I need advice, first timer!

[TheBookWorm]

If you're going with freshwater, I would stick with gravel. I have a coarser gravel in my 20, about an inch and a half deep. It's a darker brown, with lots of variation in color, and I really love the way it looks in my planted freshwater angelfish tank (got all of my fish from petsmart, except for the false juli cory cats - quite happy with them - been in there for over a year already). Actually, my angelfish have formed a breeding pair.

 

[minhha2006]

Oh wow mandarin. Pretty awesome! That's a lot of plants so I'm assuming a lot of plant food needed in the form of fish poo?

 

[minhha2006]

Thanks bookworm. Any reason behind gravel? Also, do I wash gravel prior to adding? I assume yes, but I'm clueless.

I also found a used tank that is up and running. The guy will take out some water, but it's got sand currently as well as a few plants and sword tails (?). Should I ask him to take out the sand? Also, this is very stupid sounding, but how should I introduce new water?

 

[mandarin_goby]

Yep, fish poo is good fertilizer. Personally, I don't think a planted tank should be *too* clean (unless you have discus) and thank you

 

[minhha2006]

I guess my question was even stupider than I thought. Let me try to rephrase. Do I add in a gallon at a time? Once per day? Also, do I treat the water before adding it in, or do I just buy spring water?

Thanks fellas!

 

[Dan_P]

Welcome, I wish you luck!

I suggest you read a book or two on saltwater aquariums so that you can see the range of options available in this very exciting hobby and the money it will take to maintain a saltwater aquarium properly.

If you are moving in a year or so, I would wait until you are going to stay put for a couple years. Saltwater tanks take time to become established.