Aqua Culture brand products

Rebecca

Anyone ever buy any of Aqua Culture's products? I saw some (like tanks and cleaning supplies) at Wal-mart. There was a 10-gal starter kit for only $30. It contained: Full incandecent light (w/ bulbs); a Filter (it was AQUA-tech w/ EZ-change filter cartridge); Water Conditioner; Fish food. The dimensions are 20L x 10W x 12H. The conditioner and food are Tetra brand, I believe.

Anyway, I looked up Aqua Culture on the internet; couldn't find much. They don't have a website or anything, yet they claim to be America's #1 seller? So I was wondering if they are a decent brand.

Lupin

I wouldn't buy that kit.
Buy the biggest tank you can afford. Second hand tanks are cheaper but watch out for any leaks.
You need fluorescent lights, not incandescent. Incandescent lights give off heat which can increase the tank's temp therefore not suitable for tanks.
For filters, try to find one that is of good quality. Eheim and Sera being one of those good choices.

"No.1" slogans are useless. You can't trust anything saying that it's no.1. Mistakes are bound to happen.

For other equipments, try my sticky "Beginner's Guide" in New Freshwater Tanks. It can give you ideas.

Good luck.:)

Rebecca

A 10-gallon is basically the biggest I can afford and even have room for. I am putting the tank in my room so it will be a tight squeeze for a 10-gal. Unless I find another spot for it. And I honestly can't spend more than $50 on setting up the entire thing, including the fish(except I'm only one or two fish to start with) and decorations and stuff. So far it seems to be the best tank I've found, although I haven't checked the real pet stores yet. I actually did find an article in the meantime about this kit; here's the link:
http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/34/4...b7f0da59f16f51

They seemed to like it. Can anyone recommend any brands they like?

Lupin

Just change the incandescent lights with a fluorescent one.

Rebecca

Ah. What's the difference between the two?

Lupin

Incandescent lights are poor in quality and can give off heat. This increases the temperature of the tank and this can harm your fish.

Fluorescent lights are better as they don't give off too much heat.

Rebecca

Oh! Yeah that would be a problem, especially since it's hard to keep tanks cool in this weather anyway.

Lupin

Yep. Best to stick with fluorescent lights.
If you have tank temp fluctuations, there's a sticky in Maintaining the Freshwater Tank section.
Hope it helps.

CJ

Florescent lights are superior for many reasons besides heat, they give off light in various spectrum's according to their Kelvin ratings and colors. Fish do much better with fluorescents intended for aquarium use, and even though they are more expensive, they cost less to operate.

Though I wouldn't personally use on, Dr. Foster & Smith offer a wide variety of complete systems that can support a small shoal of Neon Tetra's or one really nice Beta that are micro systems designed to fit on your desk and larger ones that can go up to 60 gallons.

These micro-systems include a hidden filter, air pump, substrate, everything except for the fish themselves.

If you already have a tank but only an incandescent fixture, Fosters & Smiths carry a line of screw in type fluorescent bulbs.

Check out: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...3636&subref=AC

SKAustin

GuppyGirl, I can say with complete confidence that the 10 gallon wal-mart kits are sufficient, especially on a budget. I can also advise you that if you look, you will likely find that they also sell the identical kit for a few dollars more, with a flourescent lighting unit. I know, I have one myself, purchased at wal-mart. The HOB filters that come with these kits, although somewhat cheap in appearance, have proven reliable, and are a much quieter operating unit than the more expensive Whisper Power filters. I have a 29 gallon kit purchased at walmart as well the two 10 gallon kits, and have yet to experience any troubles with it whatsoever.