New to the forum and to aquariums

[JStrider]

Hey everyone

I just got a 30 gallon aquarium off of craigslist last night and the guy I bought it from mentioned this site... and since I'm a bit of a forum nerd I figured I'd check it out.

Dont have too much experience with fish keeping... My dad always had an aquarium when I was little. I had a betta earlier in college, but he got a tumor on his head and eventually died.  Then a friend gave me an extremely overstocked 5 gallon hex tank that promptly collapsed on moving to my room and me cleaning out the algae...

so this is really my first serious attempt at setting up an aquarium.

Right now I'm gathering all the materials and getting ready to start trying to cycle the aquarium.  I'm thinking I'll try to do the fishless cycle, unless someone has a used filter bag or something I can use to seed my aquarium.


Right now I think I'd eventually like a pair of fancy goldies(not the bug eye ones) and a pair of dojos in a planted aquarium.

So thats what I've got going on...

I live in the woodlands, can anyone suggest some decent fish shops in the area?
the only one I've found so far is FishRUshouston

[Mzungu]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Welcome to HFB!!  

Here is a thread listing some of the LFSs around here:

http://houstonfishbox.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=325

It's a bit out of date, but that should be fixed shortly. There's also an LFS map you can look at by clicking on the top of the page.  :)

Since you're in the Woodlands, I'll wait for others to recommend some stores to you - I'm not too familiar with the North side. The farthest North I go is up to Mike's Tropical Fish and Pets - great store, great guy!

You plan for the tank sounds interesting! You might want to ask around and see if people have successfully kept goldfish (I assume that's what you mean by 'goldies?') in a planted tank, as they can be pretty voracious plant eaters.

And I'm sure that you'll be able to find someone willing to donate some used filter media on here. We're pretty generous when it comes to 'initiating' people into the hobby! Heehee.

[PlanB]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Cool, welcome aboard! Let's see, on the northside, there's Mike's in north Houston like Mzungu mentioned, in Spring there's Ultimate Fish on 2920 and you've already been to Fish R Us. If you're looking for koi and fancy goldfish, there's Lowe's Water Gardens in Spring at Louetta and Stuebner Airline. When I first got to fishbox, I knew almost nothing about aquariums, but after a lot of help and looking around, I think I can hang a little. I can confirm though, that goldfish will try to eat all of your plants!

[Delock]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

"Right now I'm gathering all the materials and getting ready to start trying to cycle the aquarium.  I'm thinking I'll try to do the fishless cycle, unless someone has a used filter bag or something I can use to seed my aquarium. '

Mike maybe able to take care of that!

[CichlidFan]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Welcome to the hobby, and of course the Houston Fish Box.

Do your research, there's plenty of nice folks to help you here,  you'll be hooked in no time.... :)

CF

[JStrider]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

You plan for the tank sounds interesting! You might want to ask around and see if people have successfully kept goldfish (I assume that's what you mean by 'goldies?') in a planted tank, as they can be pretty voracious plant eaters.

yah I do mean goldfish

and I'm picking plants based on this article I found http://aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_vie...cle.php?aid=40

I'm thinking the Java Fern, Java Moss, and anachris tied to a piece of driftwood...

also I have a few Marimo balls in a glass jar that I'll put in as well.

I'll have to check out one of the fish shops this evening if I'm feeling good after work.  I know I'll spend my 9/80 friday off wandering thru the various fish shops around.

Thanks for all the info.

[fishlady]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

welcome to the box....good luck with your tank

[justdoit]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Welcome.   Fish stores mentioned are a good start.    Feel  goldfish may definitely  do a number on your plants.   They really like to munch alot.   Will have to read that article you mentioned.    More info!!   Glad to see more boxers up our way. [Magnolia]    Virginia & daughter "Cantdoitkid " Megan

[Tiapan]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

welcome to the box, and hope you enjoy the site.

[trademan]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Welcome to the box.
Hope you enjoy all us "fish nuts" here - we're a friendly group and always willing to help "newbies".

Mike's would be a good place for you to visit, especially if you're going to do gold fish.

Please check out GHAC, our next meeting is Jan 18th and you are welcome to attend.

Roy Flis
GHAC Advisory Committee

[JStrider]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Yah I'm going to visit mikes either tonite or tomorow.  I'm eager to get my aquarium going.

thanks for the GHAC invite, I'll haveta see if that fits with my schedule

[Zulaab]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

JStrider - welcome to the box :)  I am with Mzungu here.. I dont know of any store north of Mike's Tropical Fish and Pets... so that is where I would start :)

[Fire_chair]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

welcome

[Brownsnoutuk]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

JStrider - welcome to the box :)  I am with Mzungu here.. I dont know of any store north of Mike's Tropical Fish and Pets... so that is where I would start :)

Ultimate Fish is north of Mikes, but i dont think they have goldfish :)

[eklikewhoa]

Re: New to the forum and to aquariums

Welcome aboard!


There's Fish R Us up there but for the prices you might as well drive to Mike's!