Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with fishtank

Should I introduce another angel fish?

mairuzu — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:39:12 -0800

Fishtank filter: I have a 125 litre community tank with a mixture of tetras, catfish, zebra fish and one large angel. All the fish get on fine. I'd like to get another angel fish (a small one) - does anyone foresee this causing any problems? Would the original angel fish accept another one?

What are fishtank plant sculptures made of (and are they toxic)?

johnstein — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:29:55 -0800

My wife bought this fishtank plant sculpture. One of the 'rocks' got chipped, leaving a big white spot (looks like plaster). Is it still safe to use? Can't find any material information on the packaging or on the web. We think it might just be ceramic.

Instinct says "Of course it's safe! It's designed for a fishtank. The material would have to be safe"

Skeptic says "Companies always try to minimize costs, so they may use some semi-toxic material, but so long as they cover it with plastic/paint that has a 95% chance of containment, they can sell it."

We are going to call up the company and see if they'll just exchange it, but if anyone has any insight, we'd appreciate it.

How can I ensure my fish live long, happy lives?

biochemist — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:47:32 -0800

What size tank and type of fish are best for a beginner with a ~20 tank size limit? I'd like something that isn't too time-consuming. I've googled it and seen this, but the former results vary wildly and the latter is mostly for larger tanks.

1) What size tank would you recommend for a beginner? It's for a dorm room with a ~20 gallon limit.

2) What type of fish are happiest in this size tank? I'm going for freshwater.

3) I've read that you need to fill the tank and let it sit for a week, and I've read that you don't need to do that. Which one is it?

Help me take my tropical freshwater fish to the next level.

letsgomendel — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:18:30 -0800

Help me take my tropical freshwater fish to the next level. I've kept fish on and off since I was young but haven't really taken it very far. I love getting new fish and seeing them swim around, but my interest fades after a while, the fish get a little neglected and the tank just meanders along with a daily feed and the occasional clean. I'm at this stage now.

I have a small corner tank full of pretty mollies, some harlequins and some neons. The tank is overrun with snails and the vegetation slowly rotting away or being eaten.

After seeing a beautiful, verdant tank at a friends, and another one on some aquarist's website, I feel it is either time to stop keeping fish altogether, or to take it a step up.

Can any of you budding enthusiasts out there show me the way, be it books, advice, areas to improve - anything that will pique my interest in this hobby. I'm based in London if any geographic-based recommendations turn up.

Help me start my first marine aquarium

jeffmshaw — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:51:09 -0800

I'm thinking of buying a used saltwater aquarium, with fish included. What am I getting myself into that I should be aware of? What should I read to prepare myself for routine maintenance? I've always wanted a marine aquarium, but in my preliminary reading the set-up seems expensive and onerous, so I never pursued it. I've just moved into a new place, and in searching for furniture I find this on Craigslist. It comes with fish, including a clownfish, so the set-up would be minimal, and I'd just be looking at maintenance.

The price is right, and the timing seems right, too. I'm going out to look at the tank this week. What should I know before then? What specific issues, if any, are associated with buying a used tank? How does maintenance for a marine tank differ from the freshwater tanks I've had in the past?

Links to resources are welcomed, as are your own experiences. Thanks!

Creative ideas for an empty fish tank?

catfood — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 11:13:17 -0800

I need some creative ideas with regards to what to do with our little aquarium? Our pet fish just died (after a full and happy life...for a fish) and I don't think we want another one. I do like having our little 10 gallon aquarium though - does anyone have any creative ideas for what to use the aquarium for that does not involve getting a new fish?

I'm not opposed to other types of pets as long as they don't smell or make noise. We already have 2 cats who take care of the making noise part anyway.

I need clever fish tank toys

BradNelson — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 15:40:10 -0800

Help me find really cool or clever fish tank accessories. I'm having difficulty googling for this. I want to find some really unique or humorous (or otherwise cool) accessories to go in a fish tank. Not interested in the typical sunken ship or treasure chest.

For example, I wish I could find like Jimmy Hoffa (or any other person) with a brick tied to his ankle to set in the bottom of the tank.