Unwritten rules for a new tank ?

[nwnittany]

Quick summary: I got a new tank (125 gallon) and an planning to set it up in the next few months.

So, I'm pouring through books and the web trying to read as much as I can about setting up a new tank.

But, I thought there might be a few tidbits that folks here know that aren't normally written or talked about. Ie:

- what tends to get overlooked ?

- what do you regret not doing doing when you've setup new tanks (especially big ones) ?

- what did you take a ton of time to plan out that, in the end, didn't matter one bit ?

- what would you change if you could do it all over, but can't change now since you're too far along ?

??? any other advice you'd give, in addition to the usual suspects....

If it helps, I'm thinking the tank will be a show tank of oscars or discus, and with whatever plants I can keep with them.

[Kaz]

Well, I'd just say my biggest regret is not planning the whole thing out with AC... or in general.

[rich311k]

Think long and hard on your substrate choice, changing it is a pain.

[Crispy]

A big tank of Os or discus will appreciate alot of driftwood...

...also, get as much filtration as you can.

[Wild Turkey]

a few quick tips

Pick a substrate you will be happy with for a while.

If plants, Go lighting then when you have the light in hand, plants. Account for any possible F-ups with shipping or anything like that so you dont end up with plants and insufficient lighting for them.

Research and be sure you know what you need before you buy, but a few "darn gotta go back to the store"'s are not uncommon.

Stock up on the most common meds before you need them

Dont get frustrated, new tanks often have lots of problems.

[domjd05]

I'll 2nd the motion on choosing a substrate that you'll be happy with for a while.. going from gravel to sand is not fun.... look at some of the tanks the users on this site have posted.. its a great source of inspiration.. magazines, catalogs, other websites are all good places to find ideas for your tank.


But basically, don't skimp on the necessities. You definately need good filtration, preferably, if you can afford it, get a filter that has a GPH rating OVER the size of your tank, and get a good heater... most any heater can heat a tank up to a high temperature, but keeping a temperature uniform throughout the tank with no changes in the temp. is a different story..

Plan out what fish you want before you set it up, as that will determine your decor, and substrate needs...

It's late and I really dont know what else to say except good luck and congrats on the new tank.

[thrakuarium]

The biggest mistake I had was following the instructions on filter changing that were on the box without realizing I was removing the majority of my bacteria colony. That lead to losing all 3 of my balloon mollies and a lot of sleep over a 3 week period while I fought an ammonia spike and then a huge combination nitrite/nitrate spike. I think I almost ran the town out of water with all the water changes. I did learn a few things though. Single cartridge filters should be illegal (I pitched my whisper 30 out and got an AC 70), And sometimes ya gotta re-level the playing field to get everything right again. I used Nitra-Zorb for 2 days in my AC 70 to drop the nitrite/nitrate levels to near zero, kept dosing my water with my chosen bacteria booster for 7 days just like it was a new tank and let the bioload of the fish in the tank do the rest. My tank is now fully cycled and except for the unexplained demise of my Clown pleco (in another post) my tank is healthy and happy. I even had platy fry in the middle of all this.

[RDS0130]

My biggest mistake was not enough research before trying to set up a community aquarium. Cycling, fish choices, filtration, etc.

[Algenco]

placement across as many floor joists as possible, don't put it too close to the wall, make absolutely certain there's enough space for filters

[Lady Hobbs]

Leave enough space between tank and wall for other filters besides what you now have incase you should change them. Put the background on before filling the tank.

You really need to decide on your fish. A lot of difference between Oscars and Discus in the set up.

[Paw Broon]

My biggest mistake was not enough research before trying to set up a community aquarium. Cycling, fish choices, filtration, etc.

Mine too. And not finding this site.thumbs2:

[nwnittany]

These are all great suggestions and I appreciate them.

I have to laugh...I've made substrate mistake, the 'too close to the wall' mistake, and the 'saving the 'background to the end' mistake on my first two tanks. But I'm glad you reminded me, because I have a feeling I would have made them a third time !

[mac]

For me, a plan is what you want. Like is the tank going to be a community tank? Is it going to be a bio type? Will it be a Rift lake set up? Or a large South American Cichlid set up??

Also depending on these questions, as to wether to plant it? Which is followed by research into types of plants, and their requirements. Then you look at the substrate and for plants, along with lighting and other aspects needed.

Other things then would be your stocking choices which would spring from your choice of regional tank theme.

That is what I do.

Hope this helps,

mac

[MCHRKiller]

For me, I drop several hundred into a tank...6months later I decide I cant stand it and repeat process. Thats why this hobby is a money pit, I dont care who you are you wont be happy with that same look for years. With that said pick core elements you will be happy with for atleast a couple of years. Filters are a huge investment and the life of your tank, Id recommend those with a trackrecord for enduring the test of time. Ive had Renas in operation for 8+ years. For most tanks a fine crushed quartz gravel will suit best and really let you expand your options for stock and etc...it is kind of the middle ground between traditional gravel and sand; as it is so small it has that sand look but you can easily vacuum it like gravel and its easier to clean than sand. Id also paint the back of the tank, although it is a commitment its so much easier to deal with I just give mine a couple coats of black krylon and go on that way I dont have to mess with backgrounds, and I would imagine putting on a 6ft background would be a b***h.

[mac]

I for one am happy once the tank lay out is set up. I really don't do much changes once things get the way I want them. But that me.

MCHRKiller the Core elements like you said is a true key though to have a stable platform to work from with your fish tank plan.

mac

[korith]

With a tank that big make sure wherever you put it, can support the weight of the tank. That's about 1400 pounds. Also gotta make sure that stand is nice and level, could cause serious problems later on if it isn't.

Only other bit of advice is to research, like you are doing. Could save you a lot of money in equip/fish/chems if you do it right the first time.