Hello from Florida

by **JCrush (5)** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 1:39 pm

So glad I've found this forum. I'm returning to the hobby after a 30 year hiatus and will certainly need advice from the members here at "Tropical Fish Hobbyist". There's plenty of information I need to refresh myself with plus learning about all the new technology and its applications to the hobby. If I recall, when I had my last aquarium (150 gallon), most hobbyist simply bought a tank, put water in it, added rocks, lights, artificial plants, fish, gravel, an underground filter and were off and running. Now however, growing LIVE FRESHWATER PLANTS with fish is the "new best thing". It's like two hobbies in one (Horticulture/Tropical Fish Keeping) but a little more complicated than before with more tools and equipment. That's ok though .... twice as much fun.

My new aquarium hasn't arrived yet. I ordered it online (180 gallon, 72 x 18 x 30) with the stand, canopy and a sump filtration system. It should be here by the end of this month (Oct.) and I can't wait to get started all over again. I have NO fish, plants, gravel or any equipment. Obviously I'm starting from scratch but with a little more money to spend than what I had 30 years ago. Good grief .... I'm going to need it!! I've done plenty of research online, trying to get ahead of the game ya know, and clearly things are way more costly now. What a surprise ... lol. Oh well ... it's something I've always wanted (my dream aquarium) with live freshwater plants and fish.

Warning ... be prepared for a barrage of questions from me in the near future. Of course in return I'll be glad to share my experience and what I have learned along the way with all of you .... till then ... see ya.

by **ScottFish (2632)** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:03 pm

Hello back ...from Florida! What part of Florida are you from? Florida is taking over this Forum BTW. Glad to have you with us. When I got back into this hobby this place helped me a bunch! a 180! You can have a lot of fun with that! I look forward to your questions and to hearing about how this tank develops!

by **JCrush (5)** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:58 pm

Thanks for the welcome Scott. I'm retired from the auto industry and left my home state of Michigan about two years ago and relocated here in "The Villages" of Florida about 60 miles north of Orlando.