The Perfect Aquarium???

Question

I have a 10 gallon tank and I want to set up a really good aquarium. I don't want to have to clean it all the time like I did with my beta fish. Should I go with fresh or salt water? What kind of fish should I get? (I want more than one kind). What other stuff do I need to buy?? I just need a lot of information of aquariums, types of fish, etc.

I could get a larger aquarium if I had to, I just have a 10 gallon one already and didn't want to have to get a new one. Some are really expensive.

Answer 1

For ease of care...freshwater is definitely easier than saltwater. So I would recommend going freshwater.

As far as types, if you want a variety of fish then you will need to stick to the smaller fish (meaning they remain small even as adults) since your tank is only 10 gallons. Add your fish slowly...over a period of time. Don't go out and fully stock your tank right away.

No matter what fish you choose make sure you make yourself familiar with the cycling process so you don't end up with "New Tank Syndrome" as so many newbies have happen that kills all or a lot of their fish.
The below link has a plethora of information for beginning a tank including the Nitrogen cycle. It also discusses what is typically needed for a new tank. This is where I got a lot of the information that I use for my tanks.
http://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm

As far as the cleaning....I think the bigger the tank the easier to clean...with a bigger tank you can use a water vacuum and suck the water right out...it takes me only about 10 minutes to do a 30% water change on my 20 gallon.

Answer 2

saltwater is really for experts as it needs much more care and thought. it also requires very specific plans and if you really havent mastered freshwater i wouldnt suggest it.

The problem is there is no tank that you dont have to clean, you really have to keep up with weekly water changes. Even more so with a small tank like a 10 gallon. as there is less water to diloute the waste.

So weekly water changes are a must.

for a 10 gallon you really should be looking at a small community set-up, very few fishes due to the size of a 10 gallon, look into smaller fishes like neon tetras. Along with cory catfish.

Both species are smaller and schooling.

you cant get alot of fishes, and you cant get any larger fishes.

You will need a HOB filter, They are needed to keep the water semi clean. You will still need to water change weekly.

Answer 3

Start with a fresh water system. Not that a marine aquarium is that difficult to maintain, there just expensive and a very large volume is much more stable. Stability is critical in any system and as I said before a large volume is easier and the less maintenance you will be required. If you do not want to do frequent water changes get a bigger tank. Otherwise you will need the things I will list. First though keep in mind you need to set up your system without fish or other animals for a few days to a week ( longer for more water) This allows critical bacteria to form and multiply. Without a big explanation this is critical to a stable environment that recycles fish waste (ammonia-urine degrades to ammonia and toxifies the water)
Here's what you need.
Aquarium (I'll list essentials only for a 10 gal.)
Small filter ( submersible will be fine-a waterfall is better)
and cover for your fish (plants and gravel)

Answer 4

Check out this website. http://www.fishchannel.com/affc_portal.aspx

After being in the hobby for over 35 years, I recommend you keep a freshwater "natural" tank. This means that you decorate it and use substrate materials that occur naturally in the wild.
Be sure your filtration system is working properly. A 10% to 20% water change once a week will help to keep your tank clean. Be sure to check your filtration materials every 2 weeks or so. I use a natural sponge along with coral-like material in a mesh bag in my waterfall box filters. I rinse them in cold water about once a month.
I also grow live plants in my tanks. I have to tell you that the most difficult size tank to keep is the smaller ones, 5 and 10 gallon tanks require alot of monitoring and cleaning, more so than larger tanks.

Answer 5

I would recommend a freshwater tank, and you would still be able to keep a betta in there with a heater
But you would still need to do weekly partial waterchanges of 25% with a gravel siphon
Read through the articles of that site
http://fishlesscycling.com/articles.html


And stay away from a goldfish, since you can only keep one of them in there

As for recommendation:
1 male betta
6 neon tetras (schooling fish)
3 mollies ( you can take males if you don't want babies, they won't fight each other)
3 platy's (same thing, you can have males)
2-3 cory's (bottom dwellers)

Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 6

salt water more work

fresh water easy more cleaning !!

Answer 7

whatever you do don't buy goldfish, they're EXTREMELY messy, also buy one of the fishes that help you clean the tank, one of those is a type of black fish. it sticks to the walls of the tank and it helps clean the tank.

buy tropical fishes, they're the prettiest and more affordable.