Jane Orr

First, I understand plants shouldn't touch the heater in an aquarium. My question is: are some plants happier further away from the heat and maybe some like to be closer? Fish have their preferences and being a gardener I know some plants don't like heat and some starve for it. I know, which plants are you talking about? Ok, if ACO sells it I am looking at those as I intend to try as many as possible. If I missed a video on this a link would be great or just any suggestions from experience would be greatly appreciated.

I set up my first tank back in high school, 1978 maybe, if memory serves. I kept angels in a 10 gallon tank. There was no internet and the info I had came with the supplies. When I moved away from home my mom kept it going for a while until she forgot to adjust the heater after a water change and boiled the fish - there was actual steam. Since then I have had several....currently a 20g, a 2.5g hospital and just set up a 55g this morning. This new tank will be the first time I go by the book. Thanks to ACO for all the excellent videos!

I made up my own for identifying my outlets. HALF - heater, air pump, light and filter so I always put the plugs in this order. Yes, I could label them but what's the fun in that? What term is used for a significant other/family member/friend that usually has a quizzical look on their face when you just spent 3 hours watching Cory talk about, well, anything? Since I got "serious" about my aquarium just a few weeks ago, I have a lot of catching up to do! Happiest of days to all. JO

My 20 gallon tank has successfully cycled! I have never gone through the proper steps before and I am very excited because this tells me I am ready for the next tank - - a 75 gallon!! After a sulfur smell I had to scrub the tank clean and start fresh, with fish. I did go get a small hospital tank and moved the fish there until the spike was over. I only lost one fish, a small neon, in a freak siphoning accident (who knew the little guy would get himself sucked in, sideways, in 1/4 inch tubing I was using to clean the bottom). I am so happy I found this forum and Aquarium Co-op! I love keeping fish but I was about to give up because I kept killing them....then a chain store worker suggested youTube and I here I am!! I love all the info from everyone! Happy fish are here again!! The skies aren't grey they're blue again! Thanks to everyone! Yay.

Everything is very pretty!!💎

Honestly, I have no idea. I just checked the length of a 75 and it will work and the cost isn't much more. Thanks for giving me something to consider. I know I don't want a tall tank as I am not. Climbing on a step stool, well, I don't want to be found tipped over in a lifeless lump on the floor or floating in the tank. (I'm only 5 ft tall and bent a little, I would fit) How many plants do you have in your current tank?

I have had tank for 25 of the last 40 years and have decided to get a bit more serious. My current tank is a lonely 20 gallon but a 55 is coming soon! This one will be done correctly from the start. Lots of plants! I bought my first test strips and they are depressing! I recently had a smelly (sulfur) tank and am trying to fix it up. I have 1 surviving platy, 4 neon, 4 zebra, 3 cory and a snail. Daily water changes. I am determined to get it right for my fishy friends! I also keep goldfish in a pond in my yard. They have been living there for about 6 or 7 years now, breeding and seemingly happy now that the raccoons have moved on. Thanks for any advice and best wishes from my fish tank to yours!

Thank you so much!

I know hands must be washed before putting them in a tank and I am, of course, careful but is there a preferred hand soap? Types to stay away from? Everything says to not use soap on anything in a tank but you must wash your hands. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks