(01-24-2013, 03:44 PM)amberra824 Wrote: Also, I'm looking to spend a few hundred dollars at the most. Maybe around $300-$400? Of course, I'd probably be far better starting off with something even smaller and more inexpensive than that, but that's about the top price I'd be willing to pay to get started.
Ram - the only one of those fish you mentioned that I liked was the Betta xD Those I like a lot, but everyone I have spoken to have said that theirs never lasted very long. My sister owned them and attempted to breed them for a 4H project, and they both died within a week or two, even before being put in the tank together.
You don't think German Blue Ram and Dwarf Gourami are exotic enough? O_o Are you sure you were looking at the right fish?
Dwarf Gourami is a relative of Betta. They are very beautiful with those strips, and they have those two "feelers". They are also very smart fish who can build bubble nest for spawning. They take care of their eggs and fry.
Here is a video,
German Blue Ram Ciclids are very exotic shaped by "fish standard". LOL!
Check out this video. They are beautiful as well.
Getting a small setup for a single betta is certainly one solution. If you are looking into something more existing, you should check out planted community aquarium. The following is my 40 gallon community tank.
Usually bigger tank is actually better than smaller tank, because more water means more stable water, and fish dislike sudden large changes in water conditions.
I understand you are on a limited budget of $300~400. Getting a 20~29 gallon shouldn't be a problem. You can pick up those 20 or 29 gallon tanks separately from the equipments, or you can buy a full start kit. Check out this 29 gallon starter kit with filter, heater, lights. It is pretty good.
