Noob, Needs Help

[SouthernRebel]

Hi I have my first fish tank, a 55 gal. I am going to make it into a mbuna tank. I have a eheim pro 2 2026 filter and a power filter aqua tech for 55 gal from wal mart. I hope this is enough filtration? Well anyways I ordered some biospira and was wondering how this works and what steps I take to use it etc. Also what are some good magazines to get for tropical fish. And any good mbuna books. I would have posted this in the African Cichlids forum but it won't let me.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi SouthernRebel

Please click on the link in the email we sent you. This will validate your account and you will become a full member and be able to post anywhere on the forum.

 

[SouthernRebel]

I never received a email. I emailed a mod few day ago, still no response.

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. Congrats on the new tank. I'm sure you'll get lots of enjoyment out of it. I would say that you will have plenty of filtration for your tank with both of those filters running? What heater are you going to use? I chose a 300W heater for mine, but some choose to run two smaller ones about 150 watts each in case one should fail.
As for getting the tank set up and running, you can get everything the way you want, filters running and water up to temperature. Then at that point you can do a fishless cycle or add a few fish, and cycle with them slowly. You can find info for the fishless cycle in the pinned articles at the top of the forum sections.
Good luck with your tank!

 

[SouthernRebel]

What is a good heater to get. I have this heater that came with the tank from wal mart. It is probably cheap.

 

[FreshwaterFishie]

What is a good heater to get. I have this heater that came with the tank from wal mart. It is probably cheap.

I have a Tetra heater. It is pretty good. I think Penn Plax is good too.

 

[onemisterchristian]

Jager is generally respected as being one of the best. I also have a hagen that works incredibly well. I also recommend running two heaters so that if one fails, then one will still maintain somewhat. Also keeps a steady temp all throughout the tank. Good luck. I also say go with fishless cycle. It's much more humane for the fish that are soon to be involved. You seem awfully level-headed and well researched for a noob. So no doubt you will research all of your decisions. All these stickies are quite helpful for most of the things you'll need to know. Beginner FAQ's

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. Visi-Therm, Marineland, Jager and Rena Cal (what i use), are all good heaters. You can use the one that came with the kit. Just buy a cheap thermometer and use it to watch the temperature. If is stays constant all the time then you should be fine.