Hi...and help!!!!

[steve41kent]

Hi everyone,

I've just bought a 2nd hand tank....72"x18"x24".
It came with two Fluval 304 filters,and two 300w heaters.

I last kept tropicals about 25 years ago,and there seems to be lots more emphasis on the chemical side...SO......

Will I have to replace all the filter media in the filters or leave whats in there in there?
Is running two filters OK?
Is running two heaters OK?

I've read up on cycling the tank and obviously need a test kit....has anyone used a product called Bactinetts,which advertises much quicker cycling?

Any advice on building an 18" high stand?

I'm looking for a fairly bright/light looking tank effect - the tank has no hood,any advice on lighting?

Loads of questions I know,but hopefully someone will take pity on me!!
Thanks in advance for any replies.

Steve

 

[Torrean]

Look in the do it yourself forum for instructions on hood building.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=16

Two filters and two heaters is a good idea. You'll need to talk to some more people about the dual filter thing though because I am not sure.
Yes you should buy new media for both filters
the general rule on here for speed cyclers is, is it refrigerated and does it have an experation date if not then don't waste your money. BIO_SPIRA
You should fishless cycle it is better because you can start out with the fish you really like rather than a few hardy fish that you do not like.
Advice on a stand, Make sure it's level, and use 4x4's for the legs It will need to hold 10lbs per gallon so make sure you make a sturdy one.
You will need dechlorinator.
Anything else, did I leave out anything guys?


BTW your avatar is really cool but it is also very distracting, Could you possibly change it as it breaks my concentration.

 

[steve41kent]

Thanks a lot...yes,I realised that the stand is going to need some heavy duty legs on it!!
Many thanks for mentioning dechlorinator....forgot about that!!!

Steve

Sorry about the distracting avatar....but I think it's cool too and can't find anything as good!!!!!

 

[mlee0332]

i don't see why running 2 filters would be a huge problem... It may cause extra water current that your fish don't like or aren't strong enough to handle. I would try it for a few days after you get your fish.

Here is a pinned topic on fishless cycling. This should help you out.

Just PLEASE be sure you DO NOT use any other type of ammonia but CLEAR and CLEAR ONLY!!!

The other kind is like soap, and will cause problems for your tank.

I don't see anything else to think of other than proper lighting for the "type" of aquarium you want. You need diff amounts of light for diff species of fish and plants (live ofcourse)

You will also need to consider what types of fish you want to know exactly what type of gravel (substrate) your fish desire. For bottom dwellers, you need a fine gravel. I don't think the other types of fish care, but I know bottoms do.

Here is a list of things that you should also take into consideration for the new tank's maintanance:

1. gravel vac
2. algae pad for the type aquarium you have
3. 2 buckets (5g) for water changes
4. aeration system
5. NH4, NO2, and NO3 test kits (not usually in one kit )
6. timer for light

That's alll I can think of. Sorry if you knew all of this... I like to be thorough...

HTH

 

[pjfish]

Also, thermometer. If you get an air pump, make sure and get a check valve to keep the water from syphoning back into the pump.

 

[Torrean]

The dual filter thing could cause to much current. I wish I could remember where I saw it but someone put a clear piece of plastic over there filter outlet. It was half of a cylinder. It made the water hit the back of the tank before it went into the water. You might want to look into this.