Almost Newbie

[drtmima]

Hi! This forum seems like an amazing place to learn! I had a 50 gallon tank for about 4 years when I lived in America and since moving overseas 5 years ago I have been waiting to start up again. My last tank was a learning experience but I'm not sure how successful... Before I start up again I want to make sure I do things right. My main issue is that I will likely buy a used tank, things here are so much more expensive new, but I am worried about the transition/quality of the filters, etc. I have seen a few really nice tanks, well kept with healthy fish & plants. Specifically I want a planted community aquarium 75-100G. Any advice about buying a used tank and how to transition fish/plants, or how to know which products are good ( I don't recognize any of the brands here) would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[holidayinn]

My advice buying a used tank...ask the seller to fill the tank up and then assess for any leaks. Look for cracks and chips, and assess the condition of the sealant.

In terms of fish/plants/products..this forum is a wonderful resource tool, the search function is a good friend!

 

[micko]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

All of my tanks are second hand apart from one and all have been perfect. As said above, if you check it whilst its got water in would be your best bet.

As for filters and everything else, some will say internal all the way and some will say external. Some say one brand, others say another. Its really what works for you, what you feel is best and of course that's all dependant on your budget.

Happy fish keeping.

 

[drtmima]

Absolutely. However, I would likely buy a full tank that would need to be emptied for transport. How do I not kill the plants & fish during the process? How much of the old water do I need to keep?


quote name='holidayinn' timestamp='1308134202' post='3035570']
My advice buying a used tank...ask the seller to fill the tank up and then assess for any leaks. Look for cracks and chips, and assess the condition of the sealant.

In terms of fish/plants/products..this forum is a wonderful resource tool, the search function is a good friend!
[/quote]

 

[KittyKat]

Absolutely. However, I would likely buy a full tank that would need to be emptied for transport. How do I not kill the plants & fish during the process? How much of the old water do I need to keep?

The fish need to be bagged (1/3 tank water, 2/3 air) and put into a polystyrene box (both available from most fish shops for free).

Plants can also be bagged (1/2-3/4 water is ok, if you want to keep water).

Drain the tank, place all other decor into buckets.

Transport, use heatpacks to keep the fish warm if you live somewhere cold.

Set up tank and fill with warm (anywhere from 20 C for tropical should be ok), dechlorinated water and plant the tank.

Acclimatise fish as normal, then release into the tank.

Remember to keep the filter moist, so that the bacteria do not die and remember that large glass tanks are *very* heavy.

 

[drtmima]

Thanks! I will try to put a link to the picture of the tank I am likely buying - if you could look at it I would appreciate comments. I hope to bring her home sometime next week...
http/www.yad2.co.il/Pets/ViewImage.php?PetID=398106&Pic=1
I hope this works (I like live things better than computers)

 

[KittyKat]

The plants looks nice and it is a good environment for most fish, do you have a list of what's in it? You may want to get a few poly boxes and buckets to help with the move, maybe even a bin for the substrate.

 

[drtmima]

Thanks so much for your advice! I feel like I have a ton of questions... I am actually more worried about the fish overheating in transport than cooling down, it is usually between 80-100 degrees most days & nighttime won't give me enough time to set up - should I bring ice along for the ride (about 1.5 hr in the car)? Also I have some old pieces of driftwood & bogwood, some slate & a rock that have been dried out about 5 years - how can I introduce them? I was thinking to soak them with daily water changes for the next few days. I really appreciate all the advice! Once I get set up I will post pix on the plants forum to get them ID'ed. Thanks again!

 

[colleen0309]

Welcome! Good luck with the move. Tank looks nice. Wish I could find deals like that.

 

[KittyKat]

I feel like I have a ton of questions...

It is better that you ask away then

I am actually more worried about the fish overheating in transport than cooling down, it is usually between 80-100 degrees most days & nighttime won't give me enough time to set up - should I bring ice along for the ride (about 1.5 hr in the car)?

The polystyrene boxes work both ways: they keep the temperature of what's inside constant. You can also use cool boxes (without the cold ice thing inside) in exactly the same way. No, I would not put ice in, if you use a poly box or a cool box, the ice will be too much.

Also I have some old pieces of driftwood & bogwood, some slate & a rock that have been dried out about 5 years - how can I introduce them? I was thinking to soak them with daily water changes for the next few days.

Scrub them with a rough brush under a running tap, then you're all set to go. You can soak them too, if you like.

 

[drtmima]

Picking up tank tonight! I'm so nervous something will go wrong - like maybe we won't be able to lift it, or maybe all the bins with fish/plants/substrate will explode or maybe... ok so I have a little overactice imagination...
Well wish me luck, praying for no crises.

 

[KittyKat]

Don't forget to buy dechlorinator before you go! I recommend one which will deal with ammonia, as well as the usual chlorine and chloramine!

 

[drtmima]

Don't forget to buy dechlorinator before you go! I recommend one which will deal with ammonia, as well as the usual chlorine and chloramine!

My lfs only sold 1 kind in a bottle big enough for a 600L called nutrafin aquasafe not labeled for ammonia; but I found in my old box of fish supplies tetra aquasafe (2 open bottles). This stuff is over 5 years old - safe? It has a pretty "fishy " smell to it...

Also - do I add the dechlor before adding any plants or after? I figure I want to add the plants & scape before filling her up.
Thanks for all your advice Kat!

 

[KittyKat]

Erm, I'd use the new stuff right now, then the old stuff for small water changes (it doesn't matter as much if it doesn't work for small water changes, it should still work though).

Here is what I'd do when you get back:
1. position new tank
2. add substrate and decor
3. add 50% warm water and dechlorinate
4. plant
5. add remaining warm water and dechlorinate (leave space for the water the fish are in)
6. set up heater and filter
7. add fish and remaining water which they were in

 

[colleen0309]

Welcome! Can't wait for pics!