Need help to set up new 60cm tank

**fai** · 19th Sep 2015, 16:41

I am in the process of setting up a new 60cm tank. Already ordered my cabinet from CR Aquarium but there are still alot of undecided choice for the rest of the equipments. Below are the equipments that I have decided to use and also those that I cannot decide. So please help with other suggestion and feedbacks. Thanks

1) 60x30x36cm tank : I still cannot decide to use ADA 60P or use ANS opticlear or the tank SeaView is selling. I have feedback that the ANS tank leak easily.

2) Fliter : I have decided to use Eheim ecco pro 300.

3) Glassware : Was thinking of VIV or Gush. Observe that the workmanship is quite good and come with reasonable price tag.

4) Lights : No idea what to use but prefer LED. For my current 36cm tank I'm using Up Pro Z which is able to carpet my monte carlo nicely. But find it difficult to do tank maintenance with it. For the new set up I want to try HC, riccia and glosso. I would also prefer something I can hang.

5) CO2 system : ANS solenoid. Since I'm already using it with no issue.

Suggestions and feedbacks is much appreciated. Thanks

**Urban Aquaria** · 19th Sep 2015, 20:15

I currently use both the ANS Opticlear 60cm tanks and 60cm crystal tanks from Seaview, both have been leak-free for the past 3+ years... so i guess it just depends on luck (and proper handling during transporation/setup, just don't drop or knock them around).

The original ADA 60P tank is nice, but its more than 3x the price of the other brands so just have to factor in that extra cost. If you have the budget, then just go for it.

As for the lights, you could also hang up the Z-Series LED lights too, either loop or attach the mounting lines to the light casing then you can suspend it on a light stand.

If the lights are going to be suspended much higher, so that you can access the tank anytime with no obstructions, then consider going for lightsets that use higher powered LEDs (ie. an array of 3W LEDs) to get better depth penetration. Maybe can look at models like Odyssea Evo 24" 48W LED (Plant) lights.

**fai** · 19th Sep 2015, 21:18

Hi UA, thanks for the reply.

I agree the 60P is costly. My opinion, the ANS tank is also quite well build (at least those that i saw) the silicon work and etc quite good.

The Odyssea light would be a good choice too with price tag not hitting above $200. Any idea what is the max height it is good for?

How about the filter and glassware? They ok?

**Urban Aquaria** · 20th Sep 2015, 01:26

For tanks with height from 45cm-60cm, it's usually recommended to go for LED lights that use higher powered individual 3W LEDs (or stronger)... so for your 36cm height tank, it should be able to give you a 20-25cm gap clearance above the tank to allow for easier maintenance and yet the light intensity should still be strong enough to reach plants situated lower in the tank.

As for your filter and glassware choice, they are suitable for the setup. My 2ft planted tanks also use similar configurations.

**ren_hao** · 25th Sep 2015, 19:32

Get the ANS tank, better to get the best you can afford rather than to think of changing later. Very very troublesome
for filter, you may want to skip the ecco pro. You will be better of with the experince or pro3. My ecco pro handle broke on me. Just check if your cabinet can accomodate a pro3. Mine couldnt and i had to exchange it for the older experience.

**fai** · 25th Sep 2015, 20:55

Hi ren_hao,
Thanks for the input.
With workmanship standard that is really close among the brands, it could be quite hard to choose. But the tank is the last worry as I will only get it after the cabinet delivery.
For the filter, closest Eheim Experience model compared to the Ecco Pro 300 would be the Experience 250. With the same power consumption of 8W. It does have slightly bigger filter volume however the flowrate is slower than the Ecco Pro 300. Another downside to the Experience 250 is that it only have 2 baskets whereas the Ecco Pro 300 has 3. This allow me to have additional filter media type. I am not sure of the price different of this 2 model. But base on the spec alone I would still go with the Ecco Pro 300. Just have to be carefull with the handle.

**qool** · 25th Sep 2015, 23:26

I support ren hao view on Ecco pro. I have broke 2 of them in total. First time was because of unfamiliarity with how to open it, second time was due to handle stuck then very gently I push it down to release it and check what was wrong but it still broke. I strongly advice not to use Ecco pro even you are gentle the plastic itself I suspect cannot handle too much open and close action. Unless you don't intend to clean filter else go for other filter without this required action.

**tetrakid** · 26th Sep 2015, 07:48

Originally Posted by Urban Aquaria

I currently use both the ANS Opticlear 60cm tanks and 60cm crystal tanks from Seaview, both have been leak-free for the past 3+ years... so i guess it just depends on luck (and proper handling during transporation/setup, just don't drop or knock them around). ............

In this regard I take no chances. I always make it a point to find a suitably-sized tray to place beneath the tank.

The tray has a small outlet connected to a tubing which leads to either a big container, or a wet area (eg. kitchen) in the house.
This way, I don't worry about aquarium leaks at all. If I can't find a tray, I will get a metal fabricator to do it for me in aluminium or tin.
The tray can be painted in any colour.

Believe me, a single bad experience with a leaking aquarium is enough to get you sold on this.