If you have a fish tank, come in...

kel716

DH wants a fish tank.  He has since we got married, but I'm closing in on caving because B loves looking at fish too.  We can't really have any other pets because dh is allergic to the hair. 

So- tell me what I need to know about fish to get a simple fish tank.  Nothing fancy, but something easy to manage...  how do you keep the tank maintained?  Recos for tanks (or things I should know)?  What fish are good to have?  What fish should we avoid? 

Thanks!

hav2run

Oh geez.  Fishtanks are a total PITA, IMO.  I had one for DS.  Just a small 5 gallon jobby with a filter and aerator.  We put beta fish in it, because they are hardy.  I had belly up fish all the freaking time.  I cleaned that darn tank all the time, but the fish came from the store with disease.  I saved receipts, and never had to pay for new additions because of the warranty.  My water always tested out fine.  FRUSTRATING!  The tank always sat on top of the entertainment center.  It died a hard death one night when a Bath & Body works Wallflower I sat up there while cleaning the house tipped over and leaked into the base of the fish tank.  It caused the acrylic to turn black, and crack, and leak all into the back of the TV.  The fish died from the leaching of wallflower chemicals, and the TV's cable jack died from the water damage. 

Needless to say, I have never used another wallflower (or oil based air freshener) since, and fish are never living in my home again.  Too much trouble.  Cats and dogs are easier IMO.  WAY easier!  Wishing you luck.  I thought they would be simple pets, but between getting diseased fish from more than one store, and the cleaning, and the fish funerals...I just can never try that again.  Hope others have had better luck. 

stillwaiting12

I've never had any luck with fish tanks. My cousin has a side job doing fish tanks at a pretty intense level. I can give you his info if you are looking at something pretty decent sized. He works with a lot of saltwater tanks too. He's pretty good!

rottie06

If you go to a real aquarium store they are able to suggest things that make it not such a PITA.  I have inherited the duty of caring for the one at work. It has been pretty easy since I started going to Monfort Aquarium on Colerain Ave.  I have never found anyone who really knew anything at Jack's or Petsmart.  The owners are always at Monfort and they super helpful. 

MandiNewMommy

I hate them they are a pain...that being said I have one I am looking to sell...so if you really looking for one. It is 55 gals and has 5 fish and all the rocks and everything.  Let me know if you would like to look at it.