redtailfreak

I'm getting fish this summer and need to know how much money they will be!
i'm getting 3 Corydoras Catfish, 4 Neon Tetras, and 3 Zebra Danios. This is my first 'actual' tank, but I've had fish before. Mostly goldfish. So I don't know how much money I will need to put into it. I already have a tank, so leave that out. How much will the chemicals and fish be? I need to know soon!

Sharkitty

How big is your tank?
Do you have a filter?
Do you have a heater?

redtailfreak

10 gallon
no
no

Lucy

As members make suggestions, keep in mind that in different areas of the country pricing can differ.
The cost of a filter depends on what brand and power. Same as a heater, depends on the brand and wattage.

Why not go to petsmart, petco etc websites and price equipment?
A little research on your part can go a long way.

redtailfreak

i'm new, is that to many for that size tank?

Thanks lucy, I'll look it up.

redtailfreak

I have no idea what stuff I need to get for those fish.....

Sharkitty

Filter: $30 (AquaClear 20)
Heater: $15-$20
Fish: Average $3, so $30 (but people are going to say that is too many for 10 gallons)
Stress Coat+: $15
VitaChem: $12
Food: $12 (two kinds for variety)
Gravel: $10
Real or Fake Plants: $15

You won't need chemicals unless your fish get sick, which they probably will at some point. You could buy a few things ahead of time to be ready, like a Fungus thing and an Antibiotic, for a total of $20-$30

So, $115-$175.

redtailfreak

I already have gravel, and I'll probably reduce the amount of fish I'm getting. DO those products work well, or do they have problems?

Lucy

I'd go with a 50W visi-therm stealth heater. (I love mine) They're a bit pricey but worth it. The least expensive I've seen them is from Petmountain..the link is at the top of the page.

Stress Coat is a very good water conditioner. There's several on the market, probably all run about the same amount of money.

Since you don't have things set up yet, may I suggest you cycle your tank with out fish?
It's less work for you and no fish are harmed.
Here's a great link to follow that gives you tons of advice and suggestions:
Beginners

Read all the links provided there, you'll be glad you did.

Sharkitty

I like my AquaClear filter, and it seems to be fish-person approved.

redtailfreak

okay, thx

Carissa504

When my daughter started her tank, I had her take a notebook into the pet store and we wrote down the pricing of everything she needed/wanted so she could make sure she had enough money saved. Whatever your total comes out to, calculate in about 25% safety net for any unexpected expenses or anything you may have left out or forgotten. Better to be have the extra cash than not

corycalogero

or do what i do.... make sure your bills are payed, make sure you have food..... and then just pretend the money you spend on your "small" fish hobby never existed!!!! lmao

ladylouroll

lol at corycalogero that sounds like me my partner hates it. im looking at a 5ft tank atm. not sure if i should go for it or not. not sure how id get it down the stairs lol!

Chrisson

Yeah I did that to when I had to go buy my 10 gallon. If you can try going to numerous pet stores and check there prices and record it. Pet Stores can rip you off some times so it's best to check numerous ones.

Sharkitty

Also looks like Dr.Foster and Big Al's (the online stores advertised on this site) have significantly lower prices on some things, so even after shipping that might be a good choice.

corycalogero

ah just get it!! and worry about the "tiny" particulars, like if it can fit in the door and how you will move it later!! lmao