i used to have a betta fish in a 2 or 3 gallon hexagonal tank.
he was very happy, he kept making his little bubble nests.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand then the cats figured out how to open the flip-up thing for feeding, and got him to jump out. i saved him several times, but the last time, poor little henry dried out before i could get home and get him back in his tank. >:(

dang cats even figured out how to get the tape off the lid that i was using to keep it closed. >:[ too smart for their own good, those cats.

so i'm not getting another fish until i move out. because that would be my only pet at that point.

We were the last patients at our doctor's office and we watched the crew (that drives aprroximately 200 miles one way) clean his aquarium that seperates the adult area from the children's area. I have no idea how many gallons it holds but it must be over 250. They took EVERYTHING out. The fish, the live plants, the decorations, substrate and filter system. They used a very large vacuum to remove the water. It churned up a nasty mess. Then they scraped off the algae that was growing on the sides. It was at that point that I knew that size aquarium wouldn't work in our house. I still want an aquarium but not on that scale!

We have one, which has only plants at the moment. It's a fresh water aquarium. My husband used to be into fish, a lot,,,he had betta fish for a while, breeding them, then he got into killifish. He probably had about 40 fish tanks (5 gallons, 10 gallons, 40 gallons,,and I don't know anymore:)) He bred them, especially the challenging ones. When it got too demanding, he decided it was time to end this time consuming hobby. So now, all are gone:) Btw, for betta, the best environment is a rice field:) so if any of you prefer these fish outside, maybe a rice filed would be a better option that an aquarium:))

je trouve que c est beau et fonctionnel

I think rice fields are the next big thing in gardening

Depends on how big your going. I'm working on a 180 gallon in wall reef aquarium in which my mechanical room is on the opposite side behind my garage I've been in the hobby for the past 13 years and love it but if you don't start off right you will always have problems with your system. Get books join reef forums like reef central.com. I'm building my system with one of the owners from Tenji aquariums. If you decide to do it do it right or it will cost you a lot of $$$ to make it right.

The first two photos of my tank build I started this week the second two photos are of there work from Tenji aquariums in the Los Gatos area and for all the fish and coral lovers I only buy aqua cultured corals and the fish are only tank raised it cost more but it's worth it.No harm to the environment good luck, if you decide to jump in!

Help a piraña ate my goldfish in my rice paddy!

We have always had aquariums (salt and freshwater) in our home. Right now we have a 100 gallon saltwater aquarium with mostly fish and a few corals. I agree that people should definitely NOT get into this hobby unless they are willing to spend the time and money to do it right.

@chookchook2, how did the pirana get there?:) I used to live in California where those fish were illegal. Good thing it didn't destroy the rice:)))

Okay, you all inspired me. I couldn't stop thinking about having fish, so look what I got! I tried putting some in salt water, but they died. I even tried fresh water, but that was just as bad. This afternoon, I'm going to try tomato soup. I read on the internets that goldfish and tomato soup belong together. It's my last hope!

Adore aquariums. Don't have one now, but can't wait to star project again. Salt only!

We have been having a quite large fresh water one for about 5 years. the maintenance my husband does is not particularly demanding. it needs 2/3 of water changed every 2 months or so. at that time he scrapes off algae and if some plants need replacing or ...gardening, he does so.
useful advice for algae control:
a. plant real plants and fertilize as necessary
b. DON'T overfeed fish.
c. limit direct sunlight.
Enjoy you aquarium. it's so relaxing and beautiful. but first get lots of info and then go for it.

I have a nice sized fresh water aquarium in our dining room that I love love love. I'd like to get a slightly larger one with a nicer stand but the tank itself is not hard to keep. 1/3 water changed every two months or so and algae scrape. I believe freshwater is much easier/cheaper to keep up with than saltwater.

Barnhart Gallery is right about the ecological damage the pet trade does to the environment. Not to mention the over 50% of exotic-turned-invasive aquatic species now plaguing natural habitats because aquarium owners purposely or accidentally release these organisms and/or their eggs when they clean or get rid of their tanks. If you do have an aquarium, please be responsible when cleaning it. Do not inadvertently throw eggs out with the aquarium water.

We have one goldfish in a 20 gal tank, with the filter he requires almost no upkeep. He is part of the family!!! We also have one turtle in a tank 18 inches length x 24 inches width x 14 inches height that is filled about halfway with water. Also has a good filter and gets water changed (at least partial) every couple weeks. The "upkeep" is part of the joy of caring for these animals! The joy I get watching them swim around is worth the little bit of work. No worse than changing the cat box (actually I would rather clean the turtle tank!!). We love ALL our pets!

If you don't mind snails, they are the best darned glass cleaners I've ever run across for freshwater tanks. I've had my tank running for about 5 years and have never scraped the glass (the snails were intentionally introduced with the first batch of plants I put in). I had runaway green algae of some "beard" variety, but when I cut back the lighting, the algae died back to levels that don't require maintenance - just enough to decorate the wood.

In general, larger tanks are easier to keep clean, because you can stock them lightly (fewer fish per gallon) and still feel like you have fish. I'd add lots of low-light plants - anubias is my favorite, but a few others are good, too. And don't skimp on filtration (when in doubt, over-filter).

I occasionally get a bug and start looking into saltwater aquariums, but I end up backing out because a lot of the fish and coral and such are too picky about environmental conditions. I've just gotten spoiled with the freshwater tropicals that will tolerate whatever comes out of my tap ;)

Hate to be a downer, but as fascinating as aquariums are, I, too, have to warn about the dangers. I first learned about this illness from a phlebotomist. She had just recovered from a potentially fatal virus which was traced by NIH back to her dentist’s office. The dentist had an aquarium and the staff took turns keeping it clean. The long and the short of it was the virus settled in her breast and she had to have a full mastectomy and months of chemo. She was out of work for over a year. First, it took months to figure out what was going on; then the surgery and recovery was horrible. The diagnosis was called Fish Tank Granuloma Caused by Mycobacterium marinum.
This was probably a once in a million tragedy, but it is a warning to be very careful, especially around your kitchen or children’s room.

Fish TB (MYCOBACTERIUM MARINUM), also called fish tuberculosis, fish tank granuloma, swimming pool granuloma. Related to human TB and leprosy.
- Bacteria are very resistant to treatment. Usually occurs on extremities (hands, feet). Entrance through wounds. Incubation ranges from 2 days to 2 years; usually takes about 2 weeks for granuloma to appear at site of infection. Infected area may be pink to purple in color, may discharge pus, and may be painful to touch.
- Treated with human TB drugs (local doctors have used minocycline, rifampin, ethambutol, and biaxin); can take a long time to cure (year or more).
- People have gotten fish TB from fish spine punctures, cleaning fish/shrimp/crabs, getting scratched on fish tanks, from rose bushes and injuring bare feet in parking lots (infected water transferred via air during storms), mouth-siphoning fish tanks, dolphin bites, diving around reefs, splinters from fish net handles, etc. - Usually not fatal. Can get into joints and mimic arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
-

We flushed so many goldfish when the kids were little. Then when they were older we thought we would try a larger aquarium and that did not work. I think it takes a dedicated person to have that hobby.

no aquarium

My 10-gallon freshwater tank sits on the table next to my desk at the office, and it is the home of 2 fancy-tail black moor goldfish, "Mako" and "Mango." They were in glass cylinder fish bowls as center-pieces for dinner tables, and I've had them for 16 months now. My "free" fish eventually cost around $125 to set up a tank, with filter, automatic feeder, cover, light, thermometer, food, water conditioners, and some starter plants, but it costs very little to keep it going. I do an easy weekly cleaning with a 20 percent water change, and refill with "RO water" from our local pet store. The RO water (Reverse Osmosis) has had the chlorine or other chemicals removed from tap water, so it is safer for the fish. I agree that the fun and relaxation of watching and caring for the fish and the soothing sounds of bubbling water more than compensate for the minor work. Soon we'll be trying a 20-gallon tank :)

I used to have aquariums (saltwater and freshwater) when I was younger and had more disposable income.

Like all hobbies, they can be expensive.

Freshwater is easier to maintain, IMO, and the fish are cheaper but not as colorful.
I had some difficulty maintaining saltwater fish...they seemed to be much more finicky eaters.

The larger tanks do increase the humidity of the room/house quite a bit.

If you have the money, you can hire a service to maintain your aquarium.

We have a 300 gallon tank in the wall between our dining room and main hallway. We love it! It is professionally cleaned weekly.

Rakuten.com has Aquarium units that fit into a wall. Everything from ones that look like a Porthole to full-size units. I have a fresh water Aquarium and have had no problems at all with algae on the glass once I installed BOTH an under gravel as well as an attached flow through Filter. Nice to be able to see everything without dealing with magnetic glass scrubbers, etc.

Salt water is not for the amateur fish owner. The money, time, knowledge and patience to duplicate nature is astounding. Nothing compares to its beauty however. Only people that can afford to hire a professional to care for it should own one.

I've had aquariums for over 40 years and wouldn't live in a house without at least one, but I realize some people should not be allowed to keep live fish & plants. If you want to share your home with living things realize that it is your responsibility to give them the best life possible - they are not "throwaways" to flush down the toilet when you get tired of them.
Before buying your first fish, learn as much as you can, read a good book on keeping an aquarium, talk to an employee at a good pet store (but realize, their job is to sell you something) go online and research what you need to keep the type of fish or plants you like. If after doing the research, it sounds like too much time, work or effort, don't do it and don't let your kids or significant other push you into doing something that will end unhappily for all involved.

^ That is one of the most beautiful home aquariums I've seen. Stunning!

Yes, fresh water, I agree that there is a huge environmental impact with saltwater aquariums. Kids love it!

I've had both. Salt is much more colorful and rewarding. Warning: A lot of work and money! Just the right lighting can be $700 - $1,500! A 150 gallon tank with reef, fish and lighting $2,500 to $3,500. Maintenance: cleaning and water changes AT LEAST monthly. You'll also need a professional company to come in to feed and maintain the tank when you're on vacation. Coral and fish huggers chill out. Farmed bread fish and coral is available.

I'm also what one would call a reef-a-holic. I've gone through many reef aquariums in my past and am currently setting up another. Here are some from the past and the present. The present being the empty one, for now. :). A successful aquarium requires a lot of planning but is extremely rewarding and relaxing for the entire family.

I have a 75 gallon fresh water tank. It had two big angel fish, one that was 8 years "Goldie" died a few days ago. He looked old -not sure of their live span in captivity. I have a tons of live plants and a magnet glass cleaner, but algae doesn't grow much thanks to the plants! I enjoy the peacefulness of my aquarium.

After 8 year we've just sold our 5ft tank. It was the first piece of 'furniture' that my husband and I bought when we first moved in together (everything else was from the op shop). It was our tv for the first 6 months, but after half a dozen moves, and another next month the pleasure has worn off.

gigiriley and mrprometheus I really love your set ups but I have a beta in a fish bowl it is very low maintenance. Maybe one day...

yes i have an aquarium with 14 colorful fishes..its really a wonderful feeling to have an aquarium.

Make sure the aquarium is not placed in a drafty spot or near a direct heat source. As this will upset your fish, plants, corals, etc. It will also affect the heating and chilling of the aquarium, increasing power costs.

I've had fish tanks as a kid growing up, gave it up for a while then got a 90 gallon fish tank about two years ago, its all location, to much sun light and you get lots of algae, its fresh water, the first pic is my id shark, when i got him he was 12" and soon got to 15", my cichlids i got now are colorful and will only get 6" - 12" . Its not much upkeep and besides the sink is right behind the tank witch makes adding water or cleaning much easier.

My husband had a large saltwater tank for a while. It was my own home nightmare.

I had a beta fish named Rhett Butler. He lived for a very long time, and I kept a snail in his bowl to help keep it clean. I loved the snails, they were so cool to watch. I forgot about the bubble nests that betas make, they're so neat. But I must admit, I was a wee bit glad when he finally expired and I didn't have to clean his bowl anymore.

yes I have in the kitchen - Love it!!! :)

kimdee24 my beta is named Mr. Blue Fish...I know very Dr Seuss like but inspired by my grand daughter.

Ha! I wanted to name him "Blue Fish" for that very reason... but he was a gift from my best friend and she named him. But he did have a "little star", lol

how appropriate then! in the future there is always red fish:)

Maybe! But then I'd have to get him a "little car"... lol :)

Mine's a fresh water, Goldfish to be exact! We custom built it for our ensuite remodel. It's 25 gallons, I have a 40 gal. filter in it, however, I have to change half the water out every 2-3 weeks... clean the filters, and then do a complete clean out (gravel, plants etc) every six weeks. I'm a tad OCD about keeping things sparkling.. and I LOVE my fish!

Recently got one and honestly, I'm not much of a fish person but when I saw this end table slash aquarium, I couldn't say no!
http://www.prohomestores.com/aquarium-end-table/

Update on the aquarium

Beautiful tank Vicky Hope...what size is it?

Here is my 225g Saltwater Reef Aquarium.