1st-timer aquascaper... :)

[aquaj]

Hi Guys,

I just bought a Rio 180 a few days ago... I'm planning to do some aquascaping for the first time... but before that, i've got some questions ask...

1. I'm planning to put a black background. will this look nice? I know it all boils down to an individual's preference. But i just want to know from others about their comments/reservations of having a black background.
2. I'm inclined to use Deponit 200 substrate for some parts of the aquarium. Any violent reactions on this one?
3. I live here in Singapore, do I really need the heater that came with the tank? how about the substrate heater?
4. I'm planning to remove the internal filter that came with the tank and replace it with an Eheim 2215 that i decommissioned from a saltwater tank (that's also been decommissioned). Will the eheim be enough or too much or to little?
5. lastly, any other LFS here that sells good (and reasonable) materials for aquascaping (plants, rocks, LS etc)? i've been to Nature Aquarium at Balestier and Sams Pet at Marine Parade, but I find the choices there a bit limited... I want to have a look others first before I go into a buying frenzy.

Thanks in advance guys/gals!
aquaj

[Aquanoob]

Have you been to Seaview at Seletar? It is like a supermarket where you will find fishes, accessories, plants in one place. You will surely start your buying frenzy there.

[Shadow]

1. I preferred nothing, that way I can put what ever background later on to suit the mood.
2. Get ADA aquasoil save you trouble later on
3. Forget about substrate heater, there is no proof that it help.
4. 2215 flow is to low for 180 liter tank. I use 2215 for 2ft tank which is 60 liter
5. Aquascaping material always limited. NA, Colorful, C328. Not sure other LFS which is far away from my place. Also it is seasonal.

[zonkkie]

Congrats on your Juwel tank! From a current Juwel tank user, the following points to note:

1) Not sure on this one and probably depends on your scape. If undecided, leave it first and can always add later.

2) Only used ADA Amazonia II before so i cannot comment on this.

3) For plants, generally no need heater. Heater or not depends on your fauna, and room condition (aircon, strong wind, average room temperature).

4) From my personal experience, remove the internal filter now if you do not intend to use it. Otherwise, it will be very difficult and messy once you put the substrate, flora and fauna in. The black silicon will also be hard to remove from the tank walls. 2215 flow might be a bit low for your tank size. Should look at 2217 especially if you are running it through Co2 reactor and chiller. I use 2224 (higher flow than 2215) for me 2 ft.

5) I like Seaview too.

Another note, not sure if you are using the lights from the Juwel tank. If yes, please buy reflector for the 2 tubes, otherwise, the lights 2x45W with no reflector will not be enough. Temperature might also be high if you use the cover for the Juwel tank with lights on.

[Aquanoob]

Zonkkie, you are only about one bus and 15 minutes away from Seaview,
I need about 40 minutes. I feel that the prices there are very reasonable especially you still get the 10-15% discount at the counter. Will check out the eheim 2217 and 2224 next time I am there, as I am thinking of changing my accessories soon.
By the way, am I suppose to collect a bottle from dry worm from you? Completely slipped my mind...

[zonkkie]

Aquanoob - Yes, Seaview very nice place to visit especially if you are driving (free parking). Hope the Government does not close them down soon.

For the canned worms, was going to throw them away. Good that I kept them. Do PM me when you are coming nearby.

aquaj - sorry, went slightly off topic.

[aquaj]

thanks for all the replies! I'll check out seaview this saturday... from your comments about this place, seems that I'm gonna have a good time there... LOL...

about the 2215, i just want to clarify one more thing, eheim's website says that the 2215 is good for a 350L aquarium (approx)... am i missing a point or something?

[newtank]

thanks for all the replies! I'll check out seaview this saturday... from your comments about this place, seems that I'm gonna have a good time there... LOL...

about the 2215, i just want to clarify one more thing, eheim's website says that the 2215 is good for a 350L aquarium (approx)... am i missing a point or something?

I am using fLUVAL PLUS 4 in my 200 L tank and it works fine, in the sense the the Ammonia is kept at zero. This is recommended for 200 L tank. Most of us like to go beyond the recommendation but I reckon we should do well to follow what the manufacturer said.

[newtank]

Hi Guys,

I just bought a Rio 180 a few days ago... I'm planning to do some aquascaping for the first time... but before that, i've got some questions ask...

1. I live here in Singapore, do I really need the heater that came with the tank? how about the substrate heater?

aquaj

Heater is defintely not needed in Singapore, we have enough problem trying to lower the temperature as it is. As for the substrate heater, the main purpose is to make sure the temp in the substrate is a tad higher then the water so that the water will circulate in the substrate, but again, most of our tanks have survived without one. But you need to decide now if you want one or not, this is technically not retrofittable.....