Help with New Tank Please?

[cannibal33]

Hi Everyone,

Am thinking of setting up a new planted tank - or actually first fish tank owner....since primary school at least!
And i could really use some help if you have the time.

Also note: i don't noe exactly what i want to plant, or what fish i will get, but iwant it to be 'lively'..lots of different fish.

Here goes:

Tank Dimensions: 75x30x35
Tank Volume : 79L or 17 Gallons

Lighting: Not decided...but am interested in the Arcadia ones

CO2: i guess i'll have to the the tank and the soleniod..that will cost ard $300 ya?

Substrate: This is a big problem.
-Am thinking of using 2 bags of Power Sand(S)
-Followed by another 2 (at least) bags of Aquasoil....heard that the type doesn't really matter, except that they are different colour....this sounds err not true lah....i havent been able to find other info, anyone?

Filter: Eheim 2026...is this too powerful? also, i don't really like the green tubes going in and out of the tank.....are there any 'ada' type substitutes...ie ones that look very 'clean'

Thats all for now, thanks for the help!

[geoffrey]

In order to help yourself decide what is really needed or what is the right choice for purchase, you need to understand the purpose of each equipment use in a tank. Their advantages and disadvantages versus what you are willing to pay.

For instance filter, do you need a Ehiem 2028 if you only have a 1ft tank? Or
if I am only going for slow growth plants, do I need alot of lights, PL or FL etc.

I would suggest you tread with care. Read and find out more first.

[vinz]

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On 6/12/2003 3:58:47 PM

...

Lighting: Not decided...but am interested in the Arcadia ones

No need to get expensive "plant" or "aquarium lights". Normal flourescents or PLs will be sufficient as long as they are rated "Daylight".

CO2: i guess i'll have to the the tank and the soleniod..that will cost ard $300 ya?

Substrate: This is a big problem.
-Am thinking of using 2 bags of Power Sand(S)
-Followed by another 2 (at least) bags of Aquasoil....heard that the type doesn't really matter, except that they are different colour....this sounds err not true lah....i havent been able to find other info, anyone?

ADA is one of the more expensive substrates. There's a thread about it recently called "ADA soil". Read that. There are cheaper alternatives out there that are not bad too, IMO.

Filter: Eheim 2026...is this too powerful? also, i don't really like the green tubes going in and out of the tank.....are there any 'ada' type substitutes...ie ones that look very 'clean'

Choose a filter with a flow rate around 2 to 3 times your water volume per hour. The ADA filters are extremely expensive (if you can even find them here) and the reason you do not see equipment in Amano's tanks is because he removes them during photography. You can't avoid tubes going in and out. The best you can do is get clear transparent pipes and hoses. Sticking paper at the back of your tank helps to block out ugly tubings and wires behind the tank too.

Thats all for now, thanks for the help!

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Go read the AQ's Aquatic FAQ forum. Specifically:
- Things needed to start a planted tank
- Glossary of Acronyms
- Websites

[cannibal33]

Geoffrey & Vinz,

Thanks for the input.
Will go and read up some more,
and also go down to some LFS to get some feedback.

Cheers.
Canni

[geoffrey]

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On 6/13/2003 10:56:28 AM

.....some LFS to get some feedback.

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Take whatever they say with a pinch of salt. Don't forget they are in business.

[vinz]

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On 6/13/2003 11:11:08 AM

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On 6/13/2003 10:56:28 AM

.....some LFS to get some feedback.

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Take whatever they say with a pinch of salt. Don't forget they are in business.

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... and some are not even in the hobby themselves.