Anyone know how to take care of a fish tank? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BabyFidgette · 04-20-2006, 05:52 AM

Hello everyone,

I am thinking about getting a fish tank. Do you know if there are fish tanks (reasonably priced) that you don't have to clean out weekly? I want to find a tank that has minimal work b/c I'm lazy. I want to plop pretty fish in the water, feed them, and that's really it when it comes to the work part. I probably sound lazy and ignorant...and I am!

LOL I don't know anything about fish or fish tanks, and that's why I am asking.

If anyone can help, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

ytsirk27 · 04-20-2006, 05:54 AM

I only have one piece of advice. DO NOT get goldfish.....or if you do..only get two and make sure you get a ammoia cleaner to drip in the tank...

I would like to add that I cleaned out my daughters fish tank and get the ammonia drip and only feeding 1 time a day and the tank is stayign very clean!! YEAH!!

Peaches591 · 04-20-2006, 06:04 AM

I'm from NJ too. Where in NJ are you from? I have probably everything you need to start a tank including thermometer and filter. I want to sell mine b/c I do not have the time to keep up on it! I was at school a lot o fthe time and was not able to change filters (very easy) and it got out of control dirty! I suggest having an algae eater and also if you keep up on changing the filter, and not overfeeding then you will be good to go! Let me know if you are interested.

I'm in Long Branch NJ

BabyFidgette · 04-20-2006, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peaches591

I'm from NJ too. Where in NJ are you from? I have probably everything you need to start a tank including thermometer and filter. I want to sell mine b/c I do not have the time to keep up on it! I was at school a lot o fthe time and was not able to change filters (very easy) and it got out of control dirty! I suggest having an algae eater and also if you keep up on changing the filter, and not overfeeding then you will be good to go! Let me know if you are interested.

I'm in Long Branch NJ

I'm close to you. I'm in Middlesex County. How big is the tank? I didn't want something too big as I needed something to fit in the corner of my living room.

Peaches591 · 04-20-2006, 06:32 AM

it's small it is 10 or 12 gallon. it has a top and i have a siphon (thing for cleaning it, thermometer, background picture, filter that takes biobags, a bonsai tree decoration and weights to hold it down. i have a magnet as well to clean the sides. i could sell all of it to you or just bits and pieces. let me know your thoughts. i can talk to my bf later today to see what the prices were for everything. i know when i started i paid at least 50 and i got the tank, the background picture, some rocks, the filter, and not sure if i had gotten the thermometer at that time. just let me know if you are interested and i can find out

BabyFidgette · 04-20-2006, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peaches591

it's small it is 10 or 12 gallon. it has a top and i have a siphon (thing for cleaning it, thermometer, background picture, filter that takes biobags, a bonsai tree decoration and weights to hold it down. i have a magnet as well to clean the sides. i could sell all of it to you or just bits and pieces. let me know your thoughts. i can talk to my bf later today to see what the prices were for everything. i know when i started i paid at least 50 and i got the tank, the background picture, some rocks, the filter, and not sure if i had gotten the thermometer at that time. just let me know if you are interested and i can find out

Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I wanted a hexagon tank and something I didn't have to clean at all. Not even with a siphon! LOL I know, I'm lazy as heck! Thanks for the offer, though!

DianaB · 04-20-2006, 06:48 AM

Sounds like Peaches591 has a great set-up for you. I was going to say that you need a filter and some snails or a bottom feeder fish. At the place where you'll buy your fish they should be able to help you pick out some fish to help keep your tank cleaner. If you get tropical fish you'll need a heater too. They are very sensitive to temperature changes. You also want some drops that take the clorine out of the water for when you set up your tank. Otherwise you'll have to wait for 24 hours for the clorine to evaporate out before you can put your fish in. The pet store should be able to help you. Hope that this helps.

DianaB · 04-20-2006, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyFidgette

Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I wanted a hexagon tank and something I didn't have to clean at all. Not even with a siphon! LOL I know, I'm lazy as heck! Thanks for the offer, though!

Even a small tank has to be cleaned out once in a while.

BabyFidgette · 04-20-2006, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianaB

Even a small tank has to be cleaned out once in a while.

How often is "once in a while?"

stacisnyder04 · 04-20-2006, 06:54 AM

I would suggest getting a 10 gallon tank with a filter and a bubble thing to put in the tank. I have two angel fish in mine and an algea eater. I hardly ever clean mine out. I know I should but I too am lazy haha. It doesn't look dirty though.
I use to clean it out a lot by putting that siphon thingy in it and cleaning out half of the water, then filling it up again with distilled water, bc the chemicals in tap water could kill the fish.

Peaches591 · 04-20-2006, 05:58 PM

oh yeah, i have the heater and the bubble thing too! sorry forgot to mention that. and i agree, all tanks have to be cleaned at least once in a while...

Tophersmom · 04-20-2006, 07:13 PM

I had tanks for years and really wouldn't suggest anything smaller than a 10 gallon. Something along the lines of a twenty would be better. The larger the tank, the easier it is to care for if you have the proper filter system. You will have to do a little bit of work every week or every couple of weeks, but if you keep it up that way, you won't have a huge mess on your hands.

Also it has alot to do with what kind of fish you put in your tank. Get a couple of bottom feeders and they'll keep the algae from building up on the glass. It wouldn't hurt to buy a few books on the subject...there are some really good ones out there. I agree with those who say stay away from gold fish...they are very messy! If you get a tank with a heater, you can have more of a variety of fish as most of the fish for freshwater tanks require warmer water.

It's a wonderful hobby and can be alot of fun. I always thought that one couldn't get attached to fish as pets, but I was amazed how attached I did get to the fish that I had for years and years. They didn't fetch or snuggle, but they were great pets. Some even knew when I was coming to feed them and they'd be up at the top of the water waiting for their dinner.lol

One other suggestion is to not buy your fish from a department store (Walmart, etc) but to buy from a pet store. The pet store I bought fish from guaranteed my fish and was great at giving advice that I desperately needed when I was a novice. I find that if I bought from a dept. store, they had people working in the department that didn't know much about the fish and also would not give a guarantee.

TeddyBear · 04-20-2006, 07:34 PM

okay guys, I have a 55 gallon fish tank. I think the bigger the tank, the easier it is to take care of. All fish tanks need to have half the water taken out and new water put in at least once a week. I have to be honest, I probably did it once a month. My tank is pretty clean. I have a good filter system. You must get an algae eater fish(pacostamus) (sp). Don't put your aquarium where it would get a lot sun light or you will get lots of algae and your water evaporates real quick. The dirtest fish I have heard of are gold fish and oscars. Aquariums are very relaxing to look at but they can be a lot of work. I would suggest getting a cheap or small one first to see if you like taking care of it. Then you can put a lot of money in one if you really enjoy it. I have had my aquarium up and running for about 10 years. I am now thinking of taking it down. I am the only one here who takes care of it because my husband and kids refuse to touch fishy water!!!

An aquarium can become a big investment. But it is fun picking out the fish. Check prices out on them too. I was shocked at how much they are now a days.

Best kind of fish to get for first time aquarium person are tetras and platties. They are pretty hardy. Ask the pet store people for other hardy fish.

I hope this helps!

oh and one more thing, get your water checked out at the pet store before you put fish in it.

Brutus'mama · 04-21-2006, 01:09 AM

I have a 55 gallon tank and really any tank needs to be cleaned and have water changes. We change half the water every other week. Even though the tank can look clean we test the water regularly for amonia and nitrates which if high can kill the fish. I also would suggest getting a good book on aquariums to get you started. You can't just put fish into the tank without cycling it first.

I LOVE my little fishys and most of them have names! I have a semi-aggressive tank with 3 parrot cichlids, 1 pleco, 3 cory catfish, 5 tiger barbs and six giant danios. Here's a picture of Burt, Ernie and Bubba and one of Bubba the ham loving his picture being taken.

hunniebunnie · 04-21-2006, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyFidgette

Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I wanted a hexagon tank and something I didn't have to clean at all. Not even with a siphon! LOL I know, I'm lazy as heck! Thanks for the offer, though!

I don't think one that requires no cleaning exists... well, except for the one that you can get for your computer as a screen saver.

I don't really have anything to add except get algae eaters and bottom feeders galore and remember to keep the tank away from sunshine.

04-20-2006, 05:52 AM	#1
BabyFidgette Learn Yorkie CPR! Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,855	Anyone know how to take care of a fish tank? Hello everyone, I am thinking about getting a fish tank. Do you know if there are fish tanks (reasonably priced) that you don't have to clean out weekly? I want to find a tank that has minimal work b/c I'm lazy. I want to plop pretty fish in the water, feed them, and that's really it when it comes to the work part. I probably sound lazy and ignorant...and I am! LOL I don't know anything about fish or fish tanks, and that's why I am asking. If anyone can help, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! __________________ Nicole & Baby "The more men I meet, the more I love my Yorkie!"

04-20-2006, 06:48 AM	#7
DianaB Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fredonia, KS Posts: 755	Sounds like Peaches591 has a great set-up for you. I was going to say that you need a filter and some snails or a bottom feeder fish. At the place where you'll buy your fish they should be able to help you pick out some fish to help keep your tank cleaner. If you get tropical fish you'll need a heater too. They are very sensitive to temperature changes. You also want some drops that take the clorine out of the water for when you set up your tank. Otherwise you'll have to wait for 24 hours for the clorine to evaporate out before you can put your fish in. The pet store should be able to help you. Hope that this helps. __________________ Diana and Reuger Take time to laugh. It is the music of the soul.

04-20-2006, 06:54 AM	#10
stacisnyder04 I Love My Boys Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,504	I would suggest getting a 10 gallon tank with a filter and a bubble thing to put in the tank. I have two angel fish in mine and an algea eater. I hardly ever clean mine out. I know I should but I too am lazy haha. It doesn't look dirty though. I use to clean it out a lot by putting that siphon thingy in it and cleaning out half of the water, then filling it up again with distilled water, bc the chemicals in tap water could kill the fish. __________________ Staci , Cosmo, Astro, and Blu (RIP) Cosmo's Age: http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt...k/d69e/age.png Astro's Age: http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt...k/9c6a/age.png

04-20-2006, 07:13 PM	#12
Tophersmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada Posts: 860	I had tanks for years and really wouldn't suggest anything smaller than a 10 gallon. Something along the lines of a twenty would be better. The larger the tank, the easier it is to care for if you have the proper filter system. You will have to do a little bit of work every week or every couple of weeks, but if you keep it up that way, you won't have a huge mess on your hands. Also it has alot to do with what kind of fish you put in your tank. Get a couple of bottom feeders and they'll keep the algae from building up on the glass. It wouldn't hurt to buy a few books on the subject...there are some really good ones out there. I agree with those who say stay away from gold fish...they are very messy! If you get a tank with a heater, you can have more of a variety of fish as most of the fish for freshwater tanks require warmer water. It's a wonderful hobby and can be alot of fun. I always thought that one couldn't get attached to fish as pets, but I was amazed how attached I did get to the fish that I had for years and years. They didn't fetch or snuggle, but they were great pets. Some even knew when I was coming to feed them and they'd be up at the top of the water waiting for their dinner.lol One other suggestion is to not buy your fish from a department store (Walmart, etc) but to buy from a pet store. The pet store I bought fish from guaranteed my fish and was great at giving advice that I desperately needed when I was a novice. I find that if I bought from a dept. store, they had people working in the department that didn't know much about the fish and also would not give a guarantee. __________________ VAL, TOPHER AND SOPHIE http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=295683

04-20-2006, 07:34 PM	#13
TeddyBear Hey Cutie! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,677	okay guys, I have a 55 gallon fish tank. I think the bigger the tank, the easier it is to take care of. All fish tanks need to have half the water taken out and new water put in at least once a week. I have to be honest, I probably did it once a month. My tank is pretty clean. I have a good filter system. You must get an algae eater fish(pacostamus) (sp). Don't put your aquarium where it would get a lot sun light or you will get lots of algae and your water evaporates real quick. The dirtest fish I have heard of are gold fish and oscars. Aquariums are very relaxing to look at but they can be a lot of work. I would suggest getting a cheap or small one first to see if you like taking care of it. Then you can put a lot of money in one if you really enjoy it. I have had my aquarium up and running for about 10 years. I am now thinking of taking it down. I am the only one here who takes care of it because my husband and kids refuse to touch fishy water!!! An aquarium can become a big investment. But it is fun picking out the fish. Check prices out on them too. I was shocked at how much they are now a days. Best kind of fish to get for first time aquarium person are tetras and platties. They are pretty hardy. Ask the pet store people for other hardy fish. I hope this helps! oh and one more thing, get your water checked out at the pet store before you put fish in it. __________________ Love, Leigh, Starsky and Shylah: You can never get enough Yorkie kisses!!! Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DenverYorkies/

04-20-2006, 05:54 AM	#2
ytsirk27 BANNED FOR SCAMMING MEMBERS! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 2,811	I only have one piece of advice. DO NOT get goldfish.....or if you do..only get two and make sure you get a ammoia cleaner to drip in the tank... I would like to add that I cleaned out my daughters fish tank and get the ammonia drip and only feeding 1 time a day and the tank is stayign very clean!! YEAH!!

04-20-2006, 06:04 AM	#3
Peaches591 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 144	I'm from NJ too. Where in NJ are you from? I have probably everything you need to start a tank including thermometer and filter. I want to sell mine b/c I do not have the time to keep up on it! I was at school a lot o fthe time and was not able to change filters (very easy) and it got out of control dirty! I suggest having an algae eater and also if you keep up on changing the filter, and not overfeeding then you will be good to go! Let me know if you are interested. I'm in Long Branch NJ

04-20-2006, 06:32 AM	#5
Peaches591 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 144	it's small it is 10 or 12 gallon. it has a top and i have a siphon (thing for cleaning it, thermometer, background picture, filter that takes biobags, a bonsai tree decoration and weights to hold it down. i have a magnet as well to clean the sides. i could sell all of it to you or just bits and pieces. let me know your thoughts. i can talk to my bf later today to see what the prices were for everything. i know when i started i paid at least 50 and i got the tank, the background picture, some rocks, the filter, and not sure if i had gotten the thermometer at that time. just let me know if you are interested and i can find out

04-20-2006, 05:58 PM	#11
Peaches591 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 144	oh yeah, i have the heater and the bubble thing too! sorry forgot to mention that. and i agree, all tanks have to be cleaned at least once in a while...