First Aquarium

[Ampatent]

All right, so I'm planning on buying my first aquarium soon and I'd like some opinions on the items I've selected for purchase.

The Aquarium
]Clear For Life Rectangle Aquarium 29 Gallons (30L x 12W x 18H in) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Stand
]Aquarium Furniture (20L/29/37 Gallon Upright Stand) and Aquarium Furniture (20L/29/37 Gallon Canopy) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Filter
]Marineland Emperor BIO-Wheel Powerfilter (Emperor 280) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.) and ]Marineland Empereor Rite-Size E Filter Cartridges (4-pk) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Heater
]Visi-Therm Stealth Heater (100W) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Gravel
]Natural Gravel ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Air Pump
]Hydor Ario 3 Turbo Air Pump ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Air Stone
]ECO LED Accent Light ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Algae Control
]AlgaeFix (Freshwater 8oz) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Ammonia Remover
]Ammo-Lock ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Bacterial Additives
]New Tank Stabilization (8 ½ fl oz) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Clarifier
]Pro-Clear Freshwater (16 oz) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Testers
]Hanna Instruments Testers (pH/EC/TDS Combo) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Feeder
]Aqua Chef Automatic Fish Feeder ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

Siphon
]Python No Spill Clean ‘N Fill (25 ft) ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

So, is there anything I'm missing off my list? Anything I should considering removing or changing?

(I didn't include decorative items as I believe they are just a matter of personal opinion)

Also, it's worth mentioning that I'm not ENTIRELY sure as to which fish would be best to start with. If I can, I'd like to cycle my tank without fish that way I won't have to worry about my first fish dieing off or having to keep fish that are a little "under whelming". So, if anyone can suggest some good fish I would appreciate it. What I'm hoping to do is have a small school with a couple of lone small/medium fish and a single "feature" fish that is either larger or more colorful than the others.

[jaysee]

Wow, that's quite a list.

Tank - acrylic is nice, but scratches easily and is more expensive.

Stand - looks good

Filter - good choice. I have one on one of my 29s. I'd go with that or an AC70.

Heater - excellent choice. I have switched all my heaters to the stealths.

Gravel - it's your choice. Also depends somewhat on the fish you want to keep.

Air pump - It's for you, not the fish. You don't need it. I don't use them so no comment on the product you chose.

Air stone - looks cool. Thought about one myself, but I don't like air pumps.

Algae control - not needed

Ammonia remover - DEFINITELY not needed, but it's good to have on hand in case of a disaster.

Bacterial additive - I'm a believer and religiously use one. I've never used the one you picked out, but seachem is a good company.

Clarifier - Don't know, don't use them.

Testers - A simple liquid test kit is sufficient. You mainly will be testing for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, all of which that tester machine does not do.

Feeder - Never used one. When I go away I just don't feed them.

Siphon - The python is AWESOME. F*** buckets

[jaysee]

You forgot food. New life spectrum and hikari are good brands to check out.

Cycling without fish is a good idea. That'll give you plenty of time to figure everything out and research the care needs of the fish. Decor is personal choice, but some fish do care and would be happier with one kind over another.

You're gonna lose fish...that's just the way it is. That's how you learn. "When everything you've done is wrong, what's left is what's right."

When you're picking fish, considder where in the tank they swim. Choose something for the bottom, something for the top, and a centerpiece fish that swims everywhere. Top and bottom fish should be in schools, and the certerpiece as either a single or a sexed pair.

[Twe3k]

that aquarium comes with that stand? if so thats a decent price:)

[Ampatent]

As far as the aquarium material goes, I don't want to get a cube aquarium because I don't have the room for it. I'd rather have a rectangular acrylic tank than a cube glass tank, but I'd much rather have a rectangular glass tank if you know of a reputable place to find one.

How's this for a test kit? [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Also, would it be a good idea to buy a permanent thermometer as well?

[jaysee]

As far as the aquarium material goes, I don't want to get a cube aquarium because I don't have the room for it. I'd rather have a rectangular acrylic tank than a cube glass tank, but I'd much rather have a rectangular glass tank if you know of a reputable place to find one.

How's this for a test kit? [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Also, would it be a good idea to buy a permanent thermometer as well?

For a new glass tank, I'd check out the pet chain stores and your LFS. For a used tank, craigslist is the way to go. Rectangles are much prefered over cubes.

That test kit is what you need.

Permanent thermometer is good.

[angc84]

Remember your check valve!

Also i'd be careful with the gravel choise. It is a pain in the butt to switch out if you decide to plant your tank later down the road.

I also suggest that you run two filters...easier to clean your filter alternatively and less of a disaster if you accidentally kill the bacterial in one!

[MonkeyPox]

Did I miss lights? A top for the aquarium?

I second looking at the big box stores for tanks, furniture, and any larger/heavier pieces. You can usually find a good combo deal and you don't have to pay for shipping.

[Ampatent]

Ok, I've found a Craigslist Aquarium (29Gal) and Stand that's only $70. So I'm probably going to end up with that.

All right, let me see if I'm understanding you guys...

I don't need the ammonia remover, algae control, clarifier, or feeder. I've found a better test kit and am going to buy a permanent thermometer. If everyone else thinks it would be a good idea (worth the money) I'll get two of the filters, or should I get two smaller versions of the Emperor BIO-Wheel?

I'm going to see whether or not this aquarium I'm buying comes with a canopy and lights already and if not I'll check back to see what you guys recommend.

As far as food goes, I'm not entirely concerned about it right now. I'm going to try and fishless cycle the tank using the New Tank Stabilizer treatment.

[jaysee]

You picked out a feeder but are not concerned about food....:hmm3grin2orange:

You can find some great deals on craigslist.

Good filtration for a 29 is either 1 emperor 280, 1 AC70 or 2 AC30's (or 50s or a 30 and a 50). Avoid the penguin filters.

You don't need ammonia remover because the biological filter should handle it in all cases except a disaster. Even then, a water change is better as a first step in a crisis. If you use the ammonia remover, it weakens the benificial bacteria colonies.

Algae control should be handled by propper lighting times and water changes to keep nitrates down. Bottle solutions only temporarily fix the problem. Without correcting the cause of the problem, you'll get stuck in a loop.

Make sure when you get the ammonia that there aren't any detergents in it. If you're not sure, shake the bottle. If there are sudsy bubbles, there are detergents.

[Ampatent]

As far as lighting times go, is there a specific length of continuous lighting that I need to stick to or should I alternate between night lighting and day lighting?

What exactly is a good procedure?

(Also, as far as the type of light goes, I'd like one that doesn't create that "river water" color. I would prefer either a completely neutral color or a blue hue)

[Ampatent]

Another thing just came up...

Would it be better to start off with live plants or switch to live plants after I've gotten everything working and gotten used to the fish?

[rich311k]

As far as lighting goes, if you have no live plants just turn them on when you want to see your fish. Once you plant 8-10 hours a day is good. Consistancy is a good thing. get a timer so you do not have to worry about it.

You can plant whenever you wish. It is up to you. As long as you have enough lighting. 1 watt a gallon will allow for easy, low light plants.

[jaysee]

If you're new to aquariums, I would wait on the plants. Once you are comfortable with keeping fish and have gotten most of the mistakes out of the way, then add plants. That's just my opinion.

[Ampatent]

Ok, I've been looking at some hardy freshwater fish and this is the list I've put together that I would like.

Veil Angel
Tiger Barb
Neon Tetra
Cory Cat
Harlequin Rasbora
Black Phantom Delta Guppy (My Personal Favorite)
Swordtail

So what I need from you guys is some idea as far as numbers, compatibility, and set-ups. As mentioned in my original post, I'd like at least one school and a feature fish, everything else is just gravy.

If possible, I'd like to work the Guppy in as best as possible, but if it greatly limits my choices then I'm willing to nix it for a better set-up.

Thanks in Advance.

[jaysee]

Skip the tiger barbs and the angelfish and your stock is good. A 29 is not a big tank.

[Ampatent]

I didn't mean having ALL of those fish in one tank, that was just the list of fish I would like to have.

What do you think would be a good number of each fish?

[Lab_Rat]

I would do 1 angel, approx 10 rasboras, 6 cories, and a couple of guppies if that is your favorite. Neons are likely to be eaten by an angel, they are the natural food of the angel in the wild. Avoid any torpedo shaped small fish with angels. The guppies may also be angel food, just be aware of that.

Tiger barbs are quite feisty and would be cool if you wanted to do a species only tank. You could probably do about 8 or so tiger barbs. Swordtails can get a bit big (5" iirc), platies look a lot like swords and behave similarly so that may be an option too.

[Ampatent]

Ok, got another question...

If I do get that many Corys will they keep all the algae and left over food/detritus cleaned up or should I also consider a snail or clam?

[jaysee]

Corys will eat the leftover food that falls to the bottom, but will not eat old moldy food. They do not eat algae or detritus. A snail is always helpful. I have malaysian trumpet snails. I believe it was Robflanker that said "MTS are like herpes...once you've gottem, you've gottem."

[Ampatent]

Well I got the tank, and I've cleaned it out and set it up. It came with a lot of accessories and some are good and others not so much. One of the filters is an Whisper 30 Power Filter, it looks like it hasn't been used a lot, but the only thing on the inside is a filter cartridge (is that how it's supposed to be?). I'm trying to decide whether or not to use this filter or buy the Emperor BIO-Wheel filter.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Also, it came with what looks like bubble makers or water movers... I'm not entirely sure.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Unfortunanely the hood and light are kind of iffy. The hood doesn't latch on and the light is pretty old, but it still works.

It also came with some gravel, fake drift wood, and a second filter. I might use the drift wood decoration, but the gravel is really ugly rainbow colored and the other filter is WAY dirty and old.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

One last question... there are two sticker thermometers on the sides of the aquarium and I'd like to get them off but I don't want to damage or scratch the glass. Any suggestions for removing them?

[jaysee]

Hahahaha - one last question :hmm3grin2orange:

You can use a razor blade to remove them. The tank and stand look great. The filter sucks. An emperor (not a penguin) 280 or an AC70 is the way to go.

The thing that came in the filter is the "biofilter", not a cartridge. That is supposed to go after the cart.

[Ampatent]

Awesome, thanks for offering so much help jaysee.

[Ampatent]

Argh! Too many ideas!

I've decided that I want an Oriental themed aquarium, but I don't want to limit myself to just Asian fish types. Will having fake plants themed around the Asian waters effect my fish that come from other parts of the world?

[rich311k]

I can assure you the fish will not care. You could put neon colored plants in there the fish will still hide in them, they might laugh at you, but they will be all right with them.

[Ampatent]

I know I'm probably getting really annoying by now, but I'm just trying to be as safe as possible.

Rather than go with gravel I'd like to use some kind of sand for my Oriental themed aquarium. Are there any special precautions that I have to take for fine grain sand? Does the tank having freshwater fish, fake plants, or certain filters, heaters, and air stones going to effect the sand?

[jaysee]

I know I'm probably getting really annoying by now, but I'm just trying to be as safe as possible.

Rather than go with gravel I'd like to use some kind of sand for my Oriental themed aquarium. Are there any special precautions that I have to take for fine grain sand? Does the tank having freshwater fish, fake plants, or certain filters, heaters, and air stones going to effect the sand?

Yeah, wash the S*** out of it. And then wash it again!