Best equipment for 55g

[SonicMarauder]

im about to buy a 55g tank and at first i was going to just get the kit from wallyworld (walmart) and add an under gravel like i did with my 10g but then i decided i wanted to make sure everything is solid so ima buy an actual all-glass and go that route

-The Plan-
My goal is to set up a decent 55 for under $400 so i thought i'd get suggestions from everyone here

now after hearing stuff about UG filters not really serving their purpose as well as they are supposed to etc., i was wondering what the best filters out there per dollar are for a 55g

-filters-
im open to suggestions on these

my first thought is a biowheel.... havent heard anything bad about them and they seem to be pretty popular, plus the "water polishing action" that jumps out on the box has me intrigued... i mean ive polish bowling balls, ive polished cars, ive polished wheels, i wanna see how water polishing works lol

my sister has one of the tetra whisper intank filters which is one of the quietest filters ive seen but it takes up a nasty amount of space and i dont feel like getting that driftwood cover thing for it

-heaters-
im kind of partial to hydor heaters just because of the ability to control the temperature but again suggestions are welcomed

-hood and lighting-
i dont think im experienced enough to try a planted tank so at this time the hood that comes with the tank is good

-anything else-
bring it on lemme know

again any help is well appreciated
thanx

 

[hyunelan2]

What's the actual dollars you're going to have to spend on equipment? (i.e. your $400 - tank cost - the gravel/substrate, etc = equipment fund). I think knowing that would be a good start.

On a 55g, I would go with a canister filter, (Either Rena, Fluval, or Eheim) and an emporer 400 (dual biowheel powerfilter) HOB combo. A Rena XP2 + Emperor 400 right now at BigAlsonline.com will run you $112.98, free shipping. I think that would put you pretty good in the filtration department.

For Heaters I like the Rena Cal Top-light Excel series. I would recommend 2 smaller heaters over 1 big one (55w x 5wpg rule = 275w heater) I would say to get 2x 150w heaters to use.

For Lighting, the Coralife dual-bulb T5 lights are affordable and very good for the price (when you're ready to start trying plants.).

 

[seastaar88]

definitly take advantage of big al's free shipping while it lasts!!!!!!!!! it'll save you $$$ and you'll have the convenience of buying everything from home

 

[SonicMarauder]

the lfs here i can get an all glass 55 and wrought iron welded stand for 87.95 and all id need would be filter heater(s) and hoods/light strips i have lexan in the garage if i need to make clear tops

 

[SonicMarauder]

definitly take advantage of big al's free shipping while it lasts!!!!!!!!! it'll save you $$$ and you'll have the convenience of buying everything from home

hey how did you catch yer native fish? just go fishing and take them home?

 

[seastaar88]

i've somewhat cheated... i used to work for the department of environmental protection, and my fish came from bycatch in our traps and also from electroshock fishing.

 

[SonicMarauder]

electroshock fishing...... thats pretty redneck right there... i should try that muahahaha

 

[hyunelan2]

I thought I'd elaborate (with links) from my post above. Definately use bigalsonline.com while the free shiping is going on. For the price of buying JUST the Rena XP2 at petsmart, you can have everything and then money leftover.

Rena XP2 $74.99
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22035;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=

Emperor 400 $37.99
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22137;category_id=2281

Rena Cal Top Light Excel 150w $19.99 (need 2)
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22369;category_id=3053

$152.96 For a very good filtration system, and adequate heating. $87.95 for the tank and iron stand you said, leaves you with $159.09 for the cover(s) and lights - which should be more than enough if you're not worried about growing plants.