My First 2" Tank - advise requied

[Crazysafari]

Hi all,

I have a small 7L tank with built-in lights and filter. I am now looking to upgrade to a bigger 2" or 2.5" tank. Been to several LFS for initial survey but unable to decide what to buy :

There are 2 options :

1) A complete set with tank, hood, light and filter - standard makes like boyu, paradon etc. cost around $70-100 for a 2L tank. With a cabinet the set is around $230.

2) Another option is get a glass tank separately for around $40-50 and buy light, filter etc separately. Stand would be an extra $70 I think. It appears that this option might be cheaper.

However I am confused and would appreciate some advice. While (1) mainly has built-in foam filters, not sure if the filters are good enough for the tank.

Also in terms of light, should I go for LED or fluroscent ?

For normal tanks (2), they do not have a hood. Is there a risk of foul smell/ fish jumping out? Definitely kids may drop something in the tank, so good to have a lid.

Do normal glass tanks come with a lid?

Finally, which is a good shop to buy fish tanks. LFS selection fairly limited. I went to Seaview but not too impressed with tank collection.

Appreciate ideas please.

cheers

[wongce]

Either Option 1 or 2 depends on individual budget and preference

I got both type of tanks at home.... my wife likes option 1 better as its cleaner look but i like option 2 due to easy maintenance and access to my stuff and tank.

every tank maker brand has their own filter system, depend on what you want to keep...simple planted? shrimp keeping? or fish only tank....

Lights: depends on what you want to keep..

Lids: some comes with lids but some don't... ask the shop keeper, you may not need a lid for a planted tank... some fish may jumped out if startled though..lol

seaview is one of the best 1 stop shop around... if you are not impressed with it, you can try Qian Hu... but for me i still prefer Seaview...

any more questions?? you may find the answers in my blog
http://adf.ly/4253880/starting-new-tank

[Crazysafari]

Hi,

Thanks a lot. I went through your thread and its very helpful indeed.

I m starting off with a simple fish tank with simple plants. Haven't decided on the fish but not likely to be too exotic to begin with.

Since will first setting up the tank, I am planning to have the substrate, gravel and a few plants first and then introduce fish gradually. I think it's a bit like chicken and egg since I haven't finalized what fish so can't finalize the plants too..as I understand from the three tht certain fish can uproot the plants.

I m not going for goldfish or arrowana....maybe mollies, cichlids angelfish etc...

S back to the tank then...I guess it's more about aesthetics and ease of maintenance then ? I noticed 3 type as of filter systems- sponge based, canister and submerged....not sure which one best

[Crazysafari]

Hi,

Thanks a lot. I went through your thread and its very helpful indeed.

I m starting off with a simple fish tank with simple plants. Haven't decided on the fish but not likely to be too exotic to begin with.

Since will first setting up the tank, I am planning to have the substrate, gravel and a few plants first and then introduce fish gradually. I think it's a bit like chicken and egg since I haven't finalized what fish so can't finalize the plants too..as I understand from the three tht certain fish can uproot the plants.

I m not going for goldfish or arrowana....maybe mollies, cichlids angelfish etc...

S back to the tank then...I guess it's more about aesthetics and ease of maintenance then ? I noticed 3 type as of filter systems- sponge based, canister and submerged....not sure which one best

[erwinx]

ANS Opticube + cabinet is on display at Seaview in both 60x30x36 and 60x45x45. (I went there last week to look see).

I am on the verge of buying a 60cm tank but cannot decide between 60x30x36 or 60x45x45. I like the 45cm depth for aquascaping and also because my rainbar and surface skimmer take up a lot of space at the back of my current 30litre 45cm tank

Takashi Amano in his writings says that 45cm height needs a lot more light than 36cm height. I already bought 2 x z-series LEDs and the LEDs are low power 0.8w type not the higher power 3w types so may not be so good for 45cm height. Is there 60x45(depth) x 36 height tank available and which shop?)