Setting up a new tank.

F

Frat

Registered Member
Mar 26, 2007
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Alright, so here is my situation. I've never really had a "real" tank, when I was in middle school I ran a ten gallon tank for about six months before it cracked and after that I never had a tank again. Now that I'm grown, I've been interested in setting up a larger tank (most likely a 29-40 gallon) and I was thinking about going with cichlids but I'm fairly sure that I have ruled them out based on the fact that I would like a rather active tank and my research suggests that I would only be able to have a few cichlids in a tank of that size.

So basically what I am in need of is a few suggestions on:
  • What type of fish to look into, I'd like to have a decent balance of top, middle, and bottom swimmers.
  • What pumps are the most quiet (Whisper, etc).
  • Should I use a bottom filter?
  • What heater should I get?
  • What is the best method for changing tank water?
  • And just about anything that might help me with my tank endeavor.
I'm on a bit of a budget but I figure I can splurge a bit in order to get this up and running. I am also aware that I will need to get the tank, set it up and let it run for awhile before introducing fish, however I'm not sure how long I should let it sit.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys,
Frat
 
Okay, first, PLEASE don't take this the wrong way, and also understand that I applaud your candor and willingness to ask before "jumping right in"!!! Thank You! :D

With that, here is a fantastic resource. This is a link to our Article Section. Feel free read up on as much as applies to you and by ALL MEANS post any questions, concerns, clarifications, etc. ! http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=59

Now, for a 29-40G tank you have quite a list. Species tank (same species in mass or 1-2 giants!) vs. community tank, and further than this, what type of cummunity tank. For example if going with african cichlids it would be best to 'keep it in the family', but this is not absolute as there are always exceptions! ;)

It would be a LOT easier if you had some prefernces we could bounce some ideas back to you on. I don't want to get too wordy, but just ask :)

Pump, filters an heaters are a bit case specific mostly due to size and species selection. Generally a 250W heater is good for say up to 55G or so - I prefer submersable (so I can help hide them better).

Water Changes (WCs), well...I just use the o'tried and true bucket method spiked with a dechlorinated (i.e. Prime) and add them to the tank (making sure the water temp is the same). I would also suggest a gravel vac to do at each WC to remove any excess food and fish poo! :)

Basically, it may sound like a lot, but really it's fairly direct once you get going and if you ru into issues - well that's what more knowledgeable ppl than i are for!!!

Man, welcome to the addicition!!! :D
 
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly!

After shopping around a bit today, I'm thinking that a 29G tall is the right tank for me, it fits my budget and it isn't overly large.

As far as fish go, I'm not opposed to going multi-specie or sticking to a single specie as long as they are colorful, and most importantly active. I'd also like to stock my tank with at LEST 10 fish not counting a cat and a pleco. I'm planning on setting the tank up about five feet from the head of my bed so keeping it as quiet as possible is also high on my agenda.
 
I understand what you mean by wanting it to be quiet so you can sleep in the same room as the tank. If you want super quiet and total efficiency then I would go with an eheim classic canister filter. I think the 2213 would be appropiate for your size tank. It is dead silent and I mean totally silent. I have these filters going on two of my aquariums and they are so quiet you would never know that they are even running. I have to check them to make sure they are still running. I love these filters since thier performance is flawless and have had no problems in the four years or so that I have used them. However, they do tend to be a bit pricey but in my opnion they are well worth the money.

Marinemom
 
I have a Rena X3 and it is also extremely quiet. My lighting hood fans make far, far more noise than my filter!
 
I use a Hang-on-Back (HoB) Filter w/ my tank, but I have a 29/30G tank; Eclipse III. I like it b/c it is a complete unit (perfect for beginners IMO) and has a totaly enclosed hood (comes w/ light filters, etc.). I got mine for around $100. Also, the water flow outlet is moveable and I have mine angled against the back tank wall (reduces noise and current). Although to be honest, I wouldn't want it near my head trying to sleep!!! (My Sig below has my community tank setup for some starting ideas, but the options are endless!)

Marinemom - I will have to check that canister out for my 75G, Thanks! ;)
 
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