Upgrading Tank - Need Some Confirmation/help!

[JasonMichael]

Haha every day they see me with my test tubes testing my water and writing the results on my chart on my wall and they just think I'm mental for taking so much time, before I was too young to have any influence on what happened with the tank we just filled it up, treated the water and the fish were thrown fish straight in, I haven't had the heart to tell them it might be weeks before the fish are allowed in And I'll try get some pictures up to show you when it is finally ready!

And that's alright then, wouldn't want to get rid of such a beautiful fish! It's always good when you have a fish which is alot more placid towards it's tank mates then you'd assume it to be. Just a thought on the loach is that I've been told that loaches are a pretty sociable species and that they should be kept in groups of 5 or more, don't know whether that'll be for all loaches but that's what I was told about my zebra loach, might explain why your pakistani loach has been paying so much attention to your knife fish and maybe something to look at, especially seeing as your going to have a nice big tank that needs stocking. Also how did your bristlenoses do in your 60l? Been told they need atleast 125l and a decent filtration system due to their mess so just a bit interested?

Yeah don't think we made too many mistakes in terms of what fish we ended up with, generally just went for the cheap, colourful ones like tetras and danios. Only real issue was in terms of overstocking and getting shoaling fish in pairs or threes, though we did come back one day with what we thought was a bargain catfish, ended up burrowing under our bogwood and picking off our guppys a few a night, was back to the pet shop two days later, never 100% knew what it was, neither did the shop! Though I saw a discussion on here and have a suspicion it may have been a crystal eye catfish... that's a guess though

You've got me interested in the backgrounds now haha. I think they can give a tank a really natural look, though for the time being I'll be sticking to my clear blue background selotaped to the back of the tank, cheap and cheerful

And my filter is built into the hood of my tank so not quite sure if it's technically internal or external... think it would be cheeky to claim it's an external because from what I hear if you've got the choice and the money the external is the way to go!

Hahaha thats funny as looks like you've taken control now! I think your right with the loaches, I may get him a friend (I dont want 5 of them LOL) and if it doesn't settle down I'll probably remove them or the ghost knife *sigh* lol. With the bristlenose I have a peppermint, albino and one of the normal brown ones - i love them!! They have been fine in my 60 litre tank but I get there gonna love the upgrade as much as I will haha (I'll prob never see them!!) so maybe try out with one and see how you go? I did that, and then slowly added an extra and another the peppermint ones are sooooo cool!! Then again, there still only small so that's probably why they've been good in the 60 litre.

Oh wow sounds like an interesting experience you had there with that unknown fish it will always remain a mystery now haha

The ones which are built in are internal filters (like mine), I've gone into a silent panic mode where I think I will need the external, so now trying to decide what to get, too many choices and mixed reviews to narrow it down haha!! OH THE PROBLEMS FISH OWNERS HAVE!! lol!

 

[m1lky12]

Yeah I wasn't too keen to get more when I was recommended too but now looking quite forward to how they do... plus while my tanks been cycling a few snails hitched a ride on the plants so I've got a small colony forming and laying eggs, ready made food for the loaches
Hmm the ghostfish are so cool though... could always live the dream and get another tank to keep him in haha And I don't think I could justify getting a bristlenose in after the advice not too unfortunatly, I think a small one would be fine in my tank but once it grows I'd have to get rid, saves a lot of cleaning up after it aswell aha While we're on the subject could you recommend an alternative? looking for something reasonably small but a bit unique from the average plec, preferably happy as a singleton aswell? Would love one at some point though, just a unique looking fish which are easy to get and look after!

And was a learning curve, though I'm not sure the guppies would call it an interesting experience

Haha luckily enough my tank isn't big enough to have this decision to make.. don't know if I like this fact or not Could start a thread on here asking for opinions? Alot of reviews put out there can be a little tainted where people from the manufacture write ones to boost their product a little, whereas the guys on here, especially the more experienced ones will more than likely have experience with a fair few you were thinking about.

 

[dbanner]

Ok so like I said iv owned a lot of fluval filters including a 405 ad 406 and I wouldn't call either of them bad... I just prefere the tetratecs. If you can't get a tetratec ex1200 then I would go for a fluval 406. That should be sufficient for your tank

Normally people look to turn over around 4 or 5 times their tank volume so you would ideally be looking for somewhere in the region of 1400lph. If I remember rightly the 406 is suitable for tanks of up to 400 litres and good for around 1400lph turnover. Although this is when the filter has no media inside, add the media and you will get closer to 1000lph. This should be ok for your tank. See how you get on with the one fluval 406 and maybe add another later of need be. Or add a 206 or 306 just to up the overall filtration. More filtration is only generally need if you were to have big messy fish.

With my tetratecs I don't use the spray bar they come with or any spray bar for that matter. I just use the elbow that the bar attaches to. I don't use the spray bars because they tend to restrict the water flow so giving you less lph water turnover.

Yes you can add the heater at a later date if you want just remember to measure the pipes your using... For a example a 300watt hydor heater fits straight onto the pipes of the tetratec ex1200 but a 200watt hydor heater wont as the pipes are too wide. The 200watt will only fit the ex700 model. So check 1st with the pipes your going to use so you can match up what size heater they will fit.

Like I said iv never bothered with internal filters, in my opinion they look hideous in the tank, take up room and require more maintanence as they tend to clog up more.

 

[JasonMichael]

Ok so like I said iv owned a lot of fluval filters including a 405 ad 406 and I wouldn't call either of them bad... I just prefere the tetratecs. If you can't get a tetratec ex1200 then I would go for a fluval 406. That should be sufficient for your tank

Normally people look to turn over around 4 or 5 times their tank volume so you would ideally be looking for somewhere in the region of 1400lph. If I remember rightly the 406 is suitable for tanks of up to 400 litres and good for around 1400lph turnover. Although this is when the filter has no media inside, add the media and you will get closer to 1000lph. This should be ok for your tank. See how you get on with the one fluval 406 and maybe add another later of need be. Or add a 206 or 306 just to up the overall filtration. More filtration is only generally need if you were to have big messy fish.

With my tetratecs I don't use the spray bar they come with or any spray bar for that matter. I just use the elbow that the bar attaches to. I don't use the spray bars because they tend to restrict the water flow so giving you less lph water turnover.

Yes you can add the heater at a later date if you want just remember to measure the pipes your using... For a example a 300watt hydor heater fits straight onto the pipes of the tetratec ex1200 but a 200watt hydor heater wont as the pipes are too wide. The 200watt will only fit the ex700 model. So check 1st with the pipes your going to use so you can match up what size heater they will fit.

Like I said iv never bothered with internal filters, in my opinion they look hideous in the tank, take up room and require more maintanence as they tend to clog up more.

Fantastic thanks so much for all your help! (sorry if I've drained your life with my million questions haha!), really appreciate your help

 

[JasonMichael]

Yeah I wasn't too keen to get more when I was recommended too but now looking quite forward to how they do... plus while my tanks been cycling a few snails hitched a ride on the plants so I've got a small colony forming and laying eggs, ready made food for the loaches
Hmm the ghostfish are so cool though... could always live the dream and get another tank to keep him in haha And I don't think I could justify getting a bristlenose in after the advice not too unfortunatly, I think a small one would be fine in my tank but once it grows I'd have to get rid, saves a lot of cleaning up after it aswell aha While we're on the subject could you recommend an alternative? looking for something reasonably small but a bit unique from the average plec, preferably happy as a singleton aswell? Would love one at some point though, just a unique looking fish which are easy to get and look after!

And was a learning curve, though I'm not sure the guppies would call it an interesting experience

Haha luckily enough my tank isn't big enough to have this decision to make.. don't know if I like this fact or not Could start a thread on here asking for opinions? Alot of reviews put out there can be a little tainted where people from the manufacture write ones to boost their product a little, whereas the guys on here, especially the more experienced ones will more than likely have experience with a fair few you were thinking about.

Hahaha the loaches will love those snails poor lil things don't know whats coming lol! Oh i wish, if i had 2 tanks my parents would be like..... haha! Hmm, im heading out to some aquariums tomorrow, so I'll keep a look out for something unique and get back to you if i see something

Once we get our tanks set up we should share some photos! hey do you have an app called kik on your phone? we could chat on that, much easier lol.

 

[dbanner]

Ok so like I said iv owned a lot of fluval filters including a 405 ad 406 and I wouldn't call either of them bad... I just prefere the tetratecs. If you can't get a tetratec ex1200 then I would go for a fluval 406. That should be sufficient for your tank

Normally people look to turn over around 4 or 5 times their tank volume so you would ideally be looking for somewhere in the region of 1400lph. If I remember rightly the 406 is suitable for tanks of up to 400 litres and good for around 1400lph turnover. Although this is when the filter has no media inside, add the media and you will get closer to 1000lph. This should be ok for your tank. See how you get on with the one fluval 406 and maybe add another later of need be. Or add a 206 or 306 just to up the overall filtration. More filtration is only generally need if you were to have big messy fish.

With my tetratecs I don't use the spray bar they come with or any spray bar for that matter. I just use the elbow that the bar attaches to. I don't use the spray bars because they tend to restrict the water flow so giving you less lph water turnover.

Yes you can add the heater at a later date if you want just remember to measure the pipes your using... For a example a 300watt hydor heater fits straight onto the pipes of the tetratec ex1200 but a 200watt hydor heater wont as the pipes are too wide. The 200watt will only fit the ex700 model. So check 1st with the pipes your going to use so you can match up what size heater they will fit.

Like I said iv never bothered with internal filters, in my opinion they look hideous in the tank, take up room and require more maintanence as they tend to clog up more.

Fantastic thanks so much for all your help! (sorry if I've drained your life with my million questions haha!), really appreciate your help

Not a problem, glad to help

Oh and this is my 5 foot Juwel Rio 400 (450 litre)

Looks the same now but with external heater instead of internals

Can't wait for the 8 footer

 

[JasonMichael]

Ok so like I said iv owned a lot of fluval filters including a 405 ad 406 and I wouldn't call either of them bad... I just prefere the tetratecs. If you can't get a tetratec ex1200 then I would go for a fluval 406. That should be sufficient for your tank

Normally people look to turn over around 4 or 5 times their tank volume so you would ideally be looking for somewhere in the region of 1400lph. If I remember rightly the 406 is suitable for tanks of up to 400 litres and good for around 1400lph turnover. Although this is when the filter has no media inside, add the media and you will get closer to 1000lph. This should be ok for your tank. See how you get on with the one fluval 406 and maybe add another later of need be. Or add a 206 or 306 just to up the overall filtration. More filtration is only generally need if you were to have big messy fish.

With my tetratecs I don't use the spray bar they come with or any spray bar for that matter. I just use the elbow that the bar attaches to. I don't use the spray bars because they tend to restrict the water flow so giving you less lph water turnover.

Yes you can add the heater at a later date if you want just remember to measure the pipes your using... For a example a 300watt hydor heater fits straight onto the pipes of the tetratec ex1200 but a 200watt hydor heater wont as the pipes are too wide. The 200watt will only fit the ex700 model. So check 1st with the pipes your going to use so you can match up what size heater they will fit.

Like I said iv never bothered with internal filters, in my opinion they look hideous in the tank, take up room and require more maintanence as they tend to clog up more.

Fantastic thanks so much for all your help! (sorry if I've drained your life with my million questions haha!), really appreciate your help

Not a problem, glad to help

Oh and this is my 5 foot Juwel Rio 400 (450 litre)

Looks the same now but with external heater instead of internals

Can't wait for the 8 footer

That looks awesome man!! Ohhhhhhh your making me want mine like right now lol! Great stuff

by the way, I went to like 5 aquarium shops today, trying to decide between fluval 406 or eheim 2217 external filter, i posted up another thread to see what people think for the 350l tank, so confusing lol, I think theres too many options

 

[dbanner]

Thank you

I personally would get the 406... See how you get on with it and how it copes in your tank, then of you think you need more you can add another 406 later on or even a 206 or 306. Having owned the 406 I can recommd it. Great performance and overall look and build quality. Like I said the only thing that let it down for me is the higher price compared to the better tetratecs. if I couldn't get the tetratec then a 406 would be my next choice

 

[JasonMichael]

Thank you

I personally would get the 406... See how you get on with it and how it copes in your tank, then of you think you need more you can add another 406 later on or even a 206 or 306. Having owned the 406 I can recommd it. Great performance and overall look and build quality. Like I said the only thing that let it down for me is the higher price compared to the better tetratecs. if I couldn't get the tetratec then a 406 would be my next choice

Omg, I didn't even think of that option 'adding a 206 or 306' later on if it needs it. YOUR AMAZING you've just solved my problem haha!!

 

[dbanner]

Haha yeah 2 filters are better than 1 but doesn't mean they both need to be the same I was using a tetratec ex1200 and a fluval 406 together on my 5 foot tank until I later bought my 2nd tetratec. The fluval and tetratec worked perfectly well together, I'm just fussy and wanted matching filters lol

 

[m1lky12]

Haha they better do! What started off with a couple after I got the plants has now turned into a full infestation! Did think that it might be worth taking a few out to keep in a smaller tank, let them breed and then throw a few in every now and again to keep the loaches occupied Haha yeah right! My parents have been begging me to get my tank up and running and get the fish in and get rid of our original tank, so I don't think they'd be too happy with me coming home with an even bigger tank And that's awesome! Let me know if you find anything!

Definitely will get some photos up once the big day comes aswell! Though I don't have Kik unfortunately

 

[JasonMichael]

Haha yeah 2 filters are better than 1 but doesn't mean they both need to be the same I was using a tetratec ex1200 and a fluval 406 together on my 5 foot tank until I later bought my 2nd tetratec. The fluval and tetratec worked perfectly well together, I'm just fussy and wanted matching filters lol

Haha I'm the same, it all needs to match I'm getting everything today, so excited!

Haha they better do! What started off with a couple after I got the plants has now turned into a full infestation! Did think that it might be worth taking a few out to keep in a smaller tank, let them breed and then throw a few in every now and again to keep the loaches occupied Haha yeah right! My parents have been begging me to get my tank up and running and get the fish in and get rid of our original tank, so I don't think they'd be too happy with me coming home with an even bigger tank And that's awesome! Let me know if you find anything!

Definitely will get some photos up once the big day comes aswell! Though I don't have Kik unfortunately

Haha! Well maybe in a few years another upgrade? just bring it home "oh look what I found"

I didn't see anything that stood out, however I'm picking up all my new stuff today so I'll have another look, my brother is coming with me n he's taking my small tank so he's gonna wanna have a look anyway lol.

Aww, download the app its fun