How’s this for a plan ?

[citizen clive]

This is going to be my first attempt at keeping tropical fish, spent a lot of time researching the subject, believe I have all the basic down now. Would like to end up with something in the 100-gal range, but going to start with a 20-gal long.

So here’s the planned set up, basically a test for a larger tank, any and all advice welcome.

20 gal long tank,
2 x Canister filters( maybe a little to much for a 20 gal )
Inline heater
Inline ultraviolet
Drip system for water changing, so tank will have some type of overflow.
I think I’m going to start with a couple of kribs.

Thanks,

Clive

[James`]

Hey welcome to the fourms.

The preliminary research is always a great thing! If you go for two canister filters I am going to reccomend you pack it with customized media such as more ceramic rings, bioballs, porous rock such as Seachem matrix, and perhaps even seachem Purigan after your cycle. I like carbon but I would only keep it in one filter.

In specific I would keep the carbon in your canister connect to uv. This canister should also be your slower one so the dwell time on the uv is DECREASED for better results.

Inline heaters such as hydro are neat if you don't trust or enjoy the aesthetics of a submersible heater. I keep two 50watt heaters In my 20.

If you're trying to implement an easy water change method I would consider going for a SUMP style filter over the canisters, or perhaps a sump with supplemented canister filtration. There's many benefits to a SUMP I'd encourage you to read further into. Might as well educate yourself on refugiums also just so you're ready for that 100gallon.

Angle your canister spray bars slightly at the surface to create oxygenating agitation.

When I used powder conditioners I would put buckets and have them reverse flow into the aquarium from gang valves.. It made me feel more comfortable like the fish appreciated it.. After working at a fish store for awhile I care less now and just dump water straight into top of tank and don't worry about temperature either... You'd be surprised at how little [my] fish care. Depends on care levels I guess.

[Cliff]

If this is your first set-up, then I would suggest to keep it simple. Get a good quality canister filter, hydor in-line heater, and a python water changer. Complete a fishless cycle to kick things off (link below in my sig)

Once you have gained some experience and knowledge, then I would consider the other options you have listed

[Compass]

I second what Cliff said in keeping it simple. I find that buying less equipment and finding out you want more is better than getting all of it and realizing that you have too much. 1 canister filter will be plenty for a tank this big. Especially for Kribs. I would remove the carbon in the filter and add more ceramic media like James said. Also, if you DO like the technical stuff and you want easier water changes then go with what James said about the sump. However, Cliff's suggestion of using a python water siphon is excellent and easy to use. As far as the ultraviolet light goes, if you keep up with maintenance and care of you tank, then is is a bit superfluous. It has it's uses, but I just don't think it is worth it on a first time build.

[fishmommie]

++ to Cliff and Compass. KISS it. Keep It Simple Silly :o_) I've been keeping fish for only 3 years now but still, 3 years is a lot of time to make mistakes and learn at the same time. Better to learn with much less expense. My 90 gal has 2 canisters, 2 heaters. No sump. No inline. No UV No complications. See if you like the hobby before getting in to deep (pardon the pun). And do ask questions here. Everyone is willing to help.

Have you got stock in mind?
And I, too, suggest a fishless cycle.

[mermaidnessa]

While I applaud your thorough research, I too must agree with keeping it simpler! (and also much cheaper!)

On my 20 Long (full of praecox rainbowfish) I run a Tetra 30 HOB filter (~$20 online) on one end of the aquarium and a Fluval internal filter (the one with the spray bar, ~$15 online) on the other end to help with water circulation and add a little extra bio filtration. The heater is a submersible 100 watt Via Aqua with thermostat (~$15 online). The equipment may be cheap but everything has been running great for about 3 years and I've never had any issues.

Kribs would be great in that size tank, but if you plan on more than one pair make sure you provide plenty of hiding space since they can get pretty feisty with each other. Cichlids have pretty high metabolisms, so water changes will definitely be important. I think gravel siphoning is better than an overflow in this case, since most of your nitrates will be coming from the gunk breaking down in your gravel bed.

[talldutchie]

This is going to be my first attempt at keeping tropical fish, spent a lot of time researching the subject, believe I have all the basic down now. Would like to end up with something in the 100-gal range, but going to start with a 20-gal long.

So here’s the planned set up, basically a test for a larger tank, any and all advice welcome.

20 gal long tank,
2 x Canister filters( maybe a little to much for a 20 gal )

No, way too much. An eheim 2213 or similar will be quite enough

Inline heater

Nice for looks but not necessary for functionality

Inline ultraviolet

Totally unnecessary for most systems

Drip system for water changing, so tank will have some type of overflow.
I think I’m going to start with a couple of kribs.

Thanks,

Clive

A couple of kribs won't need all that fancy stuff.