Tanks
1. Probably the most obvious tip on tanks is to try to plan your tanks out ahead of time. Consider the type of tank you want whether a cichlid tank that will need caves or a planted tank that might need a special substrate, and plan accordingly. The size of the fish you want to keep can give you an idea of the size of the tank you should have for them. -Seeker
2. Buy at least a 20 gallon tank if you can afford it. Despite marketing to the contrary, small tanks are not 'ideal for the beginner'. A large tank is more stable in terms of temperature and water chemistry. (A&A)
3. Try setting up a spread sheet in Microsoft Works to log all your test results, add notes of water changes, list stock and the dates added, etc. for each tank. It’s easier to have it on the computer. No notebook to lose or get wet. ("zardra" FT) Keeping good records of each tank can help trace down the source of any problems that come up. It can also help you to notice seasonal problems too. - Seeker
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>Used Tanks
1. The cheapest way by far to get more tanks is to buy used tanks. There are lots of places you can look for them: Ebay, Aquabid, local fish club auctions, the classifieds and garage sales. Used tanks usually need a good bit of cleaning or may need resealing. - Seeker
>>Buying Used Tanks
1. Figure about $1/g for the tank alone. Figure about $1 - $15/per piece of equipment like the filter, a pump, a heater, lights and hood. Figure $0 - $20 more for decorations depending on what they are and how many. Just a general guide to pricing used tanks. -Cichlid102 & Seeker
2. Leaks can usually be fixed, cracks usually can’t. Leaks are usually cheap to fix, a tube of silicon maybe. Replacing a cracked piece of glass on an aquarium can get expensive. Maybe more than the tank is worth used. Might be worth it on a large tank but usually not on a small one. I’d only take a cracked tank if it’s free and only pay for the equipment. - Seeker
3. Betta Bowls - obtain 1/2 or 1 gallon jars free from restaurants or delis, or pay just a small amount. Keep your eyes open at the dollar store or craft store for suitable vases and bowls. - Angie
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>>Cleaning Used Tanks
1. No Soap - Never clean your tank with soap or cleaning products. ("toy_lin" FT) They can kill your fish.
2. More Power! - If you feel you need more umph then just plain water, use salt with no iodine or baking soda. Be sure to rinse good. ("klewis61" FT)
3. Cleaning Tubes - For cleaning the tubes and other things in the aquarium, use a baby bottle brush. That way you have two different size brushes. For even smaller stuff use a two ended brush that is about 18 inches long made for cleaning clarinets. This one I find the handiest as you can angle the brush head to go around corners. ("ms buster" FT)
4. Calcium Deposits - If you have any calcium deposits building up on your glass tank hoods, clean them with white distilled vinegar. The acid in the vinegar will help to remove it and most of the time it will help get rid of it completely. Make sure you rinse good with clean water after, and then dry. (discus_man FT) I’ve heard lemon juice can help with calcium deposits too. - (A&A ?)
5. Kill the Germs - Use a cup or two of bleach when cleaning the tank to kill any germs that might have killed off the tank’s last occupants. Put the bleach in, fill the tank part way and scrub the entire inside of the tank well with an algae pad or scrub pad or scrub brush two or three times. Fill the tank full and let sit 20 minutes. Drain the tank, rinse it out then fill to over flowing at least once; twice is better. Add dechlorinator in at least 3 times the amount to do the tank’s capacity. Drain the tank and rinse with tap water. That should kill the germs and leave no bleach behind. - Seeker (41)
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Tank Set Up
1. Consider trying to imitate the natural environment of the fish you keep. A more natural tank setup will benefit the fish, especially if wild-caught, and will make for a more interesting and visually pleasing tank. (A&A)
2. Use a timer for aquarium lights. This will give a consistent on/off time for the fish and plants to become accustomed to. Try to set it so that the lights come on a little bit after sunrise, this way the fish won't get blasted by light suddenly from being in total darkness. (A&A)
3. Do not overstock. 1" of fish per gallon is often heard as a general guideline, but this is NOT a hard and fast rule - 10 one inch neon tetras are considerably less mass than one 10 inch oscar. 10 neon tetras would be okay in a 10 gallon tank, the 10 inch oscar would not. Use common sense, and remember that your tank will be easier to keep healthy if you understock. (A&A)
4. I made some small banners on the computer saying. "for fish use only" with lots of fishy stuff on them. Attached them to my pails with clear packing tape. Works great, tells everyone not to use my fish stuff for anything but fish. ("cga_dancer" FT) Masking tape and/or a permanent marker will also work for that. - Seeker
5. Label your power cords with computer labels or masking tape and permanent marker. Saves time hunting for the heater and filter cords during a water change. - Angie & Seeker
6. Do not set up your tank in front of a window. The extra sunlight can encourage rapid algae growth and the temperature changes can contribute to the onset of some diseases like furunculosis. - Angie (47)
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Links to the other Tips & Tricks pages:
Intro, Tools & Gadgets
>> Tanks, Used Tanks, Buying Used Tanks, Cleaning Used Tanks, Tank Set Up << You are here
Tank Set Up cont'd: Dividers & Barracks, Heaters & Air Pumps, Substrates, Background, Deor
Decor cont'd: Caves, Live Plants, Fake Plants, Fasteners, Filters, Filter Media
Cycling, Fish Wrangling: New Fish, Transporting or Shipping, Acclimating, Netting
Feeding, BBS & other live foods, Fish Health, Chemicals, Medicines & Treatment, Salt
Spawning & Fry Care, Dealing with Snails, Algae & other pests, Power Outages
Maintanence, Water, Water Conservation
