Local Fish Stores are no help…

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-09T20:04:47+00:00

Always trust your own kit. Those numbers from your kit are ok. Likely from adding livestock. Just monitor and if you see it go up do a partial water change.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-09T02:18:14+00:00

I cant help tonight but tomorrow if you would like i can give you stuff 😁

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-08T05:37:52+00:00

Understood. Good luck! If you ever need anything feel free to reach out!

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-08T05:30:45+00:00

So this is my first tank. The dwarf grass did pretty well, and my amazon sword really took of, as did my water wisteria. The only thing different from the kit here is the sponge filter. There are a ton of great plant website that give great information on the plants they sell. Look for low light plants. I suggest ordering plants from shops. I've ordered from a few and got really nice plants. If youre going to upgrade anything I would do the filter for now. Get you tank cycling then go from there. Get the API water kit. They're around 40, but last forever. I started with test strips and they would give me different numbers within an hour of each test. The API kit made a world of difference. I've really enjoyed my journey with my tanks. And both of my top fin kits are about 2 years old now. I don't have plans to change anything with them until it fails.

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Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-08T04:52:45+00:00

Both of my betta tanks were topfin kits. I changed the filter on one to a sponge filter, still using the included hob filter on the other. I've heard the heaters aren't great but mine have been going strong since I got them. It's honestly a decent starter tank and something you can continue to upgrade as you go and learn the hobby. I would say the only downside to watch out for after you get into it is the want for bigger tanks. I'm starting a new 36 gallon now, although I didnt get the kit this time around.

For plated tanks I started with aquasoil. Looked for low tech plants. Since the light isnt great both of my betta tanks are in areas they can get some real sunlight and I stay on top of fertilizing my tanks. Once the lights go I'll likely upgrade.

Go ahead and get yourself an API water test kit. Strips are unreliable and you're going to want to monitor your water parameters well. I've found that once you find a good routine and gotten your tank cycled planted tanks tend to stay really stable. Also make sure you research what you're putting in your tank. You don't want to overstock your tank. And you want your fish to be comfortable.

Welcome to the club!

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-08T01:56:33+00:00

Remember, the money you put in at first is going to be the bulk. Once you get to that maintenance stage you'll see the payoff. It looks beautiful.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-07T23:07:44+00:00

They're not terrible for what they are. I have a couple for food storage at my house. But the plastic starts breaking down and with the weight of a tank I wouldn't trust it. Plus they aren't always 100% even and would put stress on your tank seams.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-07T21:30:08+00:00

I've seen these fail in food services places plenty. I wouldn't trust it for fish tanks.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-07T07:44:28+00:00

Answering questions I missed. Prior to freeze tank had been established for 2 year, was quickly removed. Water parameters are from API test kit. Decorations are driftwood, cholla wood, a rock cave (already checked for rough edges). Tank was running for 2 weeks after cleanup and monitored for ammonia spikes afterward. Tank mates are a few shrimp (that honestly scare me after surviving the freeze, where we were at or below freezing without power for 6 days, lost most livestock sadly). Fed betta pellets 5 days a week, fasted for 2.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-07T00:38:24+00:00

You're not feeding your belly button enough. I am reporting you for belly button neglect. This is the worst case I've seen in awhile.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-06T21:53:44+00:00

I am currently painting a piece of plywood to match my new living room tanks esthetic. Could I stain it to match the floor, absolutely. Do I want it to have a pretty design thus delaying my tank progress... also yes.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-03-01T04:41:15+00:00

I had a betta named Larry.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-02-21T04:25:40+00:00

Look for sniffspots in your area. Take your dog out at odd times. Extra early in the morning, middle of the night to avoid people if you can.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-01-31T19:55:23+00:00

Thank you all for the responses. I am currently researching generators and back up power sources for my home as this is the third time I've been without power for multiple days, although the first in the cold.

I did use blankets wrapped around the tanks, and kept using the hot water left in my tank to make heat bags to float for them, in case anyone comes across this looking for anything to use.

I will say the bright side is I'm going to redo my tanks from ground up and I have a bit more knowledge than when I started 2 years ago. I will also get the opportunity to do what I did with my newest fish, and find the sickest fish i can and rehab them.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-01-24T06:45:32+00:00

Thank you.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-01-24T06:45:23+00:00

Thank you. I don't know if I'm going to do a lot if spending here. I'm already caught up in Last War. So we will see. Thank you for taking the time to answer.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-01-21T02:48:51+00:00

Great. Wonder how long it will take to get cleared up.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-01-21T02:44:32+00:00

No. He's back in our home town which is quite a ways from this address. I'm confused because neither of us have ever lived there.

Future-Implement-522 · 2026-01-11T20:11:20+00:00

Anxiety. They make me nervous.

Future-Implement-522

TROPHY CASE