Very New (haven't Even Got Tank Yet!)

[jennywren]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a C-Dream B1200 fish tank from Aquariums Delievered. It comes with 1 x Fluval 405 External filter,
2 x 200 Watt Heater, Lighting: 30W x 3. Is this a good make??? Has anyone had any problems with one
Also does anyone know how much it cost to run a fish tank

It's hopefully going to be a christmas present for my husaband (he used to have 3 fish tanks when he was younger) so i can't ask him for advise, please please any advise would be most helpful

Thanks
Jenny Wren

 

[Colin_T]

No idea about the tank (C-Dream) but if you can give us the dimensions of it then we might be able to offer more info.
Fluval 405 (external) are pretty good filters, good warranty, reliable and easy to clean.
2 x 200w heaters is a lot but if it is a big tank then it is fine.
3 x 30w lights might be ok but if the tank is more than 18inches high, then you might need more light to grow plants of keep corals (if you go salt water). Try to get high output T5 lights instead of standard fluoros. And get globes with a temperature or Kelvin (K) rating between 6,000K & 10,000K. This temperature range is ideal for plants, corals, and gives you a nice clear light. The Kelvin rating should be on the box for the globe, or stamped on one end of the globe.

You will also need to check out gravel for the bottom of the tank, and a picture or aquarium backing. The picture gets stuck to the back of the tank and makes the fish feel more secure.
Check out water conditioners to remove chlorine or chloramine if you have chloramine in your tap water. Chloramine is frequently used in the US and some other places. You might need to ring your local water corporation to find out if you have chlorine or chloramine in the water.
Check out plants and make a list of plants you like. Then bring the list back here so we can say yes or no. Some aquarium plants are not true aquatic plants and die within a short time of being put underwater. Ask about plant food/ fertiliser.
Check out the fish at the shop and make a list of fishes you like. Then bring that back here for advice on them.

 

[jennywren]

Thank You Colin,
the size of the tank is: (LxWxH): 122 x 44.5 x 76cm
Useful Volume: 340L Approx.
Thickness of glass: 10mm

Jenny Wren

 

[minxfishy]

There is a member on here who has just got a new c-dream tank, peter22uk, check this thread: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=258979

Whilst I cant comment on the tank itself, I can say aquariumsdelivered are a good company, bought many a tank from them, service has always been reliable and quick, no problems at all.

Fluval are a good make of filter so again no problems with that and 2 200w heaters is a good amount for that size tank.

Lighting I cant help on but it depends on whether your husband would be into a planted tank look or not as to the amount and type of lighting required.

The cost aside from the initial outlay is mainly on dechlorinators for the water and a good tip is to buy pond dechlorinator as its cheaper and requires less than the aquarium makes so you can save money on that, otherwise its just the cost of electricity you need to factor in, but with only one tank running its not a great deal, its only when you get alot of tanks that it starts to take its toll on your fuel bills

 

[Colin_T]

the size of the tank is: (LxWxH): 122 x 44.5 x 76cm
Useful Volume: 340L Approx.
Thickness of glass: 10mm

76cm is a bit high if the glass is only 10mm. Normally you have 10mm glass for tanks up to 2ft (61cm) high. If you go to 30inches (76cm) then you go to 12mm glass. But the price goes up significantly when you go above 10mm.
The tank itself should hold up because it is only 4ft long and 18inches wide. But make sure it has at least one cross member. This is a strip of glass that runs from the front to back of the tank. It is located in the centre at the top of the tank and should be about 4inches wide (and 10mm thick). If it doesn't have a cross member I wouldn't touch it. But it should have one.
Different types of glass have different strengths. Depending on the particular type of glass used for the tank, 10mm might be fine.

If the tank is 76cm high and you want to grow plants or keep corals (marine tank) then you will need metal halide lights or a number (6-8) high output (HO) T5 lights. 4ft long HO T5 globes are available in 54watt globes. If you had 6-8 of these then you would have plenty of light. However, fluoros don't penetrate water very well and a couple of 150 or 200watt metal halide lights would be a better choice.
Metal halides cannot be kept in a hood because they produce too much heat. They are normally hung a couple of feet above the tank.

The power used by a fish tank will depend on the lighting and heating. If you have 2 x 150watt metal halides running for 8 hours a day, then you will be using 2400watts of power per day for the lights. The heaters are thermostatically controlled and will only come on when the water temp drops below the heater setting. Then the heater will come on and power will be used. Once the water is the correct temp the heater will turn off and stop using power.
Power filters don't use much power and the Fluval should use less than 20watts of power per hour.

 

[mark.w.jones]

I would advise you not to worry too much about lighting etc. What you have quoted within the tank kit is more than adequate for keeping most tropicals. The best thing you can do is to read all the pinned articles at the top of this forum and the tropical chat one. Please consider a fishless cycle for your new tank as this is much easier and less harmful to you fish. See pinned articles in my signature and follow the add & wait method. Ask lots of questions that you can't find answers to on here or from using the search. Most things have been covered at some point in the past. Research your fish carefully and post your stocking ideas here for us to look at. Not sure what fish you want? head to your LFS and find a few species you like the look of and ask about them here. Someone will tell you if theyre compatible, suitable, etc. Above all, enjoy this great hobby and to TFF

 

[jennywren]

This forum is fantastic !!

Thank you for all your replies! I'd put a smiley face in but i've no idea how!

Will let you know which fish i'm thinking of and see that you think, until then.
TTFN
Jenny wren

 

[Colin_T]

I'd put a smiley face in but I’ve no idea how!

Use a colon and then a close bracket symbol : )
You can also use the smiley face symbols when you click on "Add Reply". These are located to the left of the box that you type stuff in. At the top of the smiley face box is a sign saying "Show All". Click on this and it will load up a bunch of different smileys that can be used. Simply click on the one you want and it will insert it into the post. Many can also be made by typing a word with the : on either side :