Jumping Back In The Tank

Hi everyone
Currently looking into getting myself set up with a tropical fish tank. Absolute newbie to the art of fish keeping so any advice would be much appreciated.

I have been doing some research and visiting a few aquatic shops to get an idea of what I want and where to start. I haven’t purchased anything yet just building up a list of things required. With regards to tank setup I don’t want anything to big to start with so have been looking at the Fluval Flex 34L. I know this tank doesn’t come with a heater so that will also have to be purchased along with water treatment and decor.

With regards to cycling a tank I imagine a lot will depend on decor plants etc. But roughly how long will it take to become habitable is it weeks.

I don’t know my water hardness yet so will find that out today. As I understand this has a part to play in which fish I can have in my setup.

Again any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Shorey

I started with a 60 x 30 cm, 60 litre tank. I agree that they are a nice size to start with - though it didn't take long for me to get a 125 litre, then replace that with a 180 litre 

The things you need to start are the tank, filter and heater, bottle of dechlorinator (also known as water conditioner), a test kit and a bottle of ammonia. Or a lot of live plants instead of the ammonia. Everything else can be purchased and a fish wish-list drawn up while cycling.
Sand substrate is better than gravel simply because it allows bottom dwellers to be kept. If you don't want those (and a 34 litre tank won't have enough space for them) then gravel is fine.
'Bottled bacteria' products are available; the best ones will speed up the cycle rather than do it instantly as shops will tell you, but the worst ones will do nothing. If you want to use one, Tetra Safe Start is one of the best.


Yes please, find out your water hardness as soon as you can. It should be somewhere on your water company's website. You need a number together with the unit as the words they use can be misleading. If it turns out you have very soft water, there are things you need to be aware of during cycling, but all other hardness won't be a problem.




One final word for now - don't believe anything a shop worker says till you have researched it for yourself. The majority know little about fish keeping and are taught only how to sound convincing and make a sale. They do not believe in fishless cycling!

The research I did prior to getting my tank lead me to get a 240l tank (as large as I could fit in). Although I could fit larger now, I've never regretted my decision. It is pretty stable and it enables a good selection of fish.

I would highly recommend a sand substrate (combined with a planting substrate if you want real plants). I had small to medium gravel and it was hard work changing it.

You might like to look up "aquascaping" too!!!