Back into the Hobby

[AquaGuy07]

Ok, I’ve been out of the hobby for a while. The last tank I maintained seemed to be an old tank I grabbed from a garage sale back in the 80s. Guy said it was 60 gallon. It had a slate bottom. It was drilled for a drain at the bottom only. Probably for water changes. I kept it until around 1991 then gave it away to someone several years later when I was cleaning out the garage. Anyway, I’ve decided to delve back in with my nephew. Price isn’t going to be too much of an issue and I’m either going to opt for a 200 gallon or even a 300 gallon tank as there is plenty of space and the load capacity of the floor can handle it as it was a home that used to be an old dairy barn with multiple pieces power driven equipment being driven on them daily- including pickup trucks. The beams in the basement that will be supporting the tank are absolutely HUGE 12” x 12”.

I’m considering a tank (perhaps custom) from https://www.customaquariums.com or perhaps another custom tank place folks here consider better. The tank will be stocked with small fish only. Nothing larger than 3 to 3.5-inches. That is all. Small fish only.

As for the equipment list I’ve been considering so far—with a focus on comfort, filtration and clarity is as follows:

• Dual Canister Filters (2 x Fluval FX6) along with spray bars (and I’ll note any recommendations on the spray bar brands as well). Yes, unfortunately a sump system is out of the question (for now). Also media type and amount recommendations for those canisters from folks that determined what works best would be greatly appreciated. I know there are upgrades and recommendations by folks, but I’m looking for what works.

• Tank Heaters (preferably somewhere inline and out of the way) Aqua Logic, or…?

• UV Sterilizer(s) (for clarity, bacteria and protozoa) I was thinking: Lifeguard 40-Watt Pro-MAX or the Aqua Classic UV (Stainless Steel models), Or some other brand considered top-of-the-line.

• [Anything else you would recommend; especially for filtration and clarity and odor]

Early on with the 60 gal., I ran an under gravel filter with 4 air bubblers then eventually 4 power heads and a big HOB filter off the side. About ever three weeks I’d polish it up with a Vortex diatom filter that ran to 8 hrs. It worked out so well and the water was so crystal that I eventually ran it 24/7 with weekly maintenance. Those were the days.

Anyway, this is only a starting point, so advice and suggestions are welcome. Also, if the mods feel this thread belongs in a different area, feel free to relocate it.

Thanks!