read multiple posts in this forum and the ones I have read seem to presume a knowledge level above mine and don't give specifics.

I am wanting to make a stepping stone path to put on the bottom of the tank. It will run from front to back and be about 2" wide and 12" long. The look I am going for is similar to the ones you make for real with concrete and the press form. (http://www.quikrete.com/athome/images/walkmaker-03.jpg)

I was thinking about carving styrofoam, but am not understanding what needs to go on it...quikrete, grout, hobby clay, epoxy, etc.
I guess, I could place individual stones, but I don't want them to move.
then there's the tile strips (http://www.stratastones.net/images/catalog/polished_black_pebble_tile.jpg)

Any thoughts?
 
I guess I was wondering if the tile would be ok in the tank.
Is there a list anywhere of what can or can't go in a tank?
 
ralitaco said:
I guess I was wondering if the tile would be ok in the tank.
Is there a list anywhere of what can or can't go in a tank?

Yes but I don't believe it has that its more for the natural things. Is that have a coating on it or are they like a natural cut rock? If so you can do the vinegar test on a piece. Plus look on the box at the store to see if it says 100% natural or to see if there's any additives.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/
 
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