Equipment Advice For Newbie

[jdstephe]

Having cut my teeth and making all my newbie mistakes on a 10g (fortunately without death to any fish), I've decided to take the plunge and buy a bigger tank. Looking around the LFS there seems to be so much choice that it is all a bit bewildering.

I'm considering either a 55g or 75g but would like some advice on equipment, particularly filtration, heating and air pumps.

I bought a Marineland biowheel for the 10g and it has seemed to work really well, so was planning on upgrading to the appropriately sized unit for the new tank, but wanted more experienced members' opinions.

When choosing a filter, do you have to oversize it. For example, if I buy a 75g and a filter that says "suitbale for tanks up to 75g" on the box, is this OK or should I buy the next size up? Same for heaters, air pumps etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I can then get it cycled and start thinking about what to stock it with.

 

[adamgreen240]

i would buy an external , and would go for the model up from the rating

 

[cujoho78]

Hi!

I had someone give me a 10g a few years ago; I too got started on that size. Two years ago I bought a 55g and really like it. My only gripe is that i wish it was a little bigger front to back for more room to put decorations. However I'm sure you'll love either a 55 or a 75g tank!

I bought a Penguin Bio-wheel 350 for my 55g tank. It has worked well for me. It's a little noisy because of the water splashing down into the tank off of the bio-wheels, but it's only noticeable because the tank is in my bedroom. I've since got used to it.

The rule of thumb is to have the filter be able to 'recycle' or pump all the water in the tank 4 or 5 times an hour. So for a 55g tank, you'd want to have a filter that pumps 220 to 275 gallons per hour or more. Bigger is ok as long as the current isn't too strong for your fish.

As for heaters, the rule there is 3-5 watts per gallon. I choose to go with 300W for my tank. I have had better luck with the cheap Wal Mart heaters (made by Aquarium Systems) as opposed to the more expensive name brands; however, this is only my experience. Most heaters are ok.

Good luck with your new tank; you'll have loads of fun setting it up!

 

[SuperColey1]

If you like the marineland filters then why not just get a marineland external. They have good reviews.

With filters you should always go for the next one up especially if you are right at the limit anyway as the flow rate they tell you is when the filter is empty (maximum flow rate) therefore when filled with media it will be reduced somewhat.

Andy