Questions On Juwel Filters (sponges) And Using Sand As Substrate

[lm118]

Hi,

I've recently just bought a 2nd hand tank to upgrade from my first tiny 28 litre one, it's a Juwel Rekord 700 I think, so 70 litres.

I was just wondering about the filter, as I've never used a Juwel one before. This model seems to have space for two sponges, I think it's a more compact version compared the usual Juwel filter, called bioflow or something like that? Reading up, it looks like there are a few different types of sponges, which would you recommend me buying?

I have the old 28 litre tank which is cycled with 3 guppies in it, could anyone advise me the best way to cycle the new tank (i.e. how to use the old media in the new tank do speed up the cycle)? I have ammonia & a test kit to do the fishless cycling.

Also, I think I'm going to use sand instead of gravel in this tank, as I'm thinking of buying some corys. Just wanting normal lightish sandy-coloured sand, can anyone recommend any?

Oh and I'm wanting like branchy types pieces of wood in this aquarium, I've looked but can't find any online, any ideas where I can get them from?

Sorry for all the questions, thanks in advance for any advise!

 

[techen]

For sand if you live in the UK I'd go for playsand (can be bought at argos) for cheap, make sure you wash it first before adding it to the fish tank.

The two sponges, One will be for the bacteria to grow on and the other will catch dirt and such keeping the fish tank clean. If you cut some of your old media in half and use half new then the bac will transfer over and it shouldn't take it too long for it to catch up.

Again if your from the UK aquaessentials.co.uk are good for a few things, But there's many many many more websites out there.