I have the fluval 305 extetnal filter, I did use it on my old tank but have since changed the pipework so an unsure if it will still fit my old set up.
I do have a spare internal filter for emergencies if that would suffice?
The idea behind using the existing filter in the temp tank is to keep it running, as it is well loaded with bacteria. You don't need to fix the filter to the temp tank, just hang the intake and outlet tubes over the frame.
And lastly, is there a particular substrate you would recommend? I really like the colour the pea gravel gives my tank, but if I was to change I think black or a darker colour anyway, as it would show off my fishes colours best.
I'm not too keen on sand, I think the thought of repeatedly having to rinse it puts me off and it being so light, it being disrupted each and every water change!
I've been looking about and to be honest I'm slightly overwhelmed by the different types of substrate you can get, but also don't want to get something that looks pretty but is going to affect my water and fish
Substrate is an issue on which there will be many views, but not all of them consider the fish over personal preference of the aquarist. My aim is always to replicate the natural habitat as best as I can. The aquarium is not for our use, it is the permanent home of living creatures and denying them what they expect is not the way to go. Now, we often have to make concessions; you wouldn't want mud substrates, which are certainly authentic for many fish. But sand or fine gravel can work for most, with some species needing something more specific like sand for corys.
I really like pea gravel too, and this is absolutely ideal in a Central American habitat, to create a stream or river aquascape for livebearers, or medium cichlids. It can also work for some Indian habitats for loaches, though not for the dwarf species which are best with sand. When it comes to SE Asian and South American fish, sand is about the best substrate; some rivers and stream have sand, others mud for which sand is an acceptable substitute. We can add dried leaves (oak, beech, maple, Indian almond, etc) which is certainly realistic, and lots of bogwood and branches.
When it comes to sand, a darker shade is preferable. My main objection to pool filter sand is that it is white, and no tropical freshwater fish lives over a white substrate. The fish expect dark substrates, so provide it; they will be less stressed, more colourful, and healthier as a result. I tried black once, but it looked more dark grey under the tank lighting, which was fine, but every little speck of detritus stood out. I've got play sand in six tanks now, and see no reason to ever change. It took me a while to try sand, but I finally gave in to comments from others. I liked the dark hue of Quikrete Play Sand, with its mix of black/grey/tan/white grains. It always looks clean, the fish love digging in it, and plants grow fine. And it is very inexpensive. I can change the water and not disturb any of the sand. I never dig into it, you want and need anaerobic areas anyway. I do vacuum into the top in a couple tanks, not in others; depends upon the tank, fish, and conditions as each aquarium is different biologically. It takes a lot of rinsing, but I don't do this; it is after all only dirt, and it will settle.
Here's a photo taken just a moment ago of my 29g that I re-set yesterday, so it is still a bit hazy. But it is about as authentic for the fish species as one can reasonably get. That's the play sand, with oak leaves, and branches. A few
Helanthium tenellum and one
Echinodorus grisebachii [
E. bleherae], and floating Water Sprite.
Byron.
