Filter Help For Beginner Needed?.

[saltyseadog]

My sister in law was given a glass aquarium and lost interest so gave it to me and my wife. The tank is 24"x15"x12" which according to a tank size calibration site I came across is 20 gallons or approx 90 litres. The hood has a 25W fluorescent type light built into it and the tank also came with JAD HT-8100 100W heater and a Magic Jet Magi-380 7W Filter. It also came with a thermometer but no test gear.  As it seemed a good idea I also bought an under gravel filter from a site on Ebay and for which I have additionally bought an HDom HD601 air pump. Reading up on some research yesterday I realised that I now have two filters one air and one water powered. My query is if it is okay to use both or if it is recommended to only have one and if so, which is the best type?.  The type of setup we are contemplating is with some rocks or such in the middle of the tank like a reef and surrounded by some real water plants, coral and such. To this end I would appreciate some advice on easily looked after beginner types of plants, corals. Living as we do by the sea I can easily get lots of seashore item such as rocks, stones, shells, crab carapaces/claws etc etc. Would it be feasible to use some of that to build a reef centrepiece if I boiled it all first to sterilise it?. Once I get the tank and everything put together and environmentally ready for fish I would also appreciate some advice recommendations on compatible fish. From what I can gather from the one fish per inch rule the tank should be capable of keeping a maximum of 15 inches of fish, not that we would have so many to start with as I would rather build up to that via some experience. I would also appreciate some links to relevent subjects already posted on the forums if that is possible. Thanks in advance for any replies and help offered.

 

[Shaddex]

Welcome to the forums !

Your tank 24"x15"x12" is actually 70 liters, and with the Magic Jet Magi-380 you should be ok to just use that.
Under gravel filters are a little "Old Fashioned" in my opinion, and as you have the Magic Jet Magi-380 I would suggest you just use that one. There is nothing wrong with using both though..

You have to be very careful what you put in your tank with regards to "sea side items". Some will dramatically change your water parameters so I would steer clear of shells etc.
Some rocks and stones are fine, as long as they are thoroughly cleaned, and you need to check that they will not leech anything nasty into the water. I use the vinegar test on rocks, which means putting a small amount of vinegar onto the rock and seeing if there is a reaction. If there is, don't use it...

The 1 gallon of water per fish Inch rule is a little on the vague side. I would suggest you find what fish you would like in your tank, and then ask on the forums

Just make sure you get your tank properly cycled (Link in my sig for fishless cycle) before you add fish

 

[the_lock_man]

Are you looking to do a saltwater or freshwater setup?

 

[saltyseadog]

Thank you for the replies. It will be a freshwater tank Lockman.

 

[the_lock_man]

Whilst there are such things as freshwater coral, I have never seen them for sale anywhere, so probably best just to go for rocks, plants, wood - coral is difficult to keep alive in saltwater, let alone freshwater. There are some photojournals around the forum - have a look in those for inspiration.

 

[saltyseadog]

Thanks for that and I will.