Aquarium as a gift

[treaclepumpkin]

So, my husband has always wanted an aquarium and I wanted to get him some fish for his birthday next month, but don't have the foggiest idea where to start.

We have a sideboard in our dining room and I'm thinking the tank could go on top of that - could be maybe 60/70cm wide - probably a bit bigger.

Would really be grateful if someone could point me in the direction of a reputable online supplier and/or advise as to what kind of tank to get and what sort of fish are good fish for a beginner. I'm thinking something with pretty colours - but I literally have zero clue.

Also, have no idea on prices - willing to spend maybe £300-£500 for everything (if necessary).

Also, I'm guess it's perhaps best to buy the tank first and get comfortable with how it works, before actually getting the fish - is that right? I'm thinking maybe I get the tank sorted for the day itself, then fish to arrive a couple of days later.

Though key question to all this is - can fish even be delivered?

Sorry, a lot of questions there - grateful for input on any of them.

TIA

Hi, most aquarium supply stores will do complete tank set ups ( tank, lighting, filter and heater) for beginners as a package. Juwel tanks are good but there are plenty of others. I would recommend a Freshwater tropical aquarium as they are easier than goldfish which are not really suitable to keep in tanks long term. The tank will need to be set up and run for a while before fish go in . The filter will need to mature to build up enough bacteria to cope with the ammonia the fish produce. This can take about 30 days if you do a fishless cycle. You can obviously get the plants in initially and they can start growing. Then fish can then be added a few at a time after the cycle is done. The quick option is to use mature filter media from an existing tank which can be put into a new tank which is running, then fish can go in much sooner. You can buy both plants and fish online, there are a number of places which do this and they are carefully packed and travel well by overnight courier. I think the best and easiest way would be to just get the tank for his birthday as setting it up and getting it all going is a lot of the fun! You should easily be able to achieve all this for well within your budget and probably within half of it

@Dellow thanks so much. I had no idea about cycles. Yes, will definitely just get the tank setup for now and will look into the brand you mention.

Will also go for the freshwater option, as you suggest.

One question, is it possible to buy this water from
an existing tank? Or is it just a shortcut that's ideally avoided?

Have a good read about "the nitrogen cycle" and fishless cycling - getting your head around that is often the biggest hurdle for beginners but once it slots into place you'll have happier, healthier fish for years to come!

It's the filter media, not the water, that's "cycled". Think of your filter as a living entity - it needs food (ammonia or fish waste) and oxygen (from being turned on and water running through it) If you have a friend with a well established healthy tank, you can ask them for a cutting off of their filter sponge to help the cycle along. Socially distancing all the while of course ;)

With the tank - always buy the biggest you can. Don't forget to take into account weight as well as size. Any furniture needs to be not only sturdy, but completely level and not at all wobbly! Buy something basic, rectangular and with a hood - don't get something bowl or tall shaped and open-topped tanks are best kept for more experienced people for now (also, fish jump!)