Newbie From Marine To Freshwater! Some Questions!

HI everyone,

I have not kept fish for a few years now, but when I did I was very much into Marine Fish, I had a 500Gal tank and loved every minute of it. What I did not love was the cost! I have been thinking for a long while to get back into fish keeping, and to be honest I never considered freshwater for a minute until recently. I started to watch some YouTube videos of folks having amazing tanks with Dragon rock and logs and real plants, they look amazing! So I think this is something I would like to do, on a small scale at first, so here are my questions:

I went into my local fish store today and they advised me that a Corallife 30 Gallon tank would work for freshwater. This is appealing to me because if I ever get the itch to go back to Marine fish I would already have a tank. My question is, is the LFS right? Is this type of tank suitable?

My second question is, what will I need apart from that tank if I get it to enable me to get going. I really mean from a hardware perspective, I know I need gravel and rock and water treatment products, but some videos I have been watching are using C02 etc? Is that necessary?

My third question, and this is where I do sound like a newb. What type of fish like that jungle look in a tank. I really want it to be a little rocky, those lovely looking logs and lots of plants, I like to see something going on in every corner of the tank. I have heard terms like Ciclid, Malawi, etc. Not really sure what the deal is here.

Any info you can provide would be great!

 

Hi! Welcome back to the hobby!

To answer your first question, you can ABSOLUTELY use a biocube for a freshwater tank. The great thing about a biocube is that it's an all inclusive tank!

I suppose that goes into your second question. As far as main hardware you should be covered. The CO2 injections/tablets are only necessary for certain plants. There are plenty of awesome low-tech plants that won't require anything like that. Much like normal plants, aquatic plants require varying levels of lighting, as well. The main thing with a planted tank is to decide whether you want a low-tech or high tech tank, and chose your plants accordingly.

As far as fish go, most fish are good for a planted tank. If you're wanting to do a biotope tank, say an Amazon Biotope, then you'll only want to choose fish that are endemic to that area. However, if you just want a planted tank and aren't too worried about recreating a certain habitat, your options are pretty limitless. It's much easier to ask which fish aren't okay in a planted tank (like Silver Dollars, who have been known to decimate plants), vs. asking which ones are.

You will want to do some research as to which fish do well together though. And Cichlids are a topic all their own when it comes to this. Few can be kept in a community tank... Mainly Central American and South American cichlids are the ones that are safe for a community, and you'll likely be advised to proceed with caution even with most of those species. As for African cichlids, it's generally advised that you only mix them with other African cichlids which come from the same lake.
So, there's another decision for you to make; community tank, or species tank?

Can't wait to see where you decide to take your hobby this time. I'm sure our awesome community will have TONS of advise for you.

 

HI everyone,

I have not kept fish for a few years now, but when I did I was very much into Marine Fish, I had a 500Gal tank and loved every minute of it. What I did not love was the cost! I have been thinking for a long while to get back into fish keeping, and to be honest I never considered freshwater for a minute until recently. I started to watch some YouTube videos of folks having amazing tanks with Dragon rock and logs and real plants, they look amazing! So I think this is something I would like to do, on a small scale at first, so here are my questions:

I went into my local fish store today and they advised me that a Corallife 30 Gallon tank would work for freshwater. This is appealing to me because if I ever get the itch to go back to Marine fish I would already have a tank. My question is, is the LFS right? Is this type of tank suitable?

My second question is, what will I need apart from that tank if I get it to enable me to get going. I really mean from a hardware perspective, I know I need gravel and rock and water treatment products, but some videos I have been watching are using C02 etc? Is that necessary?

My third question, and this is where I do sound like a newb. What type of fish like that jungle look in a tank. I really want it to be a little rocky, those lovely looking logs and lots of plants, I like to see something going on in every corner of the tank. I have heard terms like Ciclid, Malawi, etc. Not really sure what the deal is here.

Any info you can provide would be great!

Hi!
So id like to preface this all with the fact id never had a saltwater tank, but heres what you need for freshwater:
At uts most basic level, all you NEED are a tank and filter. Also water conditioner if you use tap water.
If you want tropical (ie cichlids, tetra, etc) you also need a heater. If you want cold water (ie goldfish, minnows, etc) then jts not necessary.

As for decor (sand/gravel, real/artificial plants, driftwood, rocks, etc) it is mostly about personal preference. Generally speaking, most fish prefer lots of decor for hiding and safety.

CO2 injectors, ferts, etc are only necessary for certain types of plants. By no means are they required to run an aquarium though, nor even to grow most plants.

Lastly... the types of fish!
So there are a couple of categories: cichlids, catfish, loaches, gourami, livebearers, tetra, and killifish. I am sure I'm missing a few. Cichlids are probably the most diverse group: from the peaceful discus to aggressive oscar. MalawI is part of this family - specifically african cichlids from lake malawi. Most beginners start with small fish like guppies (livebearers) and most advanced are probably discus (south african cichlids). I'm sure others will disagree with that though (lol).

If you're looking for a heavily planted tropical setup, I would look at mostly south african fish. You might try angelfish, german blue rams, cory catfish, or blue gourami as some good community fish (that I like anyway) for your tank.
Most important think is to research the fish and compatibility before buying. Lots of people here will give input on stocking your tank.

PS since youve owned tanks previously, I assume you know about the nitrogen cycle. If not, please read up on it and how it affects your tank!

 

Ok great thanks for this information, especially on the fish. In terms of the tank though, Corallife 30 Gallon BIO cube. Will that be fine?

 

If you have any pictures of your old tank..m I would love to see it!it sounds awesome!!! And yes that tank should be fine!!

 

Afraid I don't have any pictures. I had them on a domain (when I lived in the UK) that no longer exists. I can see all my posts but the pic links obviously don't work anymore Its sad really because I put a lot of time into that tank. Thanks for the info on the tank!

 

Afraid I don't have any pictures. I had them on a domain (when I lived in the UK) that no longer exists. I can see all my posts but the pic links obviously don't work anymore Its sad really because I put a lot of time into that tank. Thanks for the info on the tank!

Aww too bad: I can only imagine the work that went into it!!!

 

A fair bit

Do I need a Protein Skimmer with a fresh water setup?

 

Do I need a Protein Skimmer with a fresh water setup?

Not that I am aware of!! I certainly don't!!

 

you don't need a protein skimmer. I believe it is optional if you want to use, but you definitely do not NEED one

 

Thank you sir!

Actually, just a had a horrid thought. Not sure this going to work. I want the tank in my basement. Right next to ware the tank goes will be this! Now its an electric set but I do play it with an amp too.

If you look at where the 2 guitar amps are on the table I was going to put it there.

Anyone have any advice in terms of tank close to a drum kit? I did put a glass of water on the table where I was going to put the tank and there was nothing. There was vibration through the desk though. But that was like playing it full belt.