Setting Up My Fluval Edge

[Gazanimal]

So I got the Fluval Edge for Xmas and have finally found a bit of time to start setting it up.

I've got it in position but need more advice on what items I'll need for it.

I've ready the other Fluval users journals & posts & taken as much advice from them as I can but I want to make sure I take the 1st steps in the right direction.

First off can anyone suggest the best heater for the Fluval? I know they do a range of heaters but wasn't sure what wattage was the best to go for.

Also, I'd looked at using red stones, but have switched over to using soft white sand (play sand) but didn't know which was the best type, or the types to avoid. Can you get it from Argos or B&Q etc?

Got some ammonia on order from Boots to help the fishless-cycling when I get that far.

Any other items,nick-nacks that you can recommend as I can feel a visit to Pets@Home coming on with a good list as I'd rather be prepared than dashing back & forth all the time.

Oh and I've just received my APi Freshwater Test Kit in the post so I'm ready to start checking the water.

 

[Newbie_87]

Welcome to the forum

With our Edge we are currently using the Fluval Edge heater (around £22). Obviously the heater is specifically designed for the edge and because it's only 25W it won't harm the fish. The integrated thermostat is set to 26 degrees with no need for any adjustment as the heater will switch on when the tank's temperature drops below that. Ours runs fine and constantly keeps the temperature between 76-78 degrees F.

I'm new to all this as well, but I do know one thing - stay well clear from Pets at Home (if you can), try and find a store near you that focuses solely on aquatics (Maidenhead is a possibly, http/www.fishkeeper.co.uk/)

Hope that is of some help

 

[Gazanimal]

Thanks.

I've just been using P@H for convenience tbh, but there's a Maidenhead Aquatics in York which isn't far away & I can gladly go to a Garden Centre now,oh and visit the mother-in-law too.

 

[LiamGoodaire]

i wouldnt reccomend the fluval edge heater myself.... heard so many bad things about them only going 2 degrees above room temp so therefore the tank would have to be in a well heated room.... however i am recently in a cycle with my edge and cant wait to stock it they are beautiful tanks, what are you thinking of stocking it with?

 

[Gazanimal]

Not 100% sure yet Liam.

I like the look of Neon Tetras and maybe a few Red Shrimp as I believe they'll be good for the tank, but as long as the fish are suitable for the tank I'd be happier than putting something in that's going to be unhappy & isn't suitable.

I've been following yours & Newbie_87's threads to pick things up.

 

[LiamGoodaire]

ah right i had som,e knowledge of a previous tank which was 60l before i got shut, ive had to learn everything again because the nano tank is completely different so the threads could prove pretty useful im thinking...
2x Endler Guppies
5x Glaxy Rasboras
maybe 5/10 cheery/tiger shrimp
on my shrimp issue im trying to resolve whether the 2 dpecies can be mixed and if its cool to have 10 otherwise 5 will be the outcome

 

[Newbie_87]

We got 5 Ember tetras today, planning to get 5 more in a week or so just got to monitor water quality daily first to check everything is ok. But also thinking a betta (reserved a stunning black-green dragon today to) and some cherry shrimp I originally wanted red crystal shrimp but heard bettas can regard them as a snack every now and then! With regards to mixing shrimp species...pretty sure you can with certain ones but no all. Some can get pretty big to so wouldn't work in the Edge

 

[LiamGoodaire]

We got 5 Ember tetras today, planning to get 5 more in a week or so just got to monitor water quality daily first to check everything is ok. But also thinking a betta (reserved a stunning black-green dragon today to) and some cherry shrimp I originally wanted red crystal shrimp but heard bettas can regard them as a snack every now and then! With regards to mixing shrimp species...pretty sure you can with certain ones but no all. Some can get pretty big to so wouldn't work in the Edge

thanks for the info, on my own forum i set up here a link to a chart was provided which was useful so i think i wiwll be mixing i just dont really understand the negative effect of hybrids....

 

[Gazanimal]

What heater have you got running in yours Liam?
Couldn't see any tank set up info which detailed what you had.

 

[LiamGoodaire]

mine was a 25w from P@H not too sure of the make sorry it was around £15 i believe if that helps, its more than adequate for the size

This is a link to the heater i use in my edge, like i said its the 25w version

 

[Gazanimal]

Cheers Liam.

I'll grab one of those too.

Just need to swap out the red gravel substrate I have for something more subtle like white/cream gravel/sand.

 

[LiamGoodaire]

no worries, should be good mate i cant wait to stock mine!

 

[Newbie_87]

I'd avoid really fine sand substrate, even though the flow can be altered in the edge it will still disturb it at its lowest. also it can cloud the water and is a nightmare to clean initially before adding to the tank. we have some fine gravel which is still fine for shrimp and had no problems. thinking of adding any live plants?

 

[Gazanimal]

Not sure about the live plants, was thinking more plastic although the live plants do have their benefits.

I have read about the sand being an issue with regards cleaning & disturbance, but a fine gravel would be just as good.