Hi

I have aquired a tank, filters, tubing, pipework, grsvel snd sand along with a load of other stuff, gadgets and thingumy bobs. The problem is......they were all used for a marine setup and i'm looking at seting it up as a tropical tank.

I'm expecting to have to replace any pipework and tubing and probably any bits and pieces associated with the filters etc. What Im after really is any advice as to what else I definately have to do other than giving the tank a good wash (maybe some products that will be safe to use) and also what problems I could cause for future refernce.

ta in advance.....

Hi people.....what have I started?

I have read all the posts and arguements for and against on both sides, at the end of the day my first and primary goal is to own and look after fish, which type was the only issue that I had, the way that I see it is if you own a dog you dont wanna get rid of it because you think next door have a better one....? what I m trying to say is that if its freshwater or marine I will still get the same enjoyment out of what ever 'level' that Iam at.

I had already discussed the pro's and cons of going straight into a marine tank with a few people (friends and fish shop blokes)prior to posting and I had already sort of made my mind that tropical was the best option for me and the boy (who is 12 btw) but was justchecking with other people who have a wealth of experience. I didnt know it would create such a stir!!

I'd like to thank everyone for voicing their opinions, I have decided that iam going to go down the tropical route first. It makes the most sense both financially and it is going to help both our learning curves. Then after a few years or so I will probably get a marine tank as well (don't tell the wife!!)

the one thing that is nagging at me (besides the wife) is that the tank and all the other stuff, filters, tubing, pipework, pumps etc have been used as a marine setup before. Is this going to cause me any problems? Im expecting that pipework and tubing and probably filter parts are going to have to be renewed, but am i going to have to do anything else other than giving the tank a good clean?

No arguing please!!!

Hi. First of all thanks for the responses.........

The general answers that i have received for my question is pretty much what I was expecting. Go freshwater

To answer a few questions, the tank I have aquired was previuosly used as a marine tank. Its a 213 litre 47 gallon 4ft tank. I do have a little bit of experience of tropical fish but only helping a family memeber who used to have one years ago.

my main feeling is that Iam only going to have 1 tank (I know thats what most of you probably started off saying) so if i start off and cut my teeth with a tropical tank what am i going to do with the setup that i have help nurture and grow?

ooh what a predicament!

First of all, hello......just joined the site after lots of skulking about reading lots of great info.

My main question, or should I say my first question of many, is am I completely insane embarking on the ownership of a marine tank when I have no direct experience of keeping fish?

I have got my hands on a tank and lots of other goodies from a family friend and Iam contemplating going down the marine route but it is all very daunting, I want it to be an enjoyable hobby that Iam hoping to get my son involved in to promote a bit of good old male bonding (shared interests etc), but I dont know whether enthusaism and a will to learn is going to be enough to get us through.

The desire to have and run a tank has been a long dream of mine but I have never had enough space to house one, as me and the family moved at the end of last year I now have the space to keep one (I even earmarked where the tank could go when we fist came to view the house!)

All your views will be greatly received and will help me take the plunge (no pun intended).