StellaStars
Aquarium Advice Activist
It was supposed to be so simple... I got a 5G kit for my desk. Just something pretty to look at while I work. Then the MTS set in big time.
I've spent every free moment the last several weeks researching fish, researching tanks, and measuring every conceivable surface in my house. I've also been spending enough time at two local fish stores that I get greeted by name.
I have a tiny house, so not a lot of options of where to put tanks. I've thought about another tank on my desk, a tank on a bookshelf, or maybe one in my bedroom or in the kitchen. At most I've been considering 20 gallons, and that's a stretch.
Today I gave my living room a hard look and had a thought... there a bookcase that could go... (Is multi bookcase syndrome a thing? I have that.)
With that rearrangement I'd have room for a larger tank and stand, with easy access to an outlet. Could probably fit a 55 gallon easily in that space.
Everyone says bigger is better. Fewer swings in water chemistry, more fish options, etc.
But the idea of setting something like that up is daunting. There's the sheer cost of the tank and stand. And then the increased cost of stocking more/fancier fish. Not to mention plants and decor.
But where I'm really concerned is figuring out more elaborate filtration systems and the like - it seems like a lot of tech (even with out Co2)
Also, if there is a problem, seems like there's more opportunity for it to be catastrophic. A leak/break could destroy the wood floors, a disease could wipe out hundreds of dollars worth of fish, etc.
So... do the pros really outweigh the cons? Is there a satisfying middle ground?
(I really have spent countless hours reading through these forums, and I value everyone's advice a great deal.)
I've spent every free moment the last several weeks researching fish, researching tanks, and measuring every conceivable surface in my house. I've also been spending enough time at two local fish stores that I get greeted by name.
I have a tiny house, so not a lot of options of where to put tanks. I've thought about another tank on my desk, a tank on a bookshelf, or maybe one in my bedroom or in the kitchen. At most I've been considering 20 gallons, and that's a stretch.
Today I gave my living room a hard look and had a thought... there a bookcase that could go... (Is multi bookcase syndrome a thing? I have that.)
With that rearrangement I'd have room for a larger tank and stand, with easy access to an outlet. Could probably fit a 55 gallon easily in that space.
Everyone says bigger is better. Fewer swings in water chemistry, more fish options, etc.
But the idea of setting something like that up is daunting. There's the sheer cost of the tank and stand. And then the increased cost of stocking more/fancier fish. Not to mention plants and decor.
But where I'm really concerned is figuring out more elaborate filtration systems and the like - it seems like a lot of tech (even with out Co2)
Also, if there is a problem, seems like there's more opportunity for it to be catastrophic. A leak/break could destroy the wood floors, a disease could wipe out hundreds of dollars worth of fish, etc.
So... do the pros really outweigh the cons? Is there a satisfying middle ground?
(I really have spent countless hours reading through these forums, and I value everyone's advice a great deal.)