YAY! I'm getting a 40 gallon hex tank for $20...

[jrd77]

It is used, but comes with a stand and hood. I will need to buy the lighting, heater and filter for the tank. It already has rocks as a substrate but I'd like to chuck those and put in sand. I plan on completely cleaning it out of course...

So, I read that kids' sandbox sand can be used in tanks and it is really cheap. Is this true? If so, what do I need to do with it before putting in the tank?

Once I have sand and water in the tank, I plan on putting a biowheel from my established tank into the new tank. How long, after putting that biowheel in, will I need to wait to add plants and/or fish?

-Jessie

 

[WILDER]

Congrats, never had sand, i think you just rinse it in a bucket, good luck with your new tank, will you be doing a fishless cycle.

 

[jrd77]

Yes, I do want to do a fishless cycle once I find some darn ammonia that doesn't have dyes or perfumes...And I am hoping that an established biowheel will help the process along.

I just found out my boyfriend/roomate wants a salt water tank...are we ready for that? Fresh is hard enough...

we'll see...

 

[OohFeeshy]

Good deal. If you don't go SW, I'd suggest Angelfish. They do good in hex tanks.

 

[jrd77]

Angelfish are so pretty! The lfs store has them coded as red for aggressive. Are they?

 

[Katchan]

That depends on the fish I,ve got one that will have a go at anything and another that peaceful with neons (their natural food) but I've heard of more nice than naughty ones, also helps if you get them small if your gonna have a community tank, that way they are used to other types of fish.

Katchan

 

[Polardbear]

Try Kroger brand clear ammonia.

 

[sylvia]

Rinse the sand! It won't matter if you don't but will take longer to settle. If you use a bio-wheel from an established tank, you can add fish right away as the bacteria necessary to sustain them will already be present. It doesn't matter when you add plants. The one thing to keep in mind is that if you put the bio-wheel in the new tank and don't provide the bacteria with food (either actual fish to produce waste or pure ammonia), you will have to cycle from scratch as the bacteria will die. What I suggest you do is put the bio-wheel on your tank just before you go out and buy your fish. Obviously, don't get too many fish at once or you might still experience an ammonia/nitrIte spike.

 

[OohFeeshy]

If your going with angels, I'd say no small fish like tetras or danios, but maybe some cories?

 

[jrd77]

Thank you all so much!

We've decided to go for freshwater planted tank with sand substrate and some community fish...

Thank for the fish suggestions...when we get it all together we'll have to show pictures of the three tanks!

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

woot! Thats pretty cool! I would kill for deals like that, and EVERY one gets em but me!

 

[SHANTYMAID]

Well done in getting your bargin i wish you all the luck with the tank and cant wait to see some photo's when your ready

Best wishes Shanna