I know you are only being facetious, but actually goldfish are probably a bit more of a challenge than some tropicals, another thing we would like to get across to beginners

I'm not saying at all that it CAN'T be done, I'm saying it's not advisable...

Ugh... I give up...

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!!!

Quote:

Might be worth starting a new thread for that question.. starting from the beginning, as it's quite an interesting topic.

Ahhhh...cod20 what have you done to me? I'm scared to meet any of these guys now in case i get lynched!

I think your doing the right thing then if it's just "fish" that you want to keep. I wish you and your son all the best. Good luck with the fish keeping.

Looks like you win this round guys. Fair play to ya.

Its not about winning and losing its about imparting all the experience and knowledge gained over years to enable people to make an informed decision.

Boo wrote;
Thank you so much Karen for proving it can be done if your willing to put the effort in.

Goldnugget replied
At what cost???

I'm not sure if this was directed at me personally or just at newbies starting out with marine in general, but my tank is going from strength to strength and so are the occupants, some of which (my black perc and my blood shrimp) were the first things I ever bought after the tank had cycled.

The comment was aimed at no one imparticular Kaz. I've no doubt you have both the skills and experience to take this on successfully, however many new fish keepers do not. When we advise a fast track approach on an open access forum such as this we must take into account the consequences of our advice, for more than just the op.

I stand by my original opinion that in 9 cases out of 10, a slower more measured approach is appropriate and far less likely to result in the deaths of any animals taken on.