Book recommendation and other advice...

[SandWitch]

After much nagging from dc we have agreed to fish for Christmas (in a tank, rather than on a plate!)

We are hoping to get a 60l tank and a few tropical fish.

Is there a book that you would recommend to talk me through what I need to consider; preparing tank, good fish, ongoing care etc?

I was also wondering how long it takes to run a fishless cycle and if it would be ok to do this in the garage so that the tank was ready for Christmas? Or would it be too cold out there?

Really am quite clueless at the moment, but want to be responsible and do this right first time.

Many thanks

My favourite fish book is this one. I'm not sure it's got instructions in there on how to set up and cycle a tank, it's more of a reference guide, but you can find instructions on how to cycle a tank on loads of websites (like here ).

There are a lot of shit websites, but a few good ones too. Fishkeeping.co.uk, Practical Fishkeeping and Seriously Fish are all pretty good.

A fishless cycle normally takes about 5 or 6 weeks. You can keep it going for longer, as long as you're adding ammonia regularly then it'll stay cycled until you add fish. So you could set up now and start the cycle ready for Christmas. How cold is your garage?

Choice of fish depends on what your tap water is like- if it's very alkaline or very acidic then that will rule out a few species, but there's plenty to choose from whatever your water's like. 60 litres is a good size for a little shoal of small fish.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for your good advice.

I have ordered the book and had a look at the websites you suggested. There seems to be do much to learn. I realised it was not going to be as simple as the sad goldfish I kept in a bowl as a kid, but the more I look into it, the more complex it appears.

We live in London and our water is very hard, but not sure about acidity/alkalinity.

Our garage is as cold as it is outside. Dh suggested that he could use some old loft insulation to wrap around the tank if that would help. I like the idea of having it 'fish ready' for Christmas.

Don't suppose you have any recommendations for decent aquarium shops in South West London?

You could insulate with some bubble wrap, if you could cycle indoors that would be better (it can be in a cupboard if it's a surprise!) as a fishless cycle can take much longer if the water is cold.

It can seem intimidating, like you need a chemistry degree or something, but it's so worth getting it right from the beginning. Starting with a fishless cycle should avoid any long-term problems and save you a lot of work (and money). As long as you keep the bacteria in the filter safe, and stock the tank carefully (right species and right number of fish), then a fish tank isn't too time-consuming once it's all set up.

I don't know SW London but there's a chain called Maidenhead Aquatics that has a branch in Merton if that's near you? They have a pretty good reputation, I've been to a few branches and the staff are massive fishgeeks know their stuff. Avoid Pets at Home!