Good Morning and Happy New Year!!!!
I had a few small tanks growing up (10 gal), and a fairly nice 29 gal in and shortly after college. A few years ago that 29 didn't make a move, and I lost all of my equipment and supplies. Since then, I have been waiting on the right time, and yesterday it came.
I now have a 55 with a dual florescent hood and stand right here next to me, thanks to an early b-day present from my girlfriend (she's great, isn't she?)
Now comes the fun part.... I need all new equipment. At this point, I am aware of cycling the water, so for the most part, I am not thinking of the maintenance aspect just yet (nets, gravel vacs, etc) because I figure I have at least a month for the water to cycle to collect these things. In my years, I have learned that a better plan leads to a better product, so I want to do this once, and the right way.
My goal is to realistically decorate, and sparsely populate with smaller size fish (I've always liked Neons and the similar). The following is what I think I need, and I would ask for suggestions and ideas, and of course additions
Filter(s): I want to go with at least 2. My initial idea was a HOB, and a UGF with power heads. I've read that the UGF may not be the best of ideas because they can be difficult to clean. I've read canisters are a good idea, but I don't know much about them. What is a good combination, and what sizes/flow rates should I be looking for so they work well together? I know the more the better, but at what point is overkill?
Heater(s): what size/wattage should I be looking for? would 2 heaters on opposite sides of the tank be better than 1 large unit?
Water testing: I'll need a new kit, is there a good one to cover all my bases?
I'll also be picking up gravel/rock/plants soon, so they can cycle with the water.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance
Tom
I had a few small tanks growing up (10 gal), and a fairly nice 29 gal in and shortly after college. A few years ago that 29 didn't make a move, and I lost all of my equipment and supplies. Since then, I have been waiting on the right time, and yesterday it came.
I now have a 55 with a dual florescent hood and stand right here next to me, thanks to an early b-day present from my girlfriend (she's great, isn't she?)
Now comes the fun part.... I need all new equipment. At this point, I am aware of cycling the water, so for the most part, I am not thinking of the maintenance aspect just yet (nets, gravel vacs, etc) because I figure I have at least a month for the water to cycle to collect these things. In my years, I have learned that a better plan leads to a better product, so I want to do this once, and the right way.
My goal is to realistically decorate, and sparsely populate with smaller size fish (I've always liked Neons and the similar). The following is what I think I need, and I would ask for suggestions and ideas, and of course additions
Filter(s): I want to go with at least 2. My initial idea was a HOB, and a UGF with power heads. I've read that the UGF may not be the best of ideas because they can be difficult to clean. I've read canisters are a good idea, but I don't know much about them. What is a good combination, and what sizes/flow rates should I be looking for so they work well together? I know the more the better, but at what point is overkill?
Heater(s): what size/wattage should I be looking for? would 2 heaters on opposite sides of the tank be better than 1 large unit?
Water testing: I'll need a new kit, is there a good one to cover all my bases?
I'll also be picking up gravel/rock/plants soon, so they can cycle with the water.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance
Tom