cichlid help in the Seattle area

[Zydeco29]

Hi! I am looking for help in locating somewhere in Seattle where I can
obtain a large fish tank. next year I am wanting to start a cichlid tank.
I want one that is over 75 gallons. I live in the middle part of the state
of Washington, but there really aren't many places here to get any good
deals, so I am willing to drive a few hours to get what I need.

I currently keep goldfish and have had much success with them. cichlids
really fascinate me and I've always wanted to have some. I don't plan on
starting until I do much more research on them (early next year). and I
know it will take a while for me to get the tank cycled and the pH correct
once I do begin this journey. I am leaning toward the African variety and I
am also leaning toward the ones that average about 4" - 6" inches in length.

any sites or books that someone can recommend is very much appreciated.
thanks in advance for reading this and for any help you might be able to
provide

best regards,
connie

[NetMax]

"Zydeco29" > wrote in message
...
> Hi! I am looking for help in locating somewhere in Seattle where I can
> obtain a large fish tank. next year I am wanting to start a cichlid
tank.
> I want one that is over 75 gallons. I live in the middle part of the
state
> of Washington, but there really aren't many places here to get any good
> deals, so I am willing to drive a few hours to get what I need.

Because of their weight, volume & fragility, new aquariums are usually
best bought from a store which has regular deliveries and sales of
aquariums. Make a few phone calls to see what the price ranges are like
in your area. Generally, bigger than a 55-65g requires a van or SUV.
Your 75g will probably be around 48" long, 18" wide and 21 to 24" high.
Make sure it would fit in your vehicle before you go pick it up.

Older large aquariums are very much in demand, and because they age well
(just glass & silicone), they hold their value (stay expensive). Watch
the newspaper, garage sales, auctions & estate sales for deals, and be
ready to move fast. Local aquaria clubs might help out with something as
well.

Whatever you get, the cost of the peripheral equipment is as much or more
than the tank. Generally, the hood, filter & stand will cost more than
the glass, so be sure you compare things equally.

> I currently keep goldfish and have had much success with them.
cichlids
> really fascinate me and I've always wanted to have some. I don't plan
on
> starting until I do much more research on them (early next year). and
I
> know it will take a while for me to get the tank cycled and the pH
correct
> once I do begin this journey. I am leaning toward the African variety
and I
> am also leaning toward the ones that average about 4" - 6" inches in
length.

If you have goldfish now, then cycling a new tank using your old filter
would be trivial (easy). Researching your cichlids, preparing a recipe
and aquascaping the tank will take much longer (but be much more fun
too). Here are a few sites to get you started:
http://www.cichlidlovers.com/gallery.htm
http://malawicichlids.com/index.htm
http://www.cichlidrecipe.com/cichlidrecipe/crindx.htm

NetMax

> any sites or books that someone can recommend is very much appreciated.
> thanks in advance for reading this and for any help you might be able
to
> provide
>
> best regards,
> connie
>
>
>

[Zydeco29]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
.. .


>
> Whatever you get, the cost of the peripheral equipment is as much or more
> than the tank. Generally, the hood, filter & stand will cost more than
> the glass, so be sure you compare things equally.

yes, I know that generally the price of the tank and hood are the cheapest
parts of the set up. I don't mind spending the money, but I do think it's a
shame that the locals charge such a large mark up simply because the
consumer doesn't have many choices for the product. I'm lucky in regards
that Seattle is only 2 & 1/2 hours away and I can double up the trip and not
only get a tank, but also make it a fun adventure for my 6 yr old by
visiting some local attractions as well...

>
> If you have goldfish now, then cycling a new tank using your old filter
> would be trivial (easy). Researching your cichlids, preparing a recipe
> and aquascaping the tank will take much longer (but be much more fun
> too). Here are a few sites to get you started:
> http://www.cichlidlovers.com/gallery.htm
> http://malawicichlids.com/index.htm
> http://www.cichlidrecipe.com/cichlidrecipe/crindx.htm
>


thanks for the links! I'll add them to my favorites. I did search a few
sites yesterday and it seems that although many seemed to have great advice,
they also had conflicting advice as well.

best regards,
connie