[Bjeanj]

Originally Posted by scottvs1961

Yes, I have a 150 gallon mixed marine (saltwater) aquarium. Had it before we moved here and it came with us when we moved.

Had a wonderful guy from Ocala come to our house in Wesley Chapel and move it to TV for us.

I am taking care of it myself, including partial water changes every two to three weeks, cleaning the glass from algae, periodic sand cleaning, etc.

I dug out a small, deep (4’) pond in my backyard years ago, and stocked it with goldfish. Refreshed the water from our rain barrel. At the start of winter, I netted them out to a temporary aquarium as I wasn't sure how much/deep the water would freeze.

About a month later, I was cleaning it out, and noticed it needed more water, so (stupidly) I got a bucket of water from the bathtub and poured it in. Sadly, the fish did not survive the water FROM A SALT WATER SOFTENER! I’ve never seen fish bloat up that fast, and boy did I feel bad.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Bjeanj

I dug out a small, deep (4’) pond in my backyard years ago, and stocked it with goldfish. Refreshed the water from our rain barrel. At the start of winter, I netted them out to a temporary aquarium as I wasn't sure how much/deep the water would freeze.

About a month later, I was cleaning it out, and noticed it needed more water, so (stupidly) I got a bucket of water from the bathtub and poured it in. Sadly, the fish did not survive the water FROM A SALT WATER SOFTENER! I’ve never seen fish bloat up that fast, and boy did I feel bad.

I am going to guess there was something wrong with either your softener on there was something in your bucket. We have had a 35 gallon fresh water tank for 6 years with a salt based water softener, and I have changed the water dozens of times, and never lost a fish, 5 or 6 of the fish are original to the tank, 6 years old.

[bgamble3]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I never heard of an aquarium maintenance vender. How much do they charge? I may consider buying an aquarium.

Thanks for your reply. The vendor can help or do the set up for you then maintain it monthly. The costs of course would depend on how large a tank, if you want it custom built, salt water or fresh water, number of fish etc. If you would like to talk to the vendor please let me know and I will give him your information

[Bjeanj]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am going to guess there was something wrong with either your softener on there was something in your bucket. We have had a 35 gallon fresh water tank for 6 years with a salt based water softener, and I have changed the water dozens of times, and never lost a fish, 5 or 6 of the fish are original to the tank, 6 years old.

Could be. Too late now. I think I got traumatized.

[Jay1891]

No thanks, just another responsibility I dont need. I have no dogs cats hampsters bunny rabbits, etc. like it like that. Had a pet rock for 40 years acted a a boundry marker. It was no trouble at all. It didn;t require any care or feeding. One day I added another rock on the other corner of the property. Next thing you know they formed a rock band and were on the road never to be seen again.

[normgreg]

We have a 90 gallon African Cichlid aquarium, well stocked with a variety of fish. We also do our own maintenance. Tank cleaning & filter refurbishing is done on a regular schedule.

[Quixote]

If anyone has an aquarium stand (just the stand) not needed and willing to sell, please PM me. It must be at least 30” long. Thanks!

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Your neighbors might not. You may want to ask them. Just a suggestion.

If the small pond is yours and you want to put in a small waterfall, I dont feel your neighbor has a say so. Your property. Your decision.

[Mfrench]

I had a magnificent Tall salt water aquarium in California. With the most beautiful fish . I had a specialist maintain it every two weeks because it required so much work . When I moved to Maryland there was no one available to maintain it so I tried to do it myself. Bad idea! filled it with too many fish and tried to keep a balanced salt water environment. It is very complicated and I didn’t succeed . . I would never go through that upsetting situation again. I urge anyone thinking about having an aquarium to have a fresh water one and hire someone to maintain it regularly, for the sake of the beautiful little creatures.

[luvmagic2]

Had larger tanks before moving here but now just a small 20 gallon community friendly freshwater tank.

[Ralpha]

My only advice to those of you who are contemplating getting an aquarium; please do your research. They can be a bottomless pit. I had a saltwater aquarium and I spent a fortune in trying to keep it balanced, replacing dead fish and corals. Forget about the equipment; aquarium tank (40 gallons), filters, pump, food, etc.
I lived in Ft Lauderdale where I had access to a multitude of aquarium shops and advice. You will find it more difficult to get your supplies and fish. For me, it was like buying a boat, I was happy when I got it and even happier when I got rid of it.
I’m sorry for being cynical, but just wanted to pass on some food for thought. Maybe I had bad luck and those of you who elect to get one will have a much better outcome than I did. Good luck!

[Marshaw]

Nope. Gone to long in summer

[JFoxTV]

We use Aquatic Reef Design in Ocala. They are wonderful. They has a great selection of saltwater fish, are super-knowledgeable and helpful. They also create custom aquariums (they built one into our wall/wine cellar and we love it). When we first had the tank built and were learning, they came to our house to clean/provide maintenance and check the water. Definitely check them out if you're looking to get an aquarium

[JFoxTV]

We have a 170 gallon saltwater tank that was custom built, into our wall, by Aquatic Reef Designs in Ocala. We have since taken over maintenance ourselves, but when we were first learning the hobby, they came to our home every two weeks to clean and test the water etc. Their store in Ocala is one of the best fish stores I've ever been to -- a great variety of fish and everyone is helpful and knowledgeable.