Returning to fish keeping after 20+ years

[CrashEd]

Hi all!

Just in the process of writing a shopping list for our new TF tank. A lot has changed since I last kept TF as a youngster. Hopefully I'm going to get my son into keeping fish, so it will be a nostalgic journey.

Been reading lots, so looking forward to getting back into it! 

[TropicalFishForums]

[Gingerlove05]

Hello and welcome

[Stephen]

Hi Ed and welcome 

What tank are you getting?

[CrashEd]

Hi Ed and welcome 

What tank are you getting?

Thanks folks 

I was originally going to go for an Aqua oak 76cm, but it just felt too small so I’ve managed to negotiate with the other half and go for the 110cm (200l). I think the built-in wine rack swung the deal! 

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/product/aqua-oak-110cm-wine-rack-aquarium-and-cabinet

I’m a bit concerned about the wooden lid in terms of water changes and general access, but it’s going to be in our living room so it’s got to fit in with all of the other oak furniture (apparently  ). Hopefully it wii be ok.

Should be ready to place the order in week or two, so just getting a shopping list together. I’m planning a fish-less cycle once I’m set up.

[Stephen]

The Aqua Oaks are attractive tanks and furniture.
You may have to fill the wine rack though 

Where in the Midlands are you located?

[Pleco Fan]

Hi and welcome  I looked at Aqua Oak tanks in my local Maiden Head Aquatics, very nice pieces of furniture some of them were on sale at knockdown prices.

[CrashEd]

The Aqua Oaks are attractive tanks and furniture.
You may have to fill the wine rack though 

Where in the Midlands are you located?

Hahahah yes that, unfortunately, was part of the 'deal' - and it holds 16 bottles 

I'm based in Derby, not too far from the M1.

Hi and welcome  I looked at Aqua Oak tanks in my local Maiden Head Aquatics, very nice pieces of furniture some of them were on sale at knockdown prices.

Yes, they look nice and will not look out for place in our front room. We have several MHA shops near us, so I'll no doubt buy from them as their prices are reasonable and I have somewhere to go back to if I have any issues.

[Stephen]

Derby water is moderately hard at around 10dGH, if you are nearer the M1 then the water may be slightly different (example: Spondon 8.33dGH).
The water will also be alkaline.

[CrashEd]

Derby water is moderately hard at around 10dGH, if you are nearer the M1 then the water may be slightly different (example: Spondon 8.33dGH).
The water will also be alkaline.

Coincidentally I'm actually in Spondon. And yes, from the state of the inside of our kettle, I can tell that the water is fairly hard. Would I need to treat my water at all? (assuming I'm not stocking my tank with anything exotic like Discus).

[Stephen]

Derby water is moderately hard at around 10dGH, if you are nearer the M1 then the water may be slightly different (example: Spondon 8.33dGH).
The water will also be alkaline.

Coincidentally I'm actually in Spondon. And yes, from the state of the inside of our kettle, I can tell that the water is fairly hard. Would I need to treat my water at all? (assuming I'm not stocking my tank with anything exotic like Discus).

At 8.33dGH you should be fine as this is usually within most soft water fish species range.
If going with live plants then you may not need much liquid fertiliser due to the higher mineral content of the water.
Plants such as cryptocorynes may not require any additional liquid fertiliser or minimal (say 25% dosage).

[CrashEd]

Derby water is moderately hard at around 10dGH, if you are nearer the M1 then the water may be slightly different (example: Spondon 8.33dGH).
The water will also be alkaline.

Coincidentally I'm actually in Spondon. And yes, from the state of the inside of our kettle, I can tell that the water is fairly hard. Would I need to treat my water at all? (assuming I'm not stocking my tank with anything exotic like Discus).

At 8.33dGH you should be fine as this is usually within most soft water fish species range.
If going with live plants then you may not need much liquid fertiliser due to the higher mineral content of the water.
Plants such as cryptocorynes may not require any additional liquid fertiliser or minimal (say 25% dosage).

Super - thanks Stephen 

[plankton]

I would test the water. I'm not so far away, and it does depend on which reservoir it comes from. Mine actually comes out at 7.9 dGH, and can just about get away with a lot of softer water fish. Some don't like it though, I've lost threadfin rainbows which should be ok, for instance. The parameters are just a general figure for the area I believe.

[VC]

Welcome! Look forward to seeing your progress and collection of wine!

[CrashEd]

I would test the water. I'm not so far away, and it does depend on which reservoir it comes from. Mine actually comes out at 7.9 dGH, and can just about get away with a lot of softer water fish. Some don't like it though, I've lost threadfin rainbows which should be ok, for instance. The parameters are just a general figure for the area I believe.

Thanks Ian, will do. 

Welcome! Look forward to seeing your progress and collection of wine!

Thanks VC - the wine choice is nearly as difficult as choosing the first batch of fish!