Help A Newbie Create A Shopping List!

Both my husband and I are excited to start an aquarium! I have done some reading on this forum and I have a general idea of what I’d like my end result to be. We have a local privately owned aquarium supply store (and general pet store) less than 10 minutes away that I’d like to support. I’d like to start with a simple, planted aquarium. Get it going then I’d like to add a Betta and maybe snails? Or? Suggestions?
A few questions:

What size tank should I aI'm for? I only have 2 spots in our small home that can fit a tank and it can't be too big. And yes, we even tossed around the idea of getting 2 smaller tanks... then we each can pick a Betta... Is a 20 gallon too small? What would you get?

We like the idea of the aesthetics of a fish tank, and my husband likes the idea of water white noise if possible so is there a certain filter brand/type anyone suggests?

Where is the best place to buy supplies and such for a reasonable amount of money? We do have to budget and take into consideration the cost of things so if our local store is high priced we have no problem looking elsewhere.

What are all the basics I need to get going? Are those tank kits worth buying?

It’s been a little overwhelming reading and trying to pick what I want to do I’d love to hear more experienced opinions! I had a 75 gallon tank growing up with a 25 year old fish (it was black and cat fish looking can’t remember they type though) and I don’t remember it being this complicated.

Help an overwhelmed newbie! Thank you in advance for any suggestions and links!

I wanted to add that we have an Artisan well for our water supply so any advice on what to look out for when using it in a fish tank would be appreciated too!

 

Welcome to Fishlore

20g is plenty of room for one Betta, even a 5 gallon is good for them, as long as they have a filter, heater, and the tank is cycled. Which, by the way, I’d highly suggest clicking on these blue words nitrogen cycle and read about that. The filter brand I recommend is Aquaclear, they’re awesome. If you’re fishk keeping on a budget, Amazon is your friend.

Things you’ll need besides the tank, filter, heater, decorations:

-API Master Test Kit
-Seachem Prime
-Gravel syphon
-Small variety of high quality fish food (ex: Frozen foods and Spectrum brand pellets.)
-A net

In regards to the nitrogen cycle/cycling the tank, feel free to ask me any questions you have!

By the way, the 25 year old fish sounds like it was a Plecostomus

 

Welcome to the hobby!!
Honestly, I don't think the kits are worth buying. You'll end up having to replace pretty much everything that comes with it, at least in my experience.
I have a Betta in a 20 gallon and he's the happiest little thing! I would definitely say get a couple different food. One of my bettas refuses to eat pellets, but loves flakes and blood worms. While the other LOVES pellets and will eat crushed brine shrimp if offered, but refuses flakes or worms. So when you get your finned friend, just learn what he likes to eat and go from there.
I highly recommend Nerite Snails. Don't let them talk you into a pleco, it will do nothing but poop. Nerites can't breed in freshwater and come in some pretty cool designs. I have them in all four of my tanks, and I've never seen a speck of algae. (Sometimes I throw in an algae wafer just to be sure they have some food.)
Feel free to make threads or message for additional advice! I'll help out any way I can.

 

Don't forget the jugs and buckets lol (and/or a syphon).
Live plants like anubias are good (more expensive but worth it, as they won't die and grow slowly, so no having to trim or pull out excess fast growing plants).
Snails -I like ramshorn snails (I don't think they have Nerites where I live).
Maybe some Medakas? I'm guessing they could live with Bettas although not 100% sure. They come in quite a few colors now, like pure white, yellow, blue etc.

Oh, and for CHEAP aquarium stuff like filters/ornaments/squeeze pump syphons etc, try ALIEXPRESS -it might take a few weeks for things to arrive from China, but totally worth it -I buy stuff on there all the time

 

The bigger the better when it comes to tank size. If down the road you decide you want different fish or a community tank 20 gallon and up will be viable.

 

Ive got my betta in a heavily planted, 20 gallon high with a couple nerite snails and a bunch of hitchhiker snails. Aquaclear 30 filter and 80f temp seems to be working great so far. A regular 20 gallon would be better for the betta, shorter distance to get to the surface, but a few tall plants gives him plenty of resting spots up top.

It's a very low maintenance tank and so fun to watch! 5 months in and everyone is happy Good luck!

 

Bigger is better as far as tanks go. It is typically much easier to keep water parameters in line with a 20 gallon than it is with a 10 gallon. I would highly recommend the 20-gallon Long over a "standard" or "high" tank if it works for the space you have. They are 6" longer and 4" shorter. Most fish want more horizontal space than vertical to swim. Plants will also be easier with a shorter tank, as will reaching in to vacuum or adjust decorations.

20 Long is 30" x 12" x 12"
20 High is 24" x 12" x 16"

 

A 10 gallon tank is more than enough for aa Betta and a few bottom feeders/snails depending on the species.

Personally, I like the kits. My top fin 10 gallon starter would be fine for a betta. I had to upgrade to a 20 gallon starter because I got mollies but it's fine. I did have to modify my filter but the mods cost maybe $10 or $12 total and I'll do the same to my 10 gallon when I set it up again because the mods I did were to give the bacteria more places to grow so they would mainly colonize my filter.

Size and filter needed for a tank really depends on the fish because some are messier than others that are the same size. My mollies are little piggies but a betta is much cleaner.

A good place to use when choosing a basic filter and tank is aqadvisor. It's not a forum. It's a page where you put in a tank size and filter and what fish you want and it uses an equation to tell you how stocked your tank is, if your filter can handle the fish and gives you tips such as when a species needs to be kept in groups.



Even if a filter isn't strong enough baseline, that can be compensated for with live plants and some mods to the filter. With a Betta, you'll want live plants and smooth decorations to protect its fins. Anubias is supposed to be really good for them but my betta likes hiding in my aponogeton. Both plants are hard to kill which is important for me since I don't have a talent for plants.

 

Welcome to Fishlore!!!

 

A 20 gallon would be perfect for a betta and maybe you want some community fish? You could add in some harlequin rasbora's. If your doing live plants you will need a light for those, I recommend this one:
With that lighting you could have plants like Rotala, Amazon sword, java fern, java moss, dwarf hairgrass, Anubias, and Dwarf baby tears, would all be a good choice.
Other things you will need besides the decoration would be:
-Gravel vac
-Sand or gravel
-API master test kit
-Fish food: betta's will enjoy both betta pellets and blood worms and the schooling fish would get Tropical Flakes
-I recommend you get some root tabs for the plants
-SafeStart Plus and seachem Prime
-Water conditioner
- for new tanks I recommend you use Stress Zyme every time you do a water change for the first month (it adds extra BB)

 

Wow thank you everyone! After measuring for a 20 long I was actually hoping for a little bit bigger of a tank.

I was looking last night at pictures and what I had growing up was a Pengasius Shark. I’m so sad guys! They can get to 4ft long and ours was in a 75 gallon long tank his whole life and was only 13/14inches when he died! He was my moms first fish and was for sure 25 years old. He outlived his tank and it had to be resealed when he was about 20yrs old. We didn’t know...

What do you think about buying plants online vs a store? Here is the store next to us: the plants look pretty good to me! Tropical Fish World and Pets

I feel so sorry for the Bettas though. No animal should have to live like that!

 

I would get them in store. That way you can pick which ones you like and look the best. It is very sad how betta's live, and then when you get one there like "the betta needs at least 2.5 gallons and a heater" that's nice they say that but if that's what they need then how come they are in cups

 

I would get them in store. That way you can pick which ones you like and look the best. It is very sad how betta's live, and then when you get one there like "the betta needs at least 2.5 gallons and a heater"

Even a 5g... if you were that fish would you want to live in only 5 gallon of water? My aI'm is to have a spoiled Betta with a roomy tank!

 

Even a 5g... if you were that fish would you want to live in only 5 gallon of water? My aI'm is to have a spoiled Betta with a roomy tank!

Yep me to my betta's live in 10 gallons

 

Wow thank you everyone! After measuring for a 20 long I was actually hoping for a little bit bigger of a tank.

Bigger in Length, or Height, or both?

 

It's going to be a long post, but this was my list when I got my tank. Still buying stuff to this day:

Tank:
Tank (I used a 10 gallon for my betta)
Heater/thermometer
Filter
Air Stone (if betta, most don't like strong currents since they come from calm waters - mine happens to love the air wall on a lower setting though)
Sand/Gravel
Extra Filter Pads
Lighting (if planting the tank or you get a basic tank without a lid/light)

Decorations:
Real Wood (Great for keeping PH levels down)
Real Plants (Best for fish and makes the tank look 100 times better!)
Rocks (I love big flat rocks just cause and little ones to put around my plants)
Anything you see and like..

Chemicals:
TSS to kickstart my cycle
Seachem Prime & Stability
Seachem Flourish (for plants, I use both liquid and tabs)
API Master Test Kit

Food:
Pellets
Frozen Bloodworms
Flakes (my betta hates them and since they sink it works out for my ghost shrimp)

Extras:
Syringe for my chemicals
Tongs/Long Scissors (can find a great set on Amazon, mainly for plants so you don't have to stick your whole hand in)
Syphon for cleaning
Net for the fish
Bucket for removing/adding water

I may be missing a couple things, but so far this is what I've got. Everything I have, I use throughout the week.

 

It's going to be a long post, but this was my list when I got my tank. Still buying stuff to this day:

Tank:
Tank (I used a 10 gallon for my betta)
Heater/thermometer
Filter
Air Stone (if betta, most don't like strong currents since they come from calm waters - mine happens to love the air wall on a lower setting though)
Sand/Gravel
Extra Filter Pads
Lighting (if planting the tank or you get a basic tank without a lid/light)

Decorations:
Real Wood (Great for keeping PH levels down)
Real Plants (Best for fish and makes the tank look 100 times better!)
Rocks (I love big flat rocks just cause and little ones to put around my plants)
Anything you see and like..

Chemicals:
TSS to kickstart my cycle
Seachem Prime & Stability
Seachem Flourish (for plants, I use both liquid and tabs)
API Master Test Kit

Food:
Pellets
Frozen Bloodworms
Flakes (my betta hates them and since they sink it works out for my ghost shrimp)

Extras:
Syringe for my chemicals
Tongs/Long Scissors (can find a great set on Amazon, mainly for plants so you don't have to stick your whole hand in)
Syphon for cleaning
Net for the fish
Bucket for removing/adding water

I may be missing a couple things, but so far this is what I've got. Everything I have, I use throughout the week.

Forgot the most important thing Water Conditioner lol

Nope take that back you said Prime My bad

Forgot the most important thing Water Conditioner lol

 

Bigger in Length, or Height, or both?

Both

 

Welcome to Fish lore!

 

Both

Lots of options really. How long do you want it to be maximum? Obviously going up in sizes is going to increase costs of heaters, filter, substrate, etc... A single Betta doesn't need a crazy big tank, but I guess he would be definitely spoiled. Lol

You could also do a 10 gallon Betta tank and a big tank for other stuff.

 

Forgot the most important thing Water Conditioner lol

Haha. I see you saw the Prime. Probably hard to see because I put the two different ones on the same line. I always used TSS until I noticed everyone on here basically praising Seachem and I'm so glad they exist because ALL of their products are amazing!

 

I recommend two buckets. I found them cheapest at hardware store. Then you can fill one with water and let it start to dechlorinate with a conditioner while you are doing tank maintenance and then draining tank. Not sure how much of a different the extra half hour or so might make but I’m sure it helps a little

 

You are doing a great job as a beginning aquarist and asking all the right questions. Kudos for starting your journey with reasearch and not an Uncycled tank and inappropriate fish!
The advise given so far has been spot on. I have little to add, just kinda wanted to encourage you to keep asking questions.
As far as what to start with and being blown away with choices, “welcome to the hobby!” That’s how the itch starts. Tanks are like potato chips. Can’t have just one. And for those who own a home and convert their garages, spare rooms, etc to accommodate this itch, I hate you. Only out of jealousy.
Keep us posted, and remember. Experts are experts because they dare to keep asking questions.

 

If you get sick of buckets, I highly recommend a Python Water Changer at some point. One of the best investments I have made so far in this hobby. The 25' one is about $50, so not super cheap but worth every penny to me. Gravel Vac + Buckets works just fine, but I would put a Python on your shopping list as a "nice to have" item.

 

If you get a 20 long, you could put in an opaque tank divider or 2 and keep 2 or 3 bettas each in their own area but with a single filter, heater, etc.

 

Or a 40 Gallon Breeder with dividers for multiple Betta homes?

 

How is this the first I’ve heard of python!!!! Omg my life is changed

 

I resisted getting a Python for about 9 years, then I finally succumbed about a year ago. I still have a bruise on my forehead from where I hit myself say "WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG!".

The Python may be the best invention ever!

As a matter of fact, sliced bread is jealous of the Python because now people no longer say something is the best thing since sliced bread.

 

Or a 40 Gallon Breeder with dividers for multiple Betta homes?

If she were to do a 40 gallon, I would recommend doing a sorority tank with a bunch of female bettas.

 

Oh boy... So many choices! I’m leaning towards a 20 long and a divider for 2 Bettas. I think I decided on the Betta tank location too!

So hubby and I visited the fish store and as I suspected when I pointed out the 20 long he said “isn’t that too small?” So we’ll probably end up with something bigger down the road. He wants a community type tank. The Betta tank we’ll get going and get our feet wet (hopefully not too wet! ) with the care of a small tank before we do a second larger one. I can see where this is going...

Thanks for the recommendation, I will definitely look into the Python!

What’s a good brand for planting substrate? Easy maintenance is top priority! The store had Seachem brand gravel for planted tanks in black and brown color. Is this good stuff? Claimed it was good for the lifetime of your tank... ?

A few Bettas caught my eye too. How am I going to choose?!?!? They all looked so sad. And all those silly tiny Betta (torture) bowls right next to them. How long do those fish stay in the display cups on average? Anyone know?


So we don’t have a regular water system for our house. We don’t even have a typical well. It’s an Artisan well. We get our water from a spring up the hill from the house, it comes through a pipe under the house, and into a pump for the house. So is there anything I should be concerned about? There is no additives to our water whatsoever like there is in typical wells.

Where was this when I was a teenager helping my mom with 6 or 7 trips with a bucket over the side of the porch and clean water all the way from the bathroom to the tank! Mind blown. This is definitely going on our to get list!!! With a toddler around anything to make life easier is a must have.

 

I would fill a bucket with tap water, let it sit for a day and use API test kit to check pH, Kh and Gh. That will let you know if parameters are OK for the fish you'll be keeping. Also for nitrates since water changes are used to reduce that in your tank, but won't be effective if your tap has high nitrates itself.

 

I used the sea hem substrate for my planted tank. It’s clay brown coloured. Then I put a prettier fine black gravel on top.

 

HI JLorraine! I commend you on doing your research before jumping in to this wonderful(and addictive) hobby! I know you said you want to support your local fish store but be aware that petco is having their $1 per gallon sale right now on fish tanks. Could be a great way to save a bit of cash if you go for the larger tanks.

You've been given some excellent advice in this thread. The only thing I have to add is that you will truly fall in love with fish keeping once you and your husband get those bettas into their new home and experience first hand how happy it makes them.

Good luck on your new adventure and have fun!

 

I would fill a bucket with tap water, let it sit for a day and use API test kit to check pH, Kh and Gh. That will let you know if parameters are OK for the fish you'll be keeping. Also for nitrates since water changes are used to reduce that in your tank, but won't be effective if your tap has high nitrates itself.

Great idea! Payday is tomorrow so hopefully I’ll start getting supplies really soon.

HI JLorraine! I commend you on doing your research before jumping in to this wonderful(and addictive) hobby! I know you said you want to support your local fish store but be aware that petco is having their $1 per gallon sale right now on fish tanks. Could be a great way to save a bit of cash if you go for the larger tanks.

You've been given some excellent advice in this thread. The only thing I have to add is that you will truly fall in love with fish keeping once you and your husband get those bettas into their new home and experience first hand how happy it makes them.

Good luck on your new adventure and have fun!

Tempting to go there... it was $25 for the 20 long at the local fish store.

And thank you, I’ve never been one to just jump into something. I get stressed out that I’m not doing it right if I just go for it. But after reading a ton of articles and everyone’s recommendations I feel pretty confident now as to what Ill be looking for. I'm sue though I’ll have a ton more questions especially about cycling and planting my plants. But I think I’ll start new threads for those.


Edited to add: What about buying something like this?

I don’t like the layout or the substrate. How would the plants take being pulled up and transplanted? Or is buying used just asking for trouble?

 

Great idea! Payday is tomorrow so hopefully I’ll start getting supplies really soon.



Tempting to go there... it was $25 for the 20 long at the local fish store.

And thank you, I’ve never been one to just jump into something. I get stressed out that I’m not doing it right if I just go for it. But after reading a ton of articles and everyone’s recommendations I feel pretty confident now as to what Ill be looking for. I'm sue though I’ll have a ton more questions especially about cycling and planting my plants. But I think I’ll start new threads for those.


Edited to add: What about buying something like this?

I don’t like the layout or the substrate. How would the plants take being pulled up and transplanted? Or is buying used just asking for trouble?

I think buying that planted tank would be a good starting point. The plants shouldn't give you too much fuss about being moved. My only concern would be the condition of the water and if the previous fish inhabitants had any sickness/disease. I say, as long as the seller has good and rationale answers to your questions, buying an established tank with all the trimmings for $70 is a steal.

Edit: if you do buy that used tank, you can use the old substrate and filter to basically nullify your cycle time. You would, for all intents and purposes, be able to stock out with fish immediately.

 

Look at these photos I found online. It would be super cool if you do something like this.

you can get a 30 gallon tank and divide in 3 and get 3 betas! 10 gallon for each betta is plenty of space for them. and each division you can decorate it different or do like a different theme for each. that would look super cool

 

Great idea! Payday is tomorrow so hopefully I’ll start getting supplies really soon.



Tempting to go there... it was $25 for the 20 long at the local fish store.

And thank you, I’ve never been one to just jump into something. I get stressed out that I’m not doing it right if I just go for it. But after reading a ton of articles and everyone’s recommendations I feel pretty confident now as to what Ill be looking for. I'm sue though I’ll have a ton more questions especially about cycling and planting my plants. But I think I’ll start new threads for those.


Edited to add: What about buying something like this?

I don’t like the layout or the substrate. How would the plants take being pulled up and transplanted? Or is buying used just asking for trouble?

Buying used might be easier. I mostly acquire used tanks. It's nice to pay less for more stuff. You still want to research the equipment to be sure it is enough or correct for that size tank and research the plants too since they have their own needs. Looks like there is water wisteria, a sword, maybe some java fern????

A substrate like the one you mentioned should make it easier to keep plants. The substrate might last but do the nutrients last in that substrate? I doubt it, eventually you would need to start adding root tabs (or osmocote). But I can't say how long that would take cause I do dirted tanks, kind of a semi-walstad method.

 

Look at these photos I found online. It would be super cool if you do something like this.

you can get a 30 gallon tank and divide in 3 and get 3 betas! 10 gallon for each betta is plenty of space for them. and each division you can decorate it different or do like a different theme for each. that would look super cool

View attachment 457376 View attachment 457377

Your terrible. While I’m at it, why not get a 40 gal and get 4!

But seriously, I’m planning to stick to the 20 gal long as it fits perfectly in the spot we picked.

Buying used might be easier. I mostly acquire used tanks. It's nice to pay less for more stuff. You still want to research the equipment to be sure it is enough or correct for that size tank and research the plants too since they have their own needs. Looks like there is water wisteria, a sword, maybe some java fern????

A substrate like the one you mentioned should make it easier to keep plants. The substrate might last but do the nutrients last in that substrate? I doubt it, eventually you would need to start adding root tabs (or osmocote). But I can't say how long that would take cause I do dirted tanks, kind of a semi-walstad method.

I’ll look into what equipment that tank has and ask some questions.

 

you can do this with a 20 gallon long as well lol and get 3 bettas!!! lol ok ill stop

 

If you are thinking you might go to a community tank also look at a 29 gallon. They have the same footprint of a 20 long, but are taller. That would expand your future options more.