AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
I hope you can advise me on this situation. At my local fish store, there's a 10-gallon aquarium kit (all the materials are items in their store, they packed the kit themselves). The kit includes a Aqua Clear 20, an Elite 25 watt heater, a hood with incandescent lighting, and a small container oF Nutrafin flakes, and a small bottle of Aqua Plus Conditioner. Also, there's some colored (rainbow colored) gravel. This kit costs $250. I think it's a bit overpriced, but the store manager says it's a good deal. What's your opinion?
Answer Hi Madeline,
Wow... that's one EXTREMELY overpriced fish tank kit! Your store must be one of those local 'mom and pop' stores. A large chain store would never dare to price something like that! I'll give you a complete overview:
10- gallon glass tank: $20
Hood with lighting: $30
AquaClear 20: $30
Elite 25W heater: $12
Small Flake food: $3
Small Water conditioner: $3
Gravel: $5
And the grand total... $103.
The prices are given at what you would normally find at a large chain store such as PetSmart or Petco. The MOST that the above equipment could possibly cost would be $150, if the lighting was fluorescent and there were decorations, etc.
Rainbow colored gravel is NOT good, because it will take away from the fish's color and it will stress the fish because of the bright colors.
