View Full Version : confused
rubberducks
06-21-2009, 03:06 AM
I am thinking about getting my tank tomorrow, I have done all sorts of research and figured out the fish and I know that I need to have the tank set up and cycling thru for a few weeks and get the water tested before actually getting the fish and all that... My issue is How do you put the filters and pumps and lights and heaters and everything that goes with the tank to the tank?? (I really hope that made sense) It just seems like a giant puzzle to me and I am just so confused!!
dancethenparty
06-21-2009, 03:13 AM
I am thinking about getting my tank tomorrow, I have done all sorts of research and figured out the fish and I know that I need to have the tank set up and cycling thru for a few weeks and get the water tested before actually getting the fish and all that... My issue is How do you put the filters and pumps and lights and heaters and everything that goes with the tank to the tank?? (I really hope that made sense) It just seems like a giant puzzle to me and I am just so confused!!
what kind of filter?
lights are usually on the hood
heaters usually have suction cups so you just attach them to the glass,
IMO- put the heater low enough so that when do you a 25% water change, the heater isn't sticking out. also put it kinda in the middle or somewhere close to that so the heat isn't in just place. of course your filter will move water around so you won't have that problem, but if for some reason you turn off your filter during the day then the heater should be in the middle.
Sarkazmo
06-21-2009, 03:15 AM
Don't worry, all the things like filters and hoods and such come with their own instructions. It's really easy and there's plenty of room for you to set it up just the way you want it. Take your time and enjoy the process. Good luck and be sure to let us know how it's all working out! :)
Sark
rubberducks
06-21-2009, 03:18 AM
what kind of filter?
lights are usually on the hood
heaters usually have suction cups so you just attach them to the glass,
IMO- put the heater low enough so that when do you a 25% water change, the heater isn't sticking out. also put it kinda in the middle or somewhere close to that so the heat isn't in just place. of course your filter will move water around so you won't have that problem, but if for some reason you turn off your filter during the day then the heater should be in the middle.
I was looking at doing a under gravel filter as well as a canister filter as the secondary.
Anomaly
06-21-2009, 03:20 AM
I am thinking about getting my tank tomorrow, I have done all sorts of research and figured out the fish and I know that I need to have the tank set up and cycling thru for a few weeks and get the water tested before actually getting the fish and all that... My issue is How do you put the filters and pumps and lights and heaters and everything that goes with the tank to the tank?? (I really hope that made sense) It just seems like a giant puzzle to me and I am just so confused!!
Don't be confused . . . setting up an aquarium is no big deal. Hang on back filters do just that - hang on the back with an intake pipe hanging down into the tank. The heater suction cups to the glass. The air pump (if you want one) sits outside the tank with an airline going into the tank and attached to an air stone. The hood holding the light fixture(s) merely sits on top.
Then you just put in the substrate and decorations and then fill with water. thumbs2:
Of course, you'll want to read about cycling an aquarium after doing all of that.
Anomaly
06-21-2009, 03:21 AM
I was looking at doing a under gravel filter as well as a canister filter as the secondary.
I would drop the under gravel filter and just go with the canister.
rubberducks
06-21-2009, 03:23 AM
you guys are making me feel better about this, thank you.
thoughts on real plants? also any recomendations on types of filters, heaters, lights, etc.
I am thinking about getting my tank tomorrow, I have done all sorts of research and figured out the fish and I know that I need to have the tank set up and cycling thru for a few weeks and get the water tested before actually getting the fish and all that... My issue is How do you put the filters and pumps and lights and heaters and everything that goes with the tank to the tank?? (I really hope that made sense) It just seems like a giant puzzle to me and I am just so confused!!
Hey,
Great news about the research.thumbs2:
What type of tank do you plan to get? And what size?
As for your question Dance party answered it very well.
IMO and IME the heater should be were there is a fair amount of current flow from the filter. That way you get more even heat distribution.
As for where to place it all. That fairly easy. The components all come with instructions on were to place it all.
Just research what things you need for the tank.
Good luck, and enjoy the amazing hobby,
mac
dancethenparty
06-21-2009, 03:26 AM
I would drop the under gravel filter and just go with the canister.
agreed. the canister is a way better filter.
you guys are making me feel better about this, thank you.
thoughts on real plants? also any recomendations on types of filters, heaters, lights, etc.
As for filters I am for Fluval. The canister ones are great. Also the internal ones work great.
As for the under gravel types. They are best not used. They are far out dated, and there is a lot more better filtration systems out there.
As for plants, I am always for live plants. IF you go with the plants make sure you have to right lighting. Also ferts for the plants, and IME DIY cO2 set up.
mac
Anomaly
06-21-2009, 03:28 AM
you guys are making me feel better about this, thank you.
thoughts on real plants? also any recomendations on types of filters, heaters, lights, etc.
The filter you choose should ideally be able to handle double the capacity of your tank. The size heater you choose will also be dependent on the size of tank, although as far as brands go, I really like the Visitherm Stealth heaters because they're not made of glass. Lighting will also depend on if you want to go with live plants and if so, what type of plants.
rubberducks
06-21-2009, 03:29 AM
Hey,
Great news about the research.thumbs2:
What type of tank do you plan to get? And what size?
As for your question Dance party answered it very well.
IMO and IME the heater should be were there is a fair amount of current flow from the filter. That way you get more even heat distribution.
As for where to place it all. That fairly easy. The components all come with instructions on were to place it all.
Just research what things you need for the tank.
Good luck, and enjoy the amazing hobby,
mac
I believe a 55gal to start but I might change my mind again and just go with the 75gal. I am going to go with glass, my original thoughts were acrylic but people seem to talk me out of that with all the zoo animals I already own (just a precaution) I'm pretty sure I'm going to go to PETCO for the aquarium, where I live there aren't too many fish stores and they were the best.
IMO getting the largest you can get it. As for buying the fish tanks, you might want to look at getting one made. One you can get it made to suit the size you want. And then you can even make them larger than what you thought you could get. The only trouble is you need to get a stand made. But that not much of a problem.
Hope all goes well for you,
mac
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