Hello from Colorado

[janderson]

Hi there!

I'm still a complete noob, but already severely addicted to all things fishy - someone should have warned me!!

It all started 6 months ago with a lonely, poor, mistreated 1.5" goldfish my kid (9) "inherited" from our neighbor. The poor critter was living in a 1.5G container - way to small, but what did we know? I was used to dogs, cats, birds and rodents, I had no idea about fish - and with regular water changes "Buddy" seemed to be doing just fine. Of course it didn't take long until a larger aquarium with more fish was requested, but the parental verdict was that the time until the next birthday (August) was going to be a test run: if Buddy was well cared for (water changes, feeding, cleaning the tank) until then, we'd get a tropical aquarium and Buddy would move into the neighbors' (different ones!!) pond.

Well, much to my surprise, the little goldfish was taken care of very well and had grown to 3", so a few weeks ago I started to do some research, found a wealth of information online and immediately my bad conscience kicked in - the poor fish!! Having to live in such cramped quarters... He was quickly moved to the pond and seems to be enjoying himself. Having learned that the desired community tank should be as large as space restrictions allow, I subsequently purchased a 20G plus stand for the kid and started a fishless cycle. Luckily for me I could draw on a fish-savvy friend for some very helpful cycled-tank-gravel. And then I found myself looking at my house in an entirely new way: Where could I possibly put another aquarium? Marital bliss dictated that I start small, so currently there are two tanks in the house:

- my kid's cycled 20G, ready to be stocked as soon as the proud owner returns from summer camp

- a little lightly planted 5G that I got not a week after we got the 20G, after cycling it's just recently been stocked with an applesnail and three male guppies.

(Hopefully I can add to that list very soon! 75G sounds nice right now... )

[euRasian32]

Welcome to the board! This is a great forum, period. Hope you stick around!

Sounds like you've got the multitank syndrome too. I'm pleased to hear that you've done your research, and luckily you have a knowledgeable friend that's willing to help. You'll be able to succeed where so many have initially failed, but most are willing to try again.

75's are nice, since you're contemplating, crunch some numbers for a 125,150,180,220, and a 300 gallon... You may find it'll be cheaper in the long run, especially if you continue walking the path you're on.

[janderson]

anything larger will be almost impossible to move with - something that unfortunately comes up every 3-4 years for us military people. The really big tanks will have to wait until retirement. But until then I can still have fun with fishies - just on a smaller scale. And to be quite honest, I like little fish...

[blor]

hey welcome....nothing wrong with liking little fishes. I like them too....they're just much more peaceful

[fishfreaks]

Welcome to fish forums! Sounds like your goona have a happy camper when he comes home Stick around and don't be afraid to post!

[maxpayne_lhp]

every 3-4 years for us military people

Like Baby_Baby's family, they gotta move very often so you're not alone!
Well, welcome and hope that you will find needed information!

[fish_doc]

Welcome, feel free to stick around. This is someplace you can call home no matter where you are.

[Lexus]

Welcome to Fish Forums! Isnt the addiction fun!

[euRasian32]

I know what you mean. I grew up as a military brat, what sucked the most is losing friends every few years.