Starting off with what should be a hassle-free hobby

by Walter Spanner

The days are gone when someone who wanted to keep tropical fish had to go out and buy a glass tank, fill it with water, chuck in a few fish in, and then leave the fish to fend for them selves, learning as they went along. Nowadays we have the Internet to help us with this great hobby; also we have the local specialist fish shops, usually run by enthusiasts who actually know what they are talking about!

So let'sl start from the beginning. I know that's a bit boring, but this is the only way to avoid the pit-falls of keeping these little blighters.

The first thing to think about is where are we going to put this tank - how big is it going to be? - bearing in mind that the bigger the tank the easier it is to keep. Also, remembering that you need a sturdy base to stand it on, don't forget the floor as this takes the same weight as the base. If you are on wooden floorboards then you will have to check and maybe use extra supports under the joists. If you are thinking about putting your tank upstairs, then you will have to think very carefully on the size, as you will be limited on the weight.

Once you have decided how big a tank you are going to have, then you will then have to start the process off by finding somewhere to buy it. You also have to consider the cost although in return for the pleasure a well set-up tank will provide, it is going to prove very good value. Nevertheless, a visit to your local dealer 'just to look' will give you an idea of the initial cost and will be helpful in picturing an actual size rather than a theoretical 'so many inches/cms long'. Bear in mind that a lot of places will not deliver your tank, as it is too expensive so check this when viewing. Buying a second hand tank is OK, but you run the risk of the tank leaking and there is no comeback on the seller. Buying replacement glass can be quite expensive especially if the tank is going to be a big one. I have replaced a pane of glass on a tank before, and it is not that easy - especially trying to seal the side you are replacing, so it does not leak.

This is our aim, and this is why we are starting from the beginning - to achieve these results.

Tanks come in various shapes and sizes, from hexagonal to rectangular. You can find tabletop tanks, and ones that hang on the wall. I have even seen ones that hang from the ceiling. The choice is huge; you can even get two tanks that are joined together by tubes.

There also acrylic tanks (plastic), but the problem with these is that they scratch easily; the good thing is that they are lighter in weight than glass.

Having decided on the size and location you will need a base to put your tank on. They, too, come in various sizes, and can either be made of wood or metal. If you feel that you are capable of making your own, then there are a few websites on the Internet showing how to build one. See:- www.thekrib.com

Placing the tank in the right place is important. Too much light will cause too much algae growth, and cause other problems later on. Also, once the tank is in the position you want, it will be very hard moving it to another place. You will need to completely empty the tank before making the move, or the tank glass may crack or leak on refilling.

Moving tanks is a big job and is very stressful to the fish.

So you go out and buy a tank, and a base to put it on, and you know where it is going to finally go in the house.

There must be some kind of material between the base and the tank to allow for any dips or bumps that are on the base surface. Most people use polystyrene sheets that you can buy from DIY shops. You can also use those 12-inch polystyrene square-ceiling tiles as well.

In part two >>> we discuss setting up and what is available to you.

Walter will be pleased to answer readers fish keeping queries.

'Click' to send an e-mail to:- Fishkeeping queries

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