Having lost my only cat, I've become lonely and bored around the house. I'm searching for something that I can pour my time and attention and nurturing into, but fuzzy creatures (and scaly ones) just aren't an option right now (living with someone with allergies takes its toll).
I've decided a fish tank would be the perfect thing. Once the idea popped into my head, I started doing research and quickly became overwhelmed. I'm fairly certain I want to start out with a medium sized tank, a 55 gallon, or maybe even a 75. But as a 'noob', would it be safer to start out smaller? I honestly don't want to have to keep buying more and more fish tanks because I want to get bigger ones.
I know I want a freshwater tank, that's for certain. I've been leaning towards cichlids, mainly parrots, and loaches and angelfish. But after searching through a few websites, I'm still not sure who can go with what.
I was also wondering about keeping live plants. I'm pretty sure I should wait until I get a little experience, but if I wanted to down the road, do I need to worry about what fish I have with them? Are they better for the fish to be in the tank? Would it be easier to keep them in a seperate tank?
And my last question (at least for now anyway), what is the best way to cycle a brand new tank? I've read it can take anywhere from 10 days to 6 weeks.
Thanks for any input,
Slightly confused and desperatly trying.
I've decided a fish tank would be the perfect thing. Once the idea popped into my head, I started doing research and quickly became overwhelmed. I'm fairly certain I want to start out with a medium sized tank, a 55 gallon, or maybe even a 75. But as a 'noob', would it be safer to start out smaller? I honestly don't want to have to keep buying more and more fish tanks because I want to get bigger ones.
I know I want a freshwater tank, that's for certain. I've been leaning towards cichlids, mainly parrots, and loaches and angelfish. But after searching through a few websites, I'm still not sure who can go with what.
I was also wondering about keeping live plants. I'm pretty sure I should wait until I get a little experience, but if I wanted to down the road, do I need to worry about what fish I have with them? Are they better for the fish to be in the tank? Would it be easier to keep them in a seperate tank?
And my last question (at least for now anyway), what is the best way to cycle a brand new tank? I've read it can take anywhere from 10 days to 6 weeks.
Thanks for any input,
Slightly confused and desperatly trying.