shoemanfoo
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- Jun 8, 2004
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Hello to all. I have been looking for a good forum to learn more about the care and maintenance of freshwater fish. This site seems to have a large following and good advice for my questions. This is my first tank so please be easy… 
I currently have an unfilled 26 gallon 24x15x21 AGA bow front aquarium, a Topfin power filter 30 and a Whisper 200 air pump that I was given by a friend. I have a few questions before I add the water, begin the nitrate cycle and finally add fish.
1) My understanding after reading the directions on the filter is that the intake strainer should be about 1” from the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Due to the height of my aquarium the strainer is a good 5 – 6” from the bottom. Will this pose a problem? One solution that was recommended to me was to combine the power filter with a under gravel filter. It was said that the UGF will help to circulate the debris and waste from my fish and push it up to the power filter for proper filtering.
2) I’m looking for a good web guide that will assist me in choosing the right fish for my environment. I understand that each tank may interact differently and two people may have the same fish and get different results but I am looking for ideas on what fish will flourish in their environment.
3) Is a bubble wall recommended? I think that aesthetically the wall is attractive but I wanted to make sure that it would not have a impact on my fish.
4) What is a good quality heater that I can use in my environment? I believe that a 150 watt heater would be best but any advice is appreciated. Any particular brands recommended?
5) Any other equipment recommended? I understand that I need to get a device for weekly water changes and obviously a net but is there anything else that I may be missing?
I appreciate the help and look forward to learning much from this forum.
I currently have an unfilled 26 gallon 24x15x21 AGA bow front aquarium, a Topfin power filter 30 and a Whisper 200 air pump that I was given by a friend. I have a few questions before I add the water, begin the nitrate cycle and finally add fish.
1) My understanding after reading the directions on the filter is that the intake strainer should be about 1” from the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Due to the height of my aquarium the strainer is a good 5 – 6” from the bottom. Will this pose a problem? One solution that was recommended to me was to combine the power filter with a under gravel filter. It was said that the UGF will help to circulate the debris and waste from my fish and push it up to the power filter for proper filtering.
2) I’m looking for a good web guide that will assist me in choosing the right fish for my environment. I understand that each tank may interact differently and two people may have the same fish and get different results but I am looking for ideas on what fish will flourish in their environment.
3) Is a bubble wall recommended? I think that aesthetically the wall is attractive but I wanted to make sure that it would not have a impact on my fish.
4) What is a good quality heater that I can use in my environment? I believe that a 150 watt heater would be best but any advice is appreciated. Any particular brands recommended?
5) Any other equipment recommended? I understand that I need to get a device for weekly water changes and obviously a net but is there anything else that I may be missing?
I appreciate the help and look forward to learning much from this forum.
