New Aquarium

[enlite]

I just purchased a 55 gallon aquarium. I will be using it for freshwater. I added 3 inches of gravel to the bottom, added a couple ornaments, filled it with tap water and installed an Aqua Clear 70 filter. I have not added fish/plants yet.

Do I need to have an air pump? I purchased a wisper 100 but it is way to loud for the location I have the aquarium set up. Is there something more quiet?

Is there anything else that I must have before I add fish/plants?

[angelcakes]

hello and welcome to the forum...........:19:

[enlite]

I also treated the water with Top Fin water conditioner and bacteria supplements.

[angelcakes]

not every tank requires an air pump..............i think its a matter of choice:19:

[fins_n_fur]

Firstly, welcome! :19:

Secondly, be sure to download the Free Aquarium Ebook to help get you started to answer some of your questions--it's the 6th option down under Menu to the left of this window. Good luck with your tank!

[DragonGoby]

Wellcome on the AC forum!:19:
First thing first :
Before adding any fish to your tank, do you intend to establish the nitrogen cycle with fish or without fish? The nitrogen cycle is what happens when ammonia (emit by the fish) is transform in nitrites and nitrites in nitrate.
ammonia and nitrites are harmfull for your fish... Very harmfull.
I strongly recommend without fish : it'll be quicker and gentler for the fish and your monney...
All you need is buying pure ammonia (without any trace of soap or flavor or whatever is not ammonia) then, add some to your aquarium, with the temperature around 80F and an airstone (sorry, I don't know any kind of aerator, so I can't answer to this question :11: ).
Test your ammonia level and add ammonia until you reach the 5ppm level...
And so, second thing : buy a test kit : ammonia, nitrites, nitrates (and not strips but the liquid one, if you can).
Perhaps I'm preaching to someone who knows already all that, and then I apologize.:14:
If not, we will be very happy to help you... :thumb:

[enlite]

I've always had a small 5gal fish tank, but never a tank of this size so all this is new to me. I really appreciate all the info and help here. I will read that ebook available here, and do as you say with the ammonia/test kit. I havn't purchased any fish yet just for this reason. I want to make sure the water is safe for them first.

[country_boy454]

Welcome to the forum! Good luck with the new tank.

[Sasquatch]

I've always had a small 5gal fish tank, but never a tank of this size so all this is new to me. I really appreciate all the info and help here. I will read that ebook available here, and do as you say with the ammonia/test kit. I havn't purchased any fish yet just for this reason. I want to make sure the water is safe for them first.

Well, you're already doing better than many of us who rushed headlong into it and ended up with a bunch of sick or dying fish.

I highly recommend Dragongoby's suggestions of a fishless cycle, better all around for you and your fish.

As for the aeration, I don't think it's absolutely essential, especially if you have healthy plants in the aquarium. I've never used a Whisper pump, but our Aquaclear (by Hagen I think) pumps are very quiet. Just make sure that there is nothing in contact with the pump, they vibrate a lot and any contact will make a lot of noise.

[DragonGoby]

I've always had a small 5gal fish tank, but never a tank of this size so all this is new to me. I really appreciate all the info and help here. I will read that ebook available here, and do as you say with the ammonia/test kit. I havn't purchased any fish yet just for this reason. I want to make sure the water is safe for them first.
Just by stating this, you'll be a really good fish owner!:11:
And do not hesitate to ask question, all those people around are here for that...:wink2:

[MandyL]

Welcome to AC!

The advice above is good. Read the e-book and then ask any questions you have!

Just wanted to add that you can add your plants right away, whether you are doing a fishless cycle or with fish. The plants will help speed up the cycle.

[RainMan]

If your tank is a 55gal long... then you don't need aeration. You will have plenty of gas exchange with that much water surface.

If you have a 36" tank (which would be rare)... then I would add air and several stones to it. You probably have a 48 incher though.

Welcome to the AC!

[RainMan]

Oh and with plants and a 48" tank... you definitely don't need any aeration (surface agitation).

[snipers_den]

Welcome to the forum and congrats with your new tank !!!

[sandy_n]

Hi and welcome to AC...good luck with the new tank.