Aquarium queries

ripplyuk

I'm considering getting a small aquarium, probably for tropical fish. I'm a bit concerned about the noise the pump might make. It's a long time since I've kept fish but I do remember the air pumps then made quite a loud hum. I used to keep soft materials under it to try and reduce it but it didn't help much. Are they still as bad?

Could a covered fish tank still cause excess humidity or damp in the house? Although my house has no obvious damp issues, I'm still a bit paranoid about it due to a previous rented house with damp. I've heard some people say cold water tanks are better as they evaporate less but I've no idea if this is true.

Also, how much electric is it likely to cost running the aquarium? Has anyone noticed a change in their usage since getting one?

tberry6686

Most Aquariums these days don't use air pumps as surface agitation from the filter is enough to do the job (unless you are using an undergravel filter but they are uncommon these days) The noise from an internal filter is pretty low and barely noticeable (I use external canister filters now and cant here them at all).

I haven't had any problems with condensation (2 tanks, 1 x5ft and 1 x 3ft both covered). Electricity ueage is pretty low as well.

no1catman

When you say 'small' how small are you thinking of? Maybe you are constrained for size by where it is too go - but IMHO go for as big as you can. If you get one too small, you'll wish you'd gone for something bigger!
Anything over four foot, would probably need two heaters, but for a first timer try 30" long.
Next, where you're putting it - is it the same level as the rest of downstairs or lower?
The reason I ask, is that in my previous address the kitchen where the tank was had a step up to the dining room, so if the pipe from the external filter came away - it's just the kitchen that's effected.
External filters are the best, but when I moved to one-level house, much preferred a internal filter!


Visit a few aquatic shops, get a book from your local library - give you ideas of what fish you like, and what size tank they need.
Coldwater fish, tend to be bigger, and therefore need bigger tanks.
HTHs

ripplyuk

It's a very small house, so I was looking at the BiOrb, and I think it has an under gravel filter with a pump. Also there one on petplanet called Aquael Classic 40, but I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

no1catman, when you mention the external filter pipe coming away, does that mean it could cause a flood?

I was planning on putting it on either a stand or a small table in the living room. I've read up a little about types of fish but still have a lot to research. I like the little guppies, but also think some of the more fancy goldfish are lovely. I've read that a single betta can be nice in a small tank, but then other people say they just hide all the time.

no1catman

With an external filter, you have the tank, on a stand, underneath the stand on the floor, stands the external filter. The filter is connected to the tank by two hoses, an inlet hose, and an outlet hose.
The inlet hose takes the water from the tank, and in flows down to the filter, where it is cleaned, and sent back into the tank via the outlet hose - probably connected to a spray bar.
The hoses themselves are straight, maybe the odd bend, but that's it, to make go around corners - you have elbow connectors.


So, suppose the connection to an elbow comes away, and the hose flops down - yes water flows out but not back in.
It's unlikely, but it's still possible - unless the current systems make that virtually impossible.
Internal filters, on the other hand, are in the tank - so no hoses etc., just mean a bit more maintenance because they don't contain as much filter material as the external ones!


HTHs

Froglet

ripplyuk wrote: »

It's a very small house, so I was looking at the BiOrb, and I think it has an under gravel filter with a pump. Also there one on petplanet called Aquael Classic 40, but I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations.

no1catman, when you mention the external filter pipe coming away, does that mean it could cause a flood?

I was planning on putting it on either a stand or a small table in the living room. I've read up a little about types of fish but still have a lot to research. I like the little guppies, but also think some of the more fancy goldfish are lovely. I've read that a single betta can be nice in a small tank, but then other people say they just hide all the time.

Please please stay away from a biorb.They look attractive to us but are totally unsuitable for even small fish and very difficult to maintain with water changes etc.You are much better off with ,as Catman says,the biggest tank you can fit in and afford.Tropical fish are far more suitable than cold water.In all the years I have kept tropical I have never had a problem with condensation.

If you go for a fluval internal filter you will find them very quiet.

I know you have kept fish before but things have changed now regarding starting them up.If you go to the https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk website there is lots of advice and help from experienced and friendly members who will help you with all aspects .

teddysmum

My tank has a plastic condensation cover between hood and water surface. This does keep most condensation inside the tank, as can be seen at the moment, because the cover has been damaged and condensation has escaped through the hole and accumulated on the hood above this hole.


I find platies very easy to keep and live bearing means no need to restock as often (except to vary the gene pool), as the babies have a better chance of survival.


However, I found fancy goldfish very difficult, as they are prone to physical damage, swim bladder and digestion problems , probably because of being bred to have huge eyes, oddly shaped bodies, large flowing fins etc.