Sort of new to fish care...

Sorry I haven't had the tI'm to look around the forum to see any answers to these questions! I've just joined, and I'm looking to get some fish. I've owned two betas before but that was around 7+ years ago. I don't know any "Fish owner language" As I come from a Hamster/Small pet community
I have this 20 gallon long, and I'm pretty sure it was marketed for fish. There is no reptile tank that matches the tank that I have on Petsmart's website, because I am pretty sure my Aunt (First owner of the tank, used for her gecko) bought a separate lid. I have asked her and it's been a few years since she bought the tank, so she doesn't remember what it was marketed for.

It has some temperature gauges, velcro (Industrial strength) and duct tape scraps stuck to the side. How would one remove that? Rubbing alcohol?

My mom says two hamsters and some fish would be too much for me, but I think as long as I stayed on top of everything it would be okay? I get around $40 every two weeks, do you think that's enough? I would already have large cages, and saving up wouldn't be a problem for food because I would have so may bags from buying the different foods to provide variety, and for a large bale of bozo its only over $10. How much would maintaining a 20 gallon long (aquarium, with a few fish and live plants) cost approximately?

I would like to get a couple female betas, some neon tetras and living plants swell as moss balls. Since it would be quite a big tank with only like... 7 or less fish and three to four plants would it need to be cleaned a lot? I am really interested in having a little ecosystem!

Would it be okay to have the tank on top of a hamster cage (Galant shelf), Because that my only option to have it really (Unless my mom wants a fish tank in her office, she doesn't seem to mind actually just asked her XD). Also does it need a filter? If so where do I get the fish tank tops (Assuming we don't need a whole new tank...)?

Okay so basically I need someone to tell me what fish are compatible (and pleasing to the eye, if the fish listed above are compatible that's best), how to run a natural tank and what I need for the tank!

 

I'm sorry I only saw the first paragraph on my phone.

 

Is the nitrogen cycle only for tropicals? I'm looking for freshwaters

I really like the idea of diamond tetras!
https://www.fishlore.com/profile-diamondtetra.htm

 

HI GalaxyMeow welcome to FishLore!!

Since you've never kept fish I would suggest some reading.
Here is FishLore's Free Freshwater Aquarium E-Book

20 gallon long tanks have to be one of my favorites.
A hood designed for a 29 gallon tank should fit well. That's what I use on mine.
Be sure to measure before buying.

If the tape is on the outside rubbing alcohol should take care of the stickiness.

I'd advise against multiple bettas.
While some have had luck with them others have ended in disaster.
It's always advised to have extra tanks in case they need to be separated. It doesn't sound like funds or space would allow that.

Once you learn about the nitrogen cycle (very important) and get the tank cycled you could go with a couple of small schools of tetras and some cories for bottom activity.

Have fun and good luck!

 

Thanks!

Yeah, the diamond tetras look really neat!

 

The nitrogen cycle is for all fish, big and small, hardy and delicate. For the nitrogen cycle, you will definitely need a filter on the tank.

A betta sorority can be tricky, so it is usually recommended for more experienced fish keepers. I wouldn't recommend it if it is your first tank. If you really like the idea of bettas, though, you could divide the 20 gallon and keep 2 males in it. That's what I do, and they love the extra space.

When you say the tank is on top of a hamster cage, do you mean on the cage, or on a shelf above it? If it's on the shelf, as long as the shelf can support 100+ lbs for a long period of time, it should be OK.

You will definitely need to sanitize the tank, but DO NOT USE SOAP!! The first step to seeing if it is a fish or reptile tank is to fill it. If it doesn't leak and the sides don't bulge out, it should be OK for fish. TO sanitize it, fill it with bleach water then RINSE RINSE RINSE! Use extra dechlorinator the first time you fill it after cleaning. To get the gunk off the sides, you can use a new razor blade to scrape it off.

It doesn't cost much to maintain a tank, but startup can get pricey. If you want to buy a tank, research all the equipment you want (decide if you will have live plants or anything that will require more equipment) then add it up. Add $50 for anything you forgot--trust me, you will forget a lot.

Remember--the more you read, the more you will learn. The more you learn, the more prepared you will be. Make sure you are solid in everything you know before buying ANYTHING, and think it through, because pets are a long-term commitment.