Help with tank set up.

[Abs 1]

Hi I'm looking at upgrading my 40ltr tank to a juwel 180 rio and was wondering what is the best filter and heater to use please. Budget I don't want to break the bank but also want it to work! It will have sand substrate and fish wise I have at the moment 6 harlequins, 6 neons and 3 plattys, 2 female 1 male, thought I had all female!! Hoping to get a few more of each of these plus some corydoras a bristle nose and maybe a couple of something else but havnt looking into what yet. Thanks in advance.

 

[Essjay]

Is this a new tank or second hand? If it's new it will come with a filter and heater. But if it's second hand the previous owner may have removed the filter and heater in which case you will need new.

 

[Abs 1]

Hi its second hand hence why I need a filter and heater, I can't afford a brand new tank unfortunately. I know the filters that come with tanks aren't always necessary the best ones.

 

[Essjay]

I would spend a bit more on a heater. Those cheap imports from the far east aren't the best quality and have been known to fail. I like Eheim heaters, I have 200 watt in my 180 litre.

Filter - internal or external? You can often pick up second hand externals on eBay. I have an Eheim Biopower internal in my tank. Other good makes include the Fluval U series.

 

[Abs 1]

To be honest it's all a bit of a mine field to me! I assume an external is better but more expensive? I will have a look up on ebay and read up on some of the filter user guides as well.

 

[Essjay]

With filters, think about which fish will be in the tank. Some fish like slow moving water while others like fast moving. If you have all slow water fish, getting a filter with a high turnover is a bit of a waste as it would need to be turned down to minimum to suit the fish. And a small filter with a low turnover wouldn't suit fish which need a fast water flow.

 

[Abs 1]

Thank you, at the moment I have plattys, harlaquins and neons, will be getting corrydoras, a bristlenose and possibly something like rainbows or angels after some more research.

 

[Essjay]

Those are slow water flow fish, so you won't need a high turnover.