u/sshelbyh

Recently, with the help of my LFS, I successfully started my first ever aquarium. I brought home Elizabeth (pic is of her second day in her new home) and have been talking about her at work nonstop, so a coworker gifted me his old 20 gallon tank and light. Im a scuba diver and so have been pretty obsessed with fish/wanting to have aquariums for a while, but was not expecting to have two so soon. Very good problem to have!

While my main focus is establishing a fish care routine and keeping my current girl happy, I would like to start building out a home tailored to a few beginner-friendly species. I’m in no rush and will be buying pieces of equipment probably over the next 3-6 months.

So far, I’m interested in corydoras and/or kuhli loaches as well as maybe some shrimp, but am open to other schooling fish or betta-friendly tank mates (not for Elizabeth, but I’d be open to having a second).

Let me know who your favorite fish have been or anything to avoid as a beginner. All I’ve done is made space in my bedroom for the tank/stand so I’m open to all suggestions.

Hello everyone, this is my first time having an aquarium and I’m very nervous/excited to take home my betta. With the help of my local store, the tank is finally cycled and ready to go (they’ve been testing my water and making equipment recommendations.

My only real concern is that sometimes my water feels a little warm to the touch (other times not). I have a heater in there and while it’s not getting direct sunlight, the room it’s in does get warm. If anyone has advice please let me know!

Otherwise, any advice or general encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I’m a scuba diver so having fish to watch inside as well as in the wild is a dream come true.

First photo is the lovely lady I put on hold at the pet store and will be bringing home tomorrow, second is of my 5 gallon setup.