Looking to purchase my first tank

[newbie nene]

This is my first thread after spending many weeks reading the wide variety of advise you guys have thankfully taken the time to post ...... of most importance it would seem that small steps taken slowly would be the path to follow... hence my tank is invisible .....still awaiting my purchase .

My concern at present is regarding a lid for the tank .. although most of what i have read would suggest not to have one due to increased heat in the tank . I have a cat and a dog at home and am concerned about the amount of hair that they moult collectivley ..i have a small property and am constantly hoovering up fur balls .... i imagine this would be a problem if it was to seatle on the waters surface contaminating the water if it were to sink and rot or perhaps clog the equipment filtering the water ???

I have found a tank i like i'm going big ..... primarily because all the advice points in that direction ..reg. stability,, overstocking, territory ect dimensions 201x51x71 cm this tank comes with a lid
do i need it ??????

thanks xx newbie nene

[currentking]

if you have pets, im not sure if they can get that high. I have a dog and I do not have a lid for mine. looks wise, I think a lid looks better, but you dont need one IMO. If you decide on a lid just spend a little more money on a chiller, it is worth keeping your water temp stabilized. Oh I lied about the "spend a little more money on a chiller" because they are expensive, but still worth it

[Joshua1023]

I have a lid and a chiller for just that reason. I don't think the hair will harm anything, unless you just gave them a flea dip or something. It will stick out like a sore thumb if you have hair floating around in your tank, though.

[newbie nene]

Thanks guys .... by expensive could you give me an approximate cost i'm thinking the equipment i need will cheaper in the states than the uk.. p.s what does imo mean i truly am a newbie !!!!

[Joshua1023]

imo=in my opinion

Between $300-$700 US.