Filters, Heaters And Lighting

tropico

New Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I kept a community tank for around a year around 10 years ago and am looking to get back in to the hobby. The problem is I have forgotten nearly everything to am basically starting afresh. I have a whole host of questions but I'll guess I'll start with heating and filtration.

My tank is 4 ft long and eithier 12 inches or 15 inches deep (can't remember).

When I first started I had a fluval 3 internal filter which I still have but it has been sitting around for all these years - would this still be OK to use with new foam fitted?

Also, should I think of using a different filtration system and if so what type would you recommend? Should I be thinking of external filtration for example?

I have again still got the old heater from back then I can't remember how powerful it is - would this be OK to use?

I bought the tank with accessories as part of a pack from an aquatic shop.


Also whilst having a look around my local fish centre today I noticed that the tanks had no visible filter or heater in them, so they must have been hidden - out of curiosity what equipment do they use to do this? as the tanks look so much more appealing with no equipment on show in them.

Thanks for any help
 
The tanks at your local fish store could have been using an undergravel filter, or more likely running off sumps.

As for the heater, we need to know how many watts it is, and if possible the exact measurements of your tank so we can help you out better.
 
thanks,
The tank is 48 inches long and 15 inches deep and 12 inches wide. I can't remember for sure the wattage of the heater - but I am 90% sure it is 150w. I think I would like to maybe upgrade the heater anyway - as can't you get heaters that you can set the temp to precisely and not just twist the knob and then check with a therometer (like the one I have)? Any recommendations for these types of heaters?

Also, what filters should I be looking at?

Thanks again
 
If the filter worked then, then just clean it out well and it should still be ok. If the heater can get the tank up to 79 degrees and doesnt fluctuate, then it is fine. But if it isnt stable, thats when you buy a different one.
Fish stores usually have a big room in the back that filters and heats all the water and has a big pump circulating it throughout all the tanks. A lot of people do this as well, especially with saltwater and devote a whole room to filtration [sump with filter and protein skimmer] and things like mixing buckets and RO units and calcium reactors. It takes a lot of plumbing, or a lot of money to hire the people to come in and do it for you. But a sump always makes things easier.
 
thanks - are there any advantages/disadvantages to having an external filter compared to the internal one I have? Also is the fluval 3 big enough for my tank?
 

Most reactions

Back
Top