Tropical Fish Forums

[Marconis]

Hello, I'm 15 years old and have been asking for a fish tank since I was 12. Well, yesterday, I got one! I just set everything up today and can't wait to get started.

My set up includes:

-46g Marineland glass bow tank
-Marineland Penguin 200 BIO-Wheel filter
-Hydor 200 watt heater
-Basic thermometer
-One large fake rock and one small one
-Around 8 fake plants
-White gravel

Today, I rinsed the gravel in a bucket and poured into into the strainer (blah blah blah), set up the plants and what not, and plugged everything in. It looks great. There are still a lot of bubbles along the glass and plants and thermometer, also the water is foggy. About 30 minutes after I had the filter first running, I poured in the specified amount of Top Fin water conditioner (about 46 mL). My temperature has not quite reached around the 80s.

I have been studying tons and tons of articles on fishless cycling and am very overwhelmed, but well prepared. I guess I am dwelling on the fact of when to add fish, what problems Ill face, etc. Tommorow I am going to start my cycle with ammonia.

[Marcos Avila]

Congratulations on the tank (very good size for a first one), but especially for the research you've been doing in preparation for the hobby! It clearly shows in your message and I can assure you it'll pay off very quickly...
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Success with a fish/tank is measured in YEARS, not months or weeks...

[Jun]

Wow, that is seriously sweet. xD I am in envy, lol!! Keep us updated on how everything goes, especially when you start stocking the tank! You have any plans for fishies yet? n_n?

Congratulations on stepping into the aquarium hobby, btw. ;D
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[Bob]

It's great to see someone doing research, before jumping in with fish.

This is a great hobby, it will give you years of pleasure, if I had to give you one piece of advice (Apart from doing research etc).

Think long term, I know you are excited, and want to get cracking, but fish keeping is a long term hobby, some of the fish you choose could still be alive in 20 years time, so a few extra days or weeks spent wisely now could pay off in the long run.

Bob

[DF Bobo]

it's great to see somebody ask questions first and buy fish later. now that your tank is being cycled, it's about time to start planning your stock.
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[Marconis]

I was thinking of getting some colorful ones like tetras to start out with. Would you recommend another fish to start with? I am not going to by them until my cycle is almost completely done or is 100% done, however long that may take because I want my fish to be happy.

[DF Bobo]

it's good that you want your fish to be happy and don't treat them like toys to be thrown away when you get bored with them. in a 46 gallon, If you want tetras, get 1 or 2 large schools and maybe a centerpeice fish like a gourami or a peaceful cichlid species.
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[Blair]

Your stocking plan could be 15 Rummynose Tetras, 15 Neon Tetras and a pair of Rams or maybe a Betta as your centerpiece fish. Good to see that somebody is doing research before getting fish.

Blair
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[Marconis]

Thanks for your advice . I'm going to start cycling tonight

[Marconis]

Also, how many days does it take for the water to clear up? It's cleared up a bit since yesterday but is still a bit foggy.