proudmomoftwins

Okay... a few more questions... what is better a glass aquarium or an acrylic aquarium? I know acrylic can scratch easily, and I think they cost more but they are supposed to be lighter then a glass aquarium. Does acrylic last longer then a glass aquarium?

Another question... does the tank have to have an overflow? What exactly is that and with the type of fish I'm thinking of getting, do they need an overflow? The Dwarf Gourami goes to the top for air, right?

One more question for now... does the python work and is it worth getting?

I was hoping to get an aquarium and get it set up before Easter and then get it stocked next week but with it being a holiday weekend, looks like it's going to be next week when I get the aquarium. I hate keep putting it off because I want to get started!!!

Thanks in advance for any advice, info, suggestions...etc.

Have a great weekend!!

jdhef

I prefer glass, but two of my tanks are acrylic. Acrilic does scratch easier, but it is lighter. You don't need an overflow (since I don't know what it is, I don't have one and my fish are fine). For a large tank a python is definetly worth the money. For smaller tanks a bucket is more convienient.

Do you know about the Nirtogen Cycle? Unless you use Tetra SafeStart and add that with your fish, you really shouldn'y add any fish until your tank is cycled. If you try to cycle with fish, you will need to do daily 50% water changes which can be stressful for the fish, and the fish are still exposed to toxic ammonia and nitrites, which may very well kill them.

Moe Jacob

I am not much help in regards to the glass / acrylic question, but one thing did jump out at me ...

Whatever you do, don't rush the process. A tank needs several weeks to cycle even with the aid of ammonia. I have not lost a fish yet and used a fishless cycle on all 5 tanks. Please read the following links, they helped me a great deal while I was setting up. These forums also were a life saver!

(http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm)

(2 Ammonia methods of cycling your fishless tank)

I tried some cycling products on the market for my first aquarium, and have been very successful cycling the other 4 aquariums WITHOUT the products ... the only thing that worked for me to shorten the process was using established media from another filter to "seed" the new aquarium (that comes with some risk of introducing disease into your new tank).

So ... what I am trying to say is, let it cycle naturally without fish or "cycling" products ... I did not try ammonia only because I could not find "pure" ammonia in this small city (Moncton, NB, Canada). It is tough to wait, however it would be even tougher to watch fish die and waste your hard earned money.

As for the Python ... I thought about purchasing one, but at the moment, I do not mind using 5 gallon buckets for partial water changes ... plus I like preparing my water in a separate bucket prior to introducing it to my aquariums. I also rinse my ornaments and filter media in the "dirty water bucket" (but not all at once, just one every second partial water change). Personal preference I would say ....

I am not sure what you mean by an overflow ... my Gourami is doing great in my 55 gallon ... just give him/her floating plants so they can hide (I have a corner dedicated to him), but be sure that they have plenty of room to "come up for air". I only have 1/4 of my tanks covered with floating plants.

Well, my 3 year old just woke up from his nap ... quiet time is over .... I hope this helped a little and convinced you to take it slow ... rushing it will only lead to many frustrations.

Everyone is welcomed to correct me if you see any questionable advice ... I am fairly new to the hobby, but like to share what I have experienced so far.

Happy long weekend!

Moe

agabr123

whether or not to get glass or acrylic really depends on the size of the tank. IMO it's not really worth getting acrylic unless you're getting a very large tank (at least 180) because it is lighter and stronger. anything lower than that glass is probably better because it's cheaper and doesn't scratch as easily.

hssea

Acrylic is my favorite . The clarity is awesome. Ive got SeaClear brand which are so clear and no seams. I've also got the glass and you really see a difference. Please dont cycle with fish-they will die or weaken and die early and you will have to do so many water changes to get ammonia down that you wont even enjoy your tank. It not hard at all really. Cycle the tank with a shrimp (shell removed) from grocery store and no water changes, you will just have to be patient , will take a 4-6 weeks. But you won't regret it . Dont overstock, so get biggest tank you have room for. And get a API liquid test kit (25.00 dollars but lasts a very long time). read info and nitirogen cycle and ask questions before you start

hssea

ammonia (pure) I heard is faster but I dont have access to that either

kimb

Hi Moe, if you are looking for ammonia for any future tanks, try Walmart. The brand is Goldex. It states on label no phosphte or fragrance. I could not test the suds theory in the store (jug is white) but I did it when I got home. No bubbles. I appreciate the small city, I'm from Miramichi.

proudmomoftwins

okay, my mistake... I went back and looked up "overflow", and it has to do with saltwater aquariums... I misread that in an article... thought they were still talking about freshwater aquariums.

I'm not in a big hurry to stock... I just want to go out and get an aquarium and get it set up and start it's cycle... wishful thinking that it would be ready to stock in a week's time...LOL

Thanks for the help!

dogman432

Shame I Dont Know, Ive Got A Glass Tank At Walmart In Ga..........
It Was A Starter Kit 10.