Where to start?

This is how I started: went to the closest local fish store (LFS), bought a "complete" system, picked a few fish (goldfish), some food, etc. I think thats how most people started too. Well, that is the worst possible way to start this hobby, and here is why:

1: "Complete" packages are more like "minimum" packages:

Filter, heater, hood with lighting, and the tank are 4 of the most common components of those packages. The filter is often small, providing a filtering function that BARELY meets the need of the fish. The wattage of the heater is low, so its ability to stabalize the water temperature is poor. Although the lighting from the hood is not important to fish, it is vital to plants. Depending on the type of plants, the lighting provided from the hood is most likely inadequate.

2: LFS staffs usually will guide you down the wrong path.

Large chain stores have the worst staffs in terms of getting advises on your new fish tank. Most of them have no fish keeping experience, thus having very limited knowledge of the fish.
As a result, incompatible (water requirements, behavioral) species often end up in the same tank.

3: Poor quality and high price.

The fish they sell in LFS are often unhealthy and sick. Those "store brand" products are usually the cheapest, but most of the time they also have the worst quality. Merchandise in LFS also have a very high price, especially when things are not on sale.


Where should you start then?

1) Go on the internet and search for local aquatic forums with classified sections (NOT general buy/sell sites like craiglist!!) The best place to buy fish and equipments is from other hobbyists. The fish they sell are often MUCH cheaper than LFS and are almost always healthy. The equipments they sell are mostly used, so that will allow you to have a more flexible budget.

2) Find local fish clubs and attend their meetings. You can also find them by searching on the internet. You can meet some very friendly and knowledgable people in those meetings, and I am sure all of them will be very willing to give you some good advice and suggestions. Usually those meetings also sell fish and equipments in a simplified auction style. Some rare exotic fish that you won't see in LFS can often be found there.

Final note: do some research before you start!!