Question about a fishtank in my office cubical

[scott]

Hello All,

I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
(aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
noise (we have lots of engineers in a very tight area). When I was at
Petsmart, I was looking at a 2.5gal glass tank. It was roughly
12x6x9inches. Small enough for my cube but not large enough to get in
the way. I was/am looking at getting live plants to use instead of
filters. What type of fish and what type of plants do you all
recommend? I was thinking of Tetras since they are pretty durable but
I am open to most anything (fairly small).

Thanks,
Scott

[bassett]

Could i suggest a fish tank "Screensaver" on your conputer.

"scott" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Hello All,
>
> I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
> (aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
> plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
> noise (we have lots of engineers in a very tight area). When I was at
> Petsmart, I was looking at a 2.5gal glass tank. It was roughly
> 12x6x9inches. Small enough for my cube but not large enough to get in
> the way. I was/am looking at getting live plants to use instead of
> filters. What type of fish and what type of plants do you all
> recommend? I was thinking of Tetras since they are pretty durable but
> I am open to most anything (fairly small).
>
> Thanks,
> Scott
>

[George Pontis]

In article m>,
says...
> Hello All,
>
> I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
> (aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
> plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
> noise (we have lots of engineers in a very tight area). When I was at
> Petsmart, I was looking at a 2.5gal glass tank. It was roughly
> 12x6x9inches. Small enough for my cube but not large enough to get in
> the way. I was/am looking at getting live plants to use instead of
> filters. What type of fish and what type of plants do you all
> recommend? I was thinking of Tetras since they are pretty durable but
> I am open to most anything (fairly small).
>

Take a look at the small Eclipse systems:

http://www.marineland.com/products/consumer/con_systems.asp

They are self contained with filter and light, and generally well designed. The
filters are effective and not noisy. Probably less so than the fans on office PCs.
There is a 3 and a 6 gallon unit that you might consider. To these you need to add
a small heater. You will also need some gravel, something to vacuum the gravel,
and a 1-2 gallon bucket for maintenance every week or two.

These are real aquariums with usable (flourescent) lights that would support some
plants a few small fish. Neon tetras are reasonable. Another popular fish is the
zebra danio; not as colorful but very active. You might also look at white cloud
minnows which would be fine without a heater.

[Eric Schreiber]

scott wrote:

> I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
> (aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
> plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
> noise

As George mentioned, the small Eclipse tanks are a good possibility. I
have one here, and it's silent. The one problem you may encounter in a
cubicle is that the magnetics in small tanks (any with an impeller
filter) are not shielded, and may interfere with your monitor - I had
my 3-gallon on my desk briefly, and it made my 19" monitor shake like
mad.

'Course, if you have an LCD screen, it's not an issue.

--
Eric Schreiber
www.ericschreiber.com

[Margolis]

I am going to suggest the same thing as the others, and eclipse system.
either a 3 gallon or 6 gallon. They have built in filtration with a
biowheel that is completely silent in operation.

--

Margolis
http://web.archive.org/web/20030215212142/http://www.agqx.org/faqs/AGQ2FAQ.htm
http://www.unrealtower.org/faq

[Allyb]

You could have a beta in this type of tank. They do very well with neons,
as long as the neons are big enough to not fit in his mouth when you
introduce them. I have a beta in my 55g with neons and about 4 other
species of community fish. He is extremely active and interesting to watch
as he hunts around the aquarium looking for non-existent..... whatevers. As
far as plants, I was just reading something the other day that encouraged
the use of java fern and moss in small, low light aquariums as beneficial
water filters and a positive environment for the fish.


"scott" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Hello All,
>
> I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
> (aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
> plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
> noise (we have lots of engineers in a very tight area). When I was at
> Petsmart, I was looking at a 2.5gal glass tank. It was roughly
> 12x6x9inches. Small enough for my cube but not large enough to get in
> the way. I was/am looking at getting live plants to use instead of
> filters. What type of fish and what type of plants do you all
> recommend? I was thinking of Tetras since they are pretty durable but
> I am open to most anything (fairly small).
>
> Thanks,
> Scott
>

[[email protected]]

funny... :) but it violates the corporate security policy to change
our screen savers... dont ask.

[Ross Vandegrift]

On 2005-01-12, > wrote:
> funny... :) but it violates the corporate security policy to change
> our screen savers... dont ask.

Well, it was funny, but I suspect the original poster wasn't completely
joking --- a filterless tank will need water changes frequently. If I
were going to do it, I'd shoot for daily changes. Lots of people do
fewer if they keep only a single male betta, and they do ok, but I've
rarely seen them do well. I've seen plenty of them dying from terrible
dropsy and bacterial infections.


--
Ross Vandegrift

"The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who
make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians
have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine
man in the bonds of Hell."
--St. Augustine, De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37

[Eric Schreiber]

Ross Vandegrift wrote:

> I suspect the original poster wasn't
> completely joking --- a filterless tank will need water changes
> frequently. If I were going to do it, I'd shoot for daily changes.
> Lots of people do fewer if they keep only a single male betta, and
> they do ok, but I've rarely seen them do well. I've seen plenty of
> them dying from terrible dropsy and bacterial infections.

On the other hand, in a small enough tank those water changes can be
accomplished with a gallon water jug, a small bucket (or second jug)
and a turkey baster, in about five minutes. That's how I maintained my
original "I'm just going to get one fish, honey, honest" betta tank.

--
Eric Schreiber
www.ericschreiber.com

[[email protected]]

I realize he was not truly joking but a screen saver is not the same as
the real thing. Never is. I am hoping that I can get a truely silent
tank. Unlike management I dont get an office. If I can not find a
truely silent tank setup I will not be able to put one in my cubical.
We have these half walls that means any sounds truely travel far and
wide.

[Ross Vandegrift]

On 2005-01-12, > wrote:
> I realize he was not truly joking but a screen saver is not the same as
> the real thing. Never is. I am hoping that I can get a truely silent
> tank. Unlike management I dont get an office. If I can not find a
> truely silent tank setup I will not be able to put one in my cubical.
> We have these half walls that means any sounds truely travel far and
> wide.

I wonder how silent is "silent"? For example, I had a Whisper 2 filter
that was definitely quiter than a computer. On top of that they make
smaller models than the 2, which would have smaller motors and probably
make less noise.

But Eric does have a good point that if you get in the habit of frequent
water changes, a 2 gallon tank isn't too bad to change 50% of the water
in.

--
Ross Vandegrift

"The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who
make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians
have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine
man in the bonds of Hell."
--St. Augustine, De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37

[Bill Stock]

> wrote in message
oups.com...
>I realize he was not truly joking but a screen saver is not the same as
> the real thing. Never is. I am hoping that I can get a truely silent
> tank. Unlike management I dont get an office. If I can not find a
> truely silent tank setup I will not be able to put one in my cubical.
> We have these half walls that means any sounds truely travel far and
> wide.
>

If they don't allow you to change your Screen Saver, I doubt they allow
pets? Sounds like a government shop.

[Margolis]

go to a store that has an eclipse running. You cannot hear them. I can put
my ear against my 3 gallon eclipse and even then can't hear it. The only
way I know it is running is by seeing the water move.

--

Margolis
http://web.archive.org/web/20030215212142/http://www.agqx.org/faqs/AGQ2FAQ.htm
http://www.unrealtower.org/faq

[Richard]

In article >,
Ross Vandegrift > wrote:
>On 2005-01-12, > wrote:
>> funny... :) but it violates the corporate security policy to change
>> our screen savers... dont ask.
>
>Well, it was funny, but I suspect the original poster wasn't completely
>joking --- a filterless tank will need water changes frequently. If I
>were going to do it, I'd shoot for daily changes. Lots of people do
>fewer if they keep only a single male betta, and they do ok, but I've
>rarely seen them do well. I've seen plenty of them dying from terrible
>dropsy and bacterial infections.

Works for me. I only feed live food though, mosrly white worms
and a few fruit flies. I've had filterless tanks set up for years.

A 2 gallon tank with half a dozen small tetras, plants (crypts)
and barely any light - certianly ni hood/reflector/canopy
is needed will need a 50% water changes once a week, just like a high
tech tank. But it's no harded to kep clean if you're careful with
the food. That is the key to clean water.


--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[js1]

On 2005-01-11, scott > wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
> (aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
> plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
> noise (we have lots of engineers in a very tight area). When I was at
> Petsmart, I was looking at a 2.5gal glass tank. It was roughly
> 12x6x9inches. Small enough for my cube but not large enough to get in
> the way. I was/am looking at getting live plants to use instead of
> filters. What type of fish and what type of plants do you all
> recommend? I was thinking of Tetras since they are pretty durable but
> I am open to most anything (fairly small).
>

With a filterless setup, you're pretty much limited to anabantids,
dwarf frogs, and snails. I have a one gallon container divided for
two bettas:

http://js1.kicks-ass.org/~js1/image005.jpeg

The snails labeled as "Mystery Snails" at PetsMart in my experience have
been Pomacea bridgesii which are plant safe

http://www.applesnail.net/content/species/pomacea_bridgesi.htm

For a low light setup, you'd probably want to go with java fern and
anubias.
--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

[js1]

On 2005-01-12, Ross Vandegrift > wrote:
>
> Well, it was funny, but I suspect the original poster wasn't completely
> joking --- a filterless tank will need water changes frequently. If I
> were going to do it, I'd shoot for daily changes. Lots of people do
> fewer if they keep only a single male betta, and they do ok, but I've
> rarely seen them do well. I've seen plenty of them dying from terrible
> dropsy and bacterial infections.
>

Just use plants to suck out the nitrates. I've had peace lilies in mine
since the tank started. A former colleauge used pothos (devil's ivy).
I change the water in my one gallon container with two bettas once every
two to three weeks. Both of them behave like poorly trained dogs when
they see me approach hoping I'd feed them.

http://js1.kicks-ass.org/~js1/image005.jpeg

I threw some anacharis clippings in there, but they didn't do so well.
I've recently added some java fern.

--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

[js1]

On 2005-01-12, Eric Schreiber <eric> wrote:
>
> On the other hand, in a small enough tank those water changes can be
> accomplished with a gallon water jug, a small bucket (or second jug)
> and a turkey baster, in about five minutes. That's how I maintained my
> original "I'm just going to get one fish, honey, honest" betta tank.
>

I just dump the fishy water into my potted plants. Works out pretty
well.


--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

[Richard]

>With a filterless setup, you're pretty much limited to anabantids,
>dwarf frogs, and snails.

Or Killifish. Or catfish or tetras or rasboras or pencilfish or,
um, anything thta makes sense for the tank size.

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[js1]

On 2005-01-13, Richard > wrote:
>
> Or Killifish. Or catfish or tetras or rasboras or pencilfish or,
> um, anything thta makes sense for the tank size.
>

I thought those fish (aside from the cats) required water circulating
for oxygen. The constraint I'm reading from the original poster is
basically nothing that could cause any noise.


--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

[John Owens]

I currently have a cheap tank from Wal-Mart sitting on my desk at my office.
It's an Aquabrite V (5 Gallon tank w/ Filter) It's totally silent. The
only thing you hear is an occasional droplet sound if the water level gets
low. I top it off weekly with a 1 liter bottle. I wish I had pics of it.
But my coworkers really like it. I have a timer on the light and an
automatic feeder.


"scott" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Hello All,
>
> I have been doing a lot of research but need advice from the experts
> (aka you guys) on what type of setup I can put in my cubical. I have
> plenty of power (AC) but I can not have filters or what not due to
> noise (we have lots of engineers in a very tight area). When I was at
> Petsmart, I was looking at a 2.5gal glass tank. It was roughly
> 12x6x9inches. Small enough for my cube but not large enough to get in
> the way. I was/am looking at getting live plants to use instead of
> filters. What type of fish and what type of plants do you all
> recommend? I was thinking of Tetras since they are pretty durable but
> I am open to most anything (fairly small).
>
> Thanks,
> Scott
>

[Richard]

In article >, js1 > wrote:
>On 2005-01-13, Richard > wrote:
>>
>> Or Killifish. Or catfish or tetras or rasboras or pencilfish or,
>> um, anything thta makes sense for the tank size.
>>
>
>I thought those fish (aside from the cats) required water circulating
>for oxygen. The constraint I'm reading from the original poster is
>basically nothing that could cause any noise.

They require oxygen, but the water doesn't need to be circulating.

I'm staring at a one litre tank right now with 2 harlequins, 2 pencils and
a glowline rasbora and a bunch of baby crypts. No filter.

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[[email protected]]

Here is a photo of my 6 gal betta tank at work.

http://www.nippyfish.net/6%20Gal.jpg

It's an Eclipse cycled with a power filter w/ biowheel, 25 watt heater
and air-stone. The air pump does give off a very faint sound but there
is a great benefit to cycling your tank even if it's "just for a
betta." If you end up opting for an uncycled tank you'll be spending
more time doing 100% water changes and testing for ammonia and
adjusting pH. Being cycled I only have to test nitrate at water changes
once a week and change out only 20% of the water. On occasion I'll run
the whole gambit of tests to make sure everything in on track, which it
always is. ;-)

[js1]

On 2005-01-13, Richard > wrote:
>
> They require oxygen, but the water doesn't need to be circulating.
>
> I'm staring at a one litre tank right now with 2 harlequins, 2 pencils and
> a glowline rasbora and a bunch of baby crypts. No filter.
>

So your plants produce enough oxygen for the fish to survive?


--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

[Richard]

In article . com>,
> wrote:
>Here is a photo of my 6 gal betta tank at work.
>
>http://www.nippyfish.net/6%20Gal.jpg
>
>It's an Eclipse cycled with a power filter w/ biowheel, 25 watt heater
>and air-stone. The air pump does give off a very faint sound but there
>is a great benefit to cycling your tank even if it's "just for a
>betta." If you end up opting for an uncycled tank you'll be spending
>more time doing 100% water changes and testing for ammonia and
>adjusting pH. Being cycled I only have to test nitrate at water changes
>once a week and change out only 20% of the water. On occasion I'll run
>the whole gambit of tests to make sure everything in on track, which it
>always is. ;-)

Niiice.


I've gone super low tech. No filter no heater no light:

http://images.aquaria.net/tanks/rjs/hex2-1/jan1305/

Some Farfards aquatic soil mixed with profile sealed with 1.5"
of white sand with 2" of pea gravel over that covered with small
black river rocks. Not for any good reason, it was just at hand.

There's some crypt (probbaly lutea) and some java moss. And two
rocks. I change most of the water once a week and only feed live
food.

It sits in the corned of my desk and is really supposed to be
an xmas prezzie for my folks. Any day now...

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[Richard]

In article >, js1 > wrote:
>On 2005-01-13, Richard > wrote:
>>
>> They require oxygen, but the water doesn't need to be circulating.
>>
>> I'm staring at a one litre tank right now with 2 harlequins, 2 pencils and
>> a glowline rasbora and a bunch of baby crypts. No filter.
>>
>
>So your plants produce enough oxygen for the fish to survive?

The plants are seedlings, or rahter tiny plants that grew from pinhead
sized spurs off a crypt rhizome. They were supposed to be there
"a day or so", but that was back last October.

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[[email protected]]

Richard, Your betta is adorable. He reminds me of my old betta, Bone.
He was always my favorite.

http://www.nippyfish.net/Boneswimming.jpg

With no heater doesn't he get too cold or is your office like mine,
80=B0F all the time?

[Richard]

In article . com>,
> wrote:
>Richard, Your betta is adorable. He reminds me of my old betta, Bone.
>He was always my favorite.
>
>http://www.nippyfish.net/Boneswimming.jpg


Cool. Not bad for a betta from an LFS. Here's a better pic:

http://images.aquaria.net/fish/bettas/splendens/veil/mint/rs79/1/DSCF0015.jpg

Here's the other betta I had in there fr a while (not an LFS fish) but
there wasn't enough contrast between him and the dark surroundings (so
he's back in a big jar).

http://images.aquaria.net/fish/bettas/splendens/HM/brown/rs79/1/DSCF0008s.jpg

>With no heater doesn't he get too cold or is your office like mine,
>80F all the time?

You guessed it :-)



--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org