How To Set Up A Tropical Fish Tank

[GeordieFishLover]

I've changed rooms with my brother and I've had to just get a 6ft tank which I got 2nd hand with the lid light and tank for 80 quid, I've only kept coldwater before 4fter, anybody tell me whats best way to set this up? and should I use the undergravel filter or the ones that stay on the side?
I've got gravel just ain't put it in, i know i need to get heater, air pump still and which filter, any advice would greatly be appreciated, cheers

 

[tom_os]

get a larger filter such as a fluval f5 or some type of ehiem

you will need a large heater. work out how many lirtres the tank is then get a corresponding heater. eg 50l tank, 50w heater. 200l tank 200w heater

 

[Jazzzz]

fishless cycle please the links are on this site its crucial to healthy fish long term

 

[Inchworm]

Hi GeordieFishLover

I'm going to move your thread to the New To The Hobby section. The helpful members there will walk you through everything.

 

[OldMan47]

I see that you are considering getting an air pump. If you decide to go with the undergravel filter, it will be needed to move the water through that filter. If you do not use the undergravel filter then an air pump is optional. Hang on back filters and canister filters have their own water pumps built in so they won't need an air pump. Some filters will even give you a few bubbles by using an eductor if you just want a few bubbles. The size heater suggested by Tom OS would be fine. I run a 6 ft tank that is lightly stocked by using a Rena XP3 filter. If I had normal or heavy stocking levels I would probably need a bigger filter. If you are in the UK, a filter made by Tetra-tech seems to be well thought of and they come in large sizes for not as much money as the Rena XP series.
The undergravel filter can be a good choice if you are willing to do the needed maintenance on the tank. That kind of filter requires frequent gravel cleanings to continue to work properly so you will need to decide if you are willing to do that. Modern canister filters can go months without cleaning so they are less work that way.

 

[Jazzzz]

fishless cycling = the smart move = here= http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861