Hi All

[richardk]

Hi just getting back in to fish keeping , and need some help . got hold of a used 4 foot tank , it came with 2 fluval 2 internal filters, that i am not going to use . so looking at a external filter and need to know what would be a good buy and what size i would need. Was looking at a fluval 305 ? , or is other makes better ?

many thanks

richardk.

 

[erk628]

Hi just getting back in to fish keeping , and need some help . got hold of a used 4 foot tank , it came with 2 fluval 2 internal filters, that i am not going to use . so looking at a external filter and need to know what would be a good buy and what size i would need. Was looking at a fluval 305 ? , or is other makes better ?

many thanks

richardk.

How many gallons is your tank? What is your price range for a filter?

 

[Colin_T]

What sort of fish do you plan on keeping? big predatory fish or suckermouth catfish need lots of filtration. A Fluval 305 or 405 is a good choice. Fluval has a pretty good warranty and are easy to clean. Parts are also available from most shops.
Eheim is another good brand but a bit more expensive.

 

[richardk]

What sort of fish do you plan on keeping? big predatory fish or suckermouth catfish need lots of filtration. A Fluval 305 or 405 is a good choice. Fluval has a pretty good warranty and are easy to clean. Parts are also available from most shops.
Eheim is another good brand but a bit more expensive.

Hi erk628 sorry no idea on the gallons of the tank, will measure it and see if i can work it out..

Hi colin_t not sure on fish at the moment , just trying to work out the bits and bobs first. But will probably be a comunity tank guppies neons corrys etc, but may go for cichlids, as i say not sure.. I dont mind paying a little more and getting better quality and better filtering, I would rather spend more now and not need to upgrade later.
Hope this makes sense ?..

thanks for the reply,s

Richardk

 

[vinylman]

I'm afraid Guppies and Neon Tetras are far too sensitive to add to a new tank. They really shouldn't be added until the tank has cycled AND matured, they really are very poor quality these days. Use your time to have a good look at as many different fish as you can. The work you do before setting the tank up is just as important as anything you'll do once it's up and running. Read and research until your eyes bleed!!.

 

[Truck]

guppies used to be really good at cycling tanks, now theyve just been breed so much its hard to find a pure strain

 

[richardk]

Hi thanks for reply,s . as i say not sure what will end up in my tank, just need to get the bits n bobs sorted first, filter ,heater , decco etc.. want to get it set up and running before i realy think of what fish to add.. So realy just looking for hints and tips of getting the tank set up and running proprerly first..

many thanks

richardk

 

[waterdrop]

Once you measure your tank, you can get a good initial idea of the maximum water volume by entering the measurements into the Aquarium Calculator at the top of the forum. Most working tanks will have somewhat less volume due to substrate, decorations and such.

Most cannister filters will give good service if used with care and maintained properly. Cannister filters are an excellent choice due to their high media volume relative to HOB or internal filters, while remaining simpler to operate than sump filters, which have higher volume still. Rena and Fluval seem to be two of the old standbys, with Fluval often being chosen over Rena, between the two. Many members are excited about TetraTec filters as offering great value for the money. They are relatively new on the scene. Many members swear by Eheim cannisters and I have been very happy with mine. They are often somewhat more expensive and some models are harder to find in the usa.

You are wise to investigate filters and would also be to study and learn about media for the filter if necessary. These are a couple of the few topics better learned prior to starting a fishless cycle in my opinion.

~~waterdrop~~