Tank Upgrade

[ace-e36]

HI all, I am going to upgrading from a 50ltr tropical tank to a 320ltr (thought i would be content with the 50 hehe)


anyhow question is what extra stuff would you recommend or what is essential to set it up?

i would like to go sand in the bottom and have a few real plants along with fakes etc.
i have got a couple of bits already which i can use from my old tank and some bits that comes with the new tank:

Elite stingray x 2 one is small maybe a 10 the other is bigger think a 15
3 heaters (one came with the 320ltr as is brand new)
have a number of lights to with the new tank

the new tank will probably need a good clean, and as im fairly new to the hobby was wondering if there as any chems i need aswell, have my dechlorinate and a couple of meds and that's is.

so any advice methods and do's and dont's would be much appreciated.
also if anyone have any piccys of their big tanks for some ideas.

thanks Ali

 

[Keithoms]

For a 320l, i would advise you to go for a new external filter like the tetratec EX1200. Two stingrays will not be enough for a big tank, and they are terrible filters anyway.

 

[Peggers]

You'll need a bigger filter than those 2 combined. Afraid I can't advise you more than to say an external as I don't have one although I know eheims are highly rated. The other important thing you'll need other than dechlorinator is a liquid test kit, these are more accurate than the strip ones.

I'm surre someone with more experience will be along soon to be more helpful

 

[Bigpig]

Me personally would get a good external filter instead of the Elite stingrays and one heater rated for the size of your tank some people like two but I prefer one.

 

[ace-e36]

ah yes i forgot lol, i do have the API master kit.

will i need to cycle the new tank or can i use the filters from my old tank for a bit until the external has established?
what else other than an external filter will i need?
what about oxygen, will that put enough in or should i but something else?

sorry for the stupid questions
regards ali

 

[ace-e36]

also one other thing, what would be good fish to put in it?

I may keep the 50ltr for live-bearers,

I know there will be many different views on this but i will be on a small budget so exotic fish will a no no, anything nice and colourful will go down well with the other half.

 

[Keithoms]

ah yes i forgot lol, i do have the API master kit.

will i need to cycle the new tank or can i use the filters from my old tank for a bit until the external has established?
what else other than an external filter will i need?
what about oxygen, will that put enough in or should i but something else?

sorry for the stupid questions
regards ali

They are not stupid questions! These kind of questions are how you learn and get to know fish so much that you dont have to ask them any more.
The new external will need to be cycled, you can do this by transplanting your healthy filter media from the running sting's into the external. This will provide bacteria for the new filter to start recreating quickly. I take it you have one, but a heater is needed. If you are not using the spraybar that comes with the external, you will probably want some sort of aireation method like a small pump and airstone.

 

[ace-e36]

ah yes i forgot lol, i do have the API master kit.

will i need to cycle the new tank or can i use the filters from my old tank for a bit until the external has established?
what else other than an external filter will i need?
what about oxygen, will that put enough in or should i but something else?

sorry for the stupid questions
regards ali

They are not stupid questions! These kind of questions are how you learn and get to know fish so much that you dont have to ask them any more.
The new external will need to be cycled, you can do this by transplanting your healthy filter media from the running sting's into the external. This will provide bacteria for the new filter to start recreating quickly. I take it you have one, but a heater is needed. If you are not using the spraybar that comes with the external, you will probably want some sort of aireation method like a small pump and airstone.

Many thanks Keithoms, i know these questions have probably been asked many times before and im sure you guys must get fed up repeating yourselfs, yes i have a few heaters one which comes with the big tank and its about 14" long.

i was looking at an external filter like the one posted above so would be using a spray bar ideally, would that be ok on its own for a tank this size?

once i pick it up on friday / saturday i will get some pics up and start a journal i think. the tank is a little old and used, the lady has had in for 5 years but is leak proof and has lid which needs repair and stand and some equipment but cost pennys.

cant wait, just gotta make room for it!!!!!