Just Bought My First Tank , Now Need Some Help?

[diesel_staffie]

hi i have just ordered a 'aqua one 300 tank' which will be here next week, it has a heater, filter and light included x

now thats all i know,

could anyone point me in the right direction on what i have to do to set everything up,, and what else i need to buy x

thanks x

 

[sheeno]

Brand new to this myself, the only advice i can give you is do the "Fishless cycle" before adding any fish.

I didnt and im starting to regret it.
I think there is a "Fishless cycle" sticky thread on the main board.
Good Luck and have fun.

 

[newfishaddict]

My pointers:

-Rinse Substrate very very well with a strainer before adding it to the tank
-run aquarium for at least 24 hrs before adding fish, better yet wait 5 weeks to add fish while doing a fishless cycle
-UNDERSTOCK
-UNDERSTOCK

 

[zoekin8yg]

this is the post to have a read of http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=113861

 

[andyt_uk]

set everything up, add gravel - well washed & washed again - not too deep, inch or two at most
add decorations or plants if you want them
fill with water
add dechlorinator
turn heater on
turn filter on
leave running for a few days to be sure everything functions
read the sticky threads about cycling - fishless is the favoured route
research fish
test water
revise fish choices
test water
test water
test water
...
you get the picture
test water
when everything OK add a few fish - the more hardy ones of your prefered stock
test water..
if all OK- next month add a couple more

repeat the test test test add fish cycle till fully stocked
roughly speaking 1inch of fish per square inch of surface area

 

[DarkEntity]

My pointers:

-run aquarium for at least 24 hrs before adding fish

That just shouldnt EVER be done!

read the fishless cycle sticky and go from there. Once the tank is cycled, planted etc come back and ask questions about fish etc.

While the tank cycles, read, read, read, read, read...you can never know too much about the hobby.

 

[xoedusk]

Congratulations on getting your first tank. Hope you enjoy the hobby. And its nice to see someone asking questions before getting fish.

I would recommend buying a few more products that you will need:
1. Water testing kit. Make sure it has pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate.
2. Substrate (a.k.a. gravel or the like) This way you can have a more natural looking tank.
3. Plants. Fake will be your friend while you learn the hobby.
4. A solution of pure ammonia (i.e. no colors, fragrances, surficants) for fishless cycling.

And that brings you to fishless cycling. Please read up on this. I recommend the "Add and Wait Method," which you will find in the beginners section pinned topics. If you have questions, please ask on this thread.

Also, I would disaree with andyt_uk. Once you have completed your fishless cycling, I recommend adding all your fish at once. Because your precious bacteria you've built up won't die due to lack of ammonia from just a few fish.

 

[n3ont3tra]

Maybe getting a cleaner thingy, I think it's called a 'Siphon Hose', lol, I can't remember it's a tube with a plastic thing on the end, you use it to clean the tank, and you should clean the tank every week, about 25% preferably. And don't forget fish food when you buy your fish! Have you selected what type of fish you will get yet?

 

[cegha]

You can get a master test kit from Aquarium Pharmicuticals for like $25 which tests ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. I got one and it is worth all of $25.

Yes do a fishless cycle because if you don't it will be a super pain to take care of your first fish and keep them alive, and they will probably end up dead from stuff like ammonia spikes that you really have no control over.

 

[xoedusk]

Maybe getting a cleaner thingy, I think it's called a 'Siphon Hose', lol, I can't remember it's a tube with a plastic thing on the end, you use it to clean the tank, and you should clean the tank every week, about 25% preferably. And don't forget fish food when you buy your fish! Have you selected what type of fish you will get yet?

Gravel Vac(uum)
I would agree these are a must.

 

[PaPeRo]

There's a fast and easy shortcut to cycling a tank safely WITH fish. The key is using ammonia and nitrite detoxifying conditioners like Amquel+. Once you add this, you can add fish right away without any harm while your tank contiunues to cycle. Of course this assumes your tank has heated up to the correct temperature.