Equipment for New 75 Gallon

[rdd1952]

I have decide to go with freshwater again (still not sure exactly what I'm going to put in it but pretty sure there will be angels) and now I need to know about equipment, mainly power filters/skimmers & heater. What size power filter do I need and would it be better to have one filter or 2 with one on each end (48" tank)? I also seem to have a film on top of the water in all 3 of my tanks. I say 3 tanks because it is also on top of the 5 gallon which is being cycled and has never had a fish in it so I know it isn't residue from floating fish food. I guess I need a skimmer to keep the top clear. Besides filter and heater, is there anything I am missing? I plan to use some type of sand as the substrate and having a heavily planted tank.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi rdd1952

A filter (or 2) and a heater are the basic equipment. Everything else is pretty much an extra.

I am a little concerned about the film you describe though. Any idea what is causing it? Perhaps there is a lot of greasy cooking or cigarette smoking in your house? Or is it something that is coming out of your water supply or plumbing?

If you can track it down and stop the cause, it might be better than trying to remove it from the top of the water. Anything that coats the surface impairs the tank's ability to absorb oxygen, and this could lead to problems at some point.

 

[rdd1952]

I don't think it is related to cooking as we only cook about 3 times a year (unless you count throwing something in the microwave) and I don't know if anyone has ever smoked in our house. Neither my wife or I smoke. I would love to get rid of it but don't know what to do. I thought maybe it was caused by the sand substrate until I set up the 5 gallon. That has gravel and is just as bad if not worse. I test my water daily and everything is always fine. Below are todays readings:

Ammonia, Nitrite, Phosphate = 0
Nitrate = about 7.5
pH = 6.6
KH, Gh = 1

Those are basically the same as my tap water except pH is about 6.8 and Nitrate is 0. I just checked a bucket of water I ran early today to do a water change tomorrow morning. It does look as if there may be a very light film on it. I will check it again tomorrow. I'm wondering if my water buckets may have gotten something in them. I don't think that is the problem as I have 4 5 gallon buckets that I use for the 29 gallon tanks and 2 2.5 qt buckets I use for the 2.5 gallon. I guess I need to invest in a python and get rid of the buckets just in case.

 

[yvez9]

I get that too if there is no water movement on the surface....
Ever since i've had two filters ony my tank, creating small wrinkles alla cross the surface, it's been gone

 

[nshockeyplaya]

I don't think it is related to cooking as we only cook about 3 times a year (unless you count throwing something in the microwave) and I don't know if anyone has ever smoked in our house. Neither my wife or I smoke. I would love to get rid of it but don't know what to do. I thought maybe it was caused by the sand substrate until I set up the 5 gallon. That has gravel and is just as bad if not worse. I test my water daily and everything is always fine. Below are todays readings:

Ammonia, Nitrite, Phosphate = 0
Nitrate = about 7.5
pH = 6.6
KH, Gh = 1

Those are basically the same as my tap water except pH is about 6.8 and Nitrate is 0. I just checked a bucket of water I ran early today to do a water change tomorrow morning. It does look as if there may be a very light film on it. I will check it again tomorrow. I'm wondering if my water buckets may have gotten something in them. I don't think that is the problem as I have 4 5 gallon buckets that I use for the 29 gallon tanks and 2 2.5 qt buckets I use for the 2.5 gallon. I guess I need to invest in a python and get rid of the buckets just in case.

Python is very worth the investment, you should get one as soon as possible. You wont be dissapointed.

 

[rdd1952]

THE 75 GAL. IS HERE!!!! They just delivered it. Now I am ready for fish but still need the equipment. From research I have done, I am strongly considering 2 Penguin 200 Bio Wheels. Will that be enough for my 75 gallon or do I need to go to a pair of 350s? That seems like overkill as the 200s will process the tank over 5 times an hour. This tank will be heavily planted with Angels, Blue Rams, Tetras, Corys and a couple AEs. I don't want to blow everything away and create too much current but I guess I could turn the 350s down.