I got a fish tank!

bunnicula · 09-10-2005, 07:07 PM

I went out this afternoon, and I ended up getting a tank that I hadn't even considered yet (Robert helped pick it out!):

Aquabrite V by Hawkeye Aquariums

Features:

Seamless acrylic construction
Hinged hood design
Power filter system (Aquatech 5/15)
Fluorescent lighting
Dechlorinator and fish food samples included
5 Gallon Capacity
Dimensions: 17.3"H x 20.8"L x 14.3"W

We're not done setting it up yet, but we have the filter running (the instructions say to run it for 24 hours before adding fish) and we have some gravel and rocks (Steph - I realised that I inadvertently copied your Eclipse's decorations). I also have a thermometer in the tank so that I can monitor it before I add a fish and make sure that the temperature stays optimal and doesn't fluctuate.

Here it is so far:

It is going to be a betta palace! The only potential problems that I see so far involve the filter. The filter does seem kind of strong, but if you pull the output (input?) as far up as it will go (and still work), it is pretty weak, so I will give it a try, but keep an eye on the fish to make sure that it doesn't bug him. The other problem is that the hole is quite a bit bigger than the filter, so I need to find away to block that up so that the fish can't jump out.

If all goes well, I'll probably go out tomorrow and get plants and a fish (and food [I just picked up some bloodworms today]).

millimi · 09-10-2005, 07:26 PM

It looks great! I heard some bettas don't like hexagonal tanks, but it's not too common, and with that much room, your betta will be in heaven no matter what! Can't wait to see what kind of plants you get. You might also want to get a nice big decorative rock for fun.

veggiegirl · 09-10-2005, 07:34 PM

Yay!

Cool tank! I wouldn't worry about the filter too much. If you can slow the outflow a bit, it should be fine. Your betta might look like he's getting pushed around by the current at first, but in my experience they learn and get used to it. I think it catches them off-guard at first because they are used to those tiny cups.

Another thing you can do is group plants near the flow so the flow goes in different directions instead of in one strong blast. I've learned to get creative lol.

You are going to have a lucky betta!

Denise · 09-10-2005, 08:36 PM

Danielle, congrats!

I LOVE the aquarium you and Robert picked out.

See, look how easy that was?!

Solarsis · 09-10-2005, 08:40 PM

very cool tank Danielle!

You are going to have one lucky fishy!

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you end up paying?

bunnicula · 09-10-2005, 08:41 PM

Thanks guys. And thanks for the plant tip Steph.

bunnicula · 09-10-2005, 08:50 PM

It was around $54 at Walmart.

Is there anything else that I should do before I put a fish in the tank (other than get plants)? We've already put conditioner in the water and I am going to bring a sample of the water into the fish store to see if they can test it...

SIChins · 09-10-2005, 08:59 PM

I like the tank, it is very attractive looking

veggiegirl · 09-10-2005, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunnicula

It was around $54 at Walmart.

Is there anything else that I should do before I put a fish in the tank (other than get plants)? We've already put conditioner in the water and I am going to bring a sample of the water into the fish store to see if they can test it...

To cycle or not to cycle...that is the question.

I know you are already drowning in info so I would just go for it and get your fishy.

If you wanted to do things "perfect" or "by the book" you could cycle the tank by adding ammonia (from the fish store) and also buying beneficial bacteria and adding that. But you would have to wait quite awhile for it to cycle. Honestly girl, I think you should just get your betta and go for it. I have had aquariums constantly running since I was 10, and I have not lost a fish once from lack of cycling. For salties, its a must, but for bettas, who are totally hardy fish, I'm sure your fishy will do just fine in your tank.

Plus, you are on'y going to have one fish in the tank, so its not like you are going to have tons of fish waste in there. If you want, you can buy a bottle of the beneficial bacteria to move things along. There is another good product by Amquel, and it gets rid of nitrate and nitrite. I'm sure it will be ok either way. Can't wait to see pics!

bunnicula · 09-10-2005, 09:37 PM

Steph, I have read about cycling, but it does seem to be pretty complicated. I think that I will just forgo the cycling and hope for the best (a lot of people seem to go the uncycled route and have no problems).