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Fish Tank,beginner.

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  • 25-04-2009 11:54am
    #1
    holly1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,700 ✭✭✭✭


    Just got a fish tank off a pal(empty) who dident want it anymore.1mtr long/half mtr width.
    I was wondering if anyone could reccomend a good book for a beginner and any advice would be great,I havent got a notion about tank or fish but am very interested in learning.


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    #2
    Arcadian
    Closed Accounts Posts: 498 ✭✭Arcadian


    Don't know any books but three decent websites are........

    Practical Fishkeeping

    Irish Fish Forums

    Irish Tropical Fish Society

    You'll get plenty of ideas there:D


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    #3
    holly1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,700 ✭✭✭✭holly1


    Thanks,will have a look.


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    #4
    ValerieR
    Registered Users Posts: 714 ✭✭✭ValerieR


    Hi Holly1,

    Welcome to the world of fish keeping ! :-) You'll see it's quite addictive.
    Patience is the key factor to this hobby - take your time and do plenty of research/reading :you will be fine.
    Plenty of information as mentioned on the websites mentioned above by Arcadian.
    If you need any info, don't hesitate to ask.
    Regards,

    ValerieR
    www.irishfishkeepers.com


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    #5
    Wolfsberg
    Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭Wolfsberg


    Hi Holly1,
    Fair play to you for wanting to do some research. Assuming you are going to keep tropical fish (with heated water), as opposed to coldwater fish (goldfish), I have 2 books I would also strongly recommend, in addition to the websites already mentioned.

    Here is the first one...http://www.eason.ie/look/9780007205783/Aquarium-Fish/Don-Harper

    And when it comes time to setup the tank you will get great advice from this book...http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AQUARIUM-DISPLAYS---Fish-Pets---Book-NEW_W0QQitemZ170324341679QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090423?IMSfp=TL090423133001r5983

    The second book is more focused on the setup of the aquarium and what plants, decor, substrate and fish to include to make it look roughly like a specific habitat from nature.


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    #6
    Fishyfreak
    Registered Users Posts: 576 ✭✭✭Fishyfreak


    The most important thing, as mentioned by Valerie, is patience. If you rush things you will end up with lots of dead fish and a wrecked head.

    Learn about the "Nitrogen Cycle", this is the fundemantal basis of a healthy aquarium along with proper fish husbandry/compatibility.

    If you know anyone with an aquarium ask them for a slab of sponge from their filter. This will greatly speed up the "cycling" process. Anyway, what i've just written will look like gibberish until you read about the Nitrogen Cycle.

    In laymans terms: Fish produce waste in the form of Ammonia. This is very toxic to fish. A healthy filter will convert Ammonia into Nitrite and then convert nitrite into Nitrate which is then diluted by frequent partial water changes.

    If you need anymore info PM me your e-mail address and i'll send you loads of info compiled by the Leinster Fishkeeping society.

    www.irishfishforum.com


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