Just Starting Out

[tlef316]

Hey guys. Im planning on doing a 75 gallon Freshwater tank. Been researching stuff like fish compatability and the nitrogen cycle for a while, and i have a pretty good idea of what i need to buy. Just figured id run my list by you really quick and make sure im not missing anything. The only thing im a little bit confused about is lighting. I have kicked around doing some easy, low light plants (like java fern) but i want to be sure they can can do ok without spending a ton more $$ on lighting. Thanks alot for any help or tips

- Tank (75 gallon freshwater) Ive got a heavy duty dresser im gonna use as a stand
- Lid/ lights (im a little clueless here) How much am i gonna spend if im just doing low light plants
- Filter (torn between an internal cannister or some sort of external power filter. I think im gonna go with the power filter for simplicity sake)
- Heater (again, im fairly clueless as to brands and cost)

- Substrate (going with silver/play sand here. I like the look)
- decorations (think im gonna do some rock caves, driftwood and some ~baseball sized "boulders")
- plants (mostly larger artificial ones that look real)

- Gravel vac
- Test kit
- fish (eventually)
- buckets, net, ect

what am i missing, if anything. About what can i expect to pay in total (ballpark estimate obviously) Im in america, so dollars would be preferable. If not, i can do the conversions. Thanks again for any help. Im really looking forward to getting started.

 

[*Fishkies*]

Don't forget the water conditioner. Also the fish food...hehe!!

Depending where in America you are located exactly......Tetra products are very well known and are trusted. Also if you ever need medications Mardel products are all natural, and API products are heavy duty treatmens that treat well to. API also sells test kits, a liquid one. So be sure to get a liquid test kit as most people think they are the most accurate.

Take a look at websites such as Petsmart.com and Petco.com also check out thatpetplace.com, those are all great stores here in the US. That pet place will ship pretty much anywhere, and thier prices are great!

And for getting a filter, I would get a canister if you can afford one or two Emperor 400 power filters, they are great filters, check some research up on them. I have on on my 55gallon tank and I love it!!

Well best of luck with your new hobby!!!

Also be sure to check out these two sites below. This will help you with some questions and decisions later on.

Beginners Resource Center
Cycling Your Tank

 

[Christine1014]

good for you, doing the research in advance! Seems like you're pretty well prepared.
Lighting IS the tough part if you're doing real plants. Heck, I have a planted tank, and I'm still not sure I know what I'm doing with my lights!! Ordering online seems to be the way to go, as most of the big chain pet stores don't carry anything other than the standard low wattage fixtures. But to be sure, post your question to the gang in the planted tank section... they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

The only other thing I'd add (okay, 2 things) -- Be REALLY certain that dresser's sturdy enough. I think the rule of thumb is that a gallon of water weighs 10 lbs. You're looking at 750 lbs, and that's without sand, the weight of the glass tank itself, etc. etc.

And finally, for a tank that big, I'd HIGHLY recommend a Python. A Python is a syphon/gravel vac that you hook directly to your sink. It's kinda hard to explain, but it hooks to the faucet and you turn on the water to generate a section through the hose. Then to refill the tank, it's really easy to just re-adjust the python to send the water from the faucet, through the hose, and into the tank. (and you add your water conditioner to the tank right before you start to re-fill - with water that's approximately the same temp as the current tank water.) Anyway, Python's come in different sizes. I think the smallest one has a 25 foot hose and goes for around $30 or $40. The next size up is the 50 foot hose, and is either $50 or $60, I think. You can get them at Petsmart and Petco... I think even Wal-Mart has them. It's DEFINITELY a good investment -- no more buckets, spilling water on the floor, struggling to get a syphon started...

Good luck!!!

 

[tlef316]

thanks the responses. The dresser should be sturdy enough. It doesnt have legs, and its 6 feet long with 9 drawers. I know the tank will weigh a ton, but i really think it should be fine. Ive had several people standing/climbing on it many times, and it doesnt have any problems. And honestly, if the price of a tank/stand combo isnt that much, i may get one anyway.

Im planning on buying most of this stuff from a large fish store here in New Jersey (Absolutly Fish in Clifton) Apparently it is one of the largest and most knowledgable places around. But like always, im worried about being talked into buying stuff i dont need.

The python seems like a good deal. Im just wondering if puting the unconditioned water into the tank (even for a little bit while the conditioner kicks in) is ok for fish. My guess is my tap water has a fair amount of chlorine.

I was planning on buying most of my stuff from the place im going to tomorrow, but if you guys think online deals would be a lot better, ill definetly look around.

edit: and if even very low light plants like java fern require an extra $150 in equipment, im gonna pass on them. Not worth the extra cost IMO. I really dont like the look of very heavily planted tanks anyway. I really just want the minumum for cover for shy fish.

 

[*Fishkies*]

Sorry if i confused you with online deals. But buying from the store directly has it's advantages and that's what I would do as it is hard to trust online sometimes. I just meant for you to try and check out those stores at in your local area if you have them. I know one great online store though is That Pet Place. It is great for low prices.

Just know what your going for and know your fishy things and you've already got a head start so don't worry about getting talked into things. You know what you need and all.

Good Luck

 

[Christine1014]

The python seems like a good deal. Im just wondering if puting the unconditioned water into the tank (even for a little bit while the conditioner kicks in) is ok for fish. My guess is my tap water has a fair amount of chlorine.

Yeah, it's fine... because by putting the water conditioner in a few seconds before turning on the tap, the tap water is dechlorinated immediately upon entering the tank.


As for ordering online versus going to the pet store... call me old fashioned, but I'd much rather go to the store. Besides not having to wait to receive your items, you don't have to pay the often-outrageous shipping charges... but that's just my preference.


So you're near Clifton?? Cool! I'm in Allentown; what's that, like 80 miles or something? (I see the Clifton signs when I fly out of Newark! )

 

[tlef316]

The python seems like a good deal. Im just wondering if puting the unconditioned water into the tank (even for a little bit while the conditioner kicks in) is ok for fish. My guess is my tap water has a fair amount of chlorine.

Yeah, it's fine... because by putting the water conditioner in a few seconds before turning on the tap, the tap water is dechlorinated immediately upon entering the tank.


As for ordering online versus going to the pet store... call me old fashioned, but I'd much rather go to the store. Besides not having to wait to receive your items, you don't have to pay the often-outrageous shipping charges... but that's just my preference.


So you're near Clifton?? Cool! I'm in Allentown; what's that, like 80 miles or something? (I see the Clifton signs when I fly out of Newark! )

not really that close to clifton. its actually like 50 minutes from my house, but its only 15 minutes from where i work, so im gonna make the trip from there.