Newbie Questions About Equipment

[Marky Boy]

Morning all,

Just to introduce myself. My name is Mark and I'm based up in the deepest darkest Highlands of Scotland.

About 10 years ago I had a tropical aquarium; and for some reason, after reading this excellent site I have salvaged my old tank and equipment from the shed Whether this is a good or bad idea is open for debate. However it seems a waste to have the equipment sitting idle, and I do fancy getting my fish back. Just to digress slightly the only reason I had to give up my previous fish was that I had to move away from home for university etc...

Anyway the tank is a 30" x 12" x 15", so I figure about ~ 23 US GAL, and appears to be still in good condition.

However I presume that the technology has moved on from when I last looked, so I should replace the ancillaries. So here are my questions for all you learned fish folk:

1, Filter: I previously had a UGF. However I would like to use play sand as a substrate so would like to replace this with an internal power filter. Having perused the internet I have come to like the Fluval U2.

Is this what I need, i.e. size and are peoples opinions on these good/bad/indifferent, or is the a better filter out there. Also with a filter like this will I need any extra aeration (I would like to have real plants in the tank).

2, Lighting: The hood I currently have appears fine. However in looking for a new tube for it I just manage to confuse my self with all the technical jargon and marketing patter. I was looking at an Arcadia Original Tropical, 24" & 18W. Again is this right for my needs, or does anyone have any recommendations? Or is a bulb a bulb and I have just fallen for the marketing.

Anyway that is all that I need to know for now. I will start a thread with pictures of my progress once I get all the gear together and start cycling.

Many thanks in advance.

Mark

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi Mark; welcome to the forum

The technology has certainly moved on a lot in the last few years. The undergravel filter has definitely fallen by the wayside; with good reason, I think; there is always an element of 'sweeping things under the carpet' with them, for sure! The Fluval U series filters are very good, and one that I'd recommend. The U2 should be fine for your tank and you don't need extra aeration

As long as you stick to the commoner plants that don't need a lot of light, pretty much any tube will do; it doesn't make an awful lot of difference.

Looking forward to following your progress (and seeing pics; we love pics on this forum; nothing better than oogling other people's tanks )

 

[Skins]

Hello Mark,
I agree with Fluttermoth the fluvel u series are very good.
I was climbing in the highlands last autumn,Fort William and Glen Coe. Where abouts are you?

Keith.

 

[Marky Boy]

Cheers Chaps,

I just thought it would be best to check before that the equipment was suitable before I go spending any money. Looking on ebay I can get the Fluval U2 and Fluval E100 heater for £42 combined which looks like a winner.

As for the plants I was looking at another thread on here where somebody got a mixed selection from a seller from ebay for much cheapness. So I think I will just go for that and see what works.

Hopefully if I get all the hardware and chemicals ordered up today I may have the stuff for the weekend so I can start cycling the tank.

I was reading about Tetra Safe Start bacteria. It appears that the jury is out on this with regard to effectiveness. However for the cost of it I think I am just going to lob some into the tank at the start to try and speed things up a little. It will be fishless cycling so if it all goes pear shaped it wont be the end of the world.

Skins:

I'm based up in Nairn. So a bit of a trek from Fort William. It's a nice part of the country down Fort Willam and Glen Coe, although not a fan of the walking the roads are superb.

Thanks,

Mark