Would like input suggestions on lighting, sand, filtration for a 26g freshwater

[john_matrix]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here so bear with me.

I just got a 26g Clarity Plus flat back, hex front acrylic aquarium.

It was free (the best price) from my friend's dad.

It started out like this: (gross)

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/john_matrix/P_00231.jpg


With some vinegar and careful cleaning, I managed to get it to look new. It doesn't even have scratches that I can see:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/john_matrix/P_00235.jpg


The dimensions of the tank are roughly 36X 13X 16.

It also came with a penguin 330 bio-wheel filter, which is operating.

My questions:

1) The hood had a 20 watt, 24" GE regular flourescent light bulb. It was burned out. What bulb would you recommend? Another cheapo GE or should I get a specialized aquarium bulb that would look nicer and brighter?

2) I would like to use sand as a substrate. Would you guys recommend this? I've read up on how to make sure to poke it to remove the pockets that cause anaerobic bacteria. What do you guys think about sand? I'd like to use Tahitian Moon for the look and I've read it's great stuff.

3) Is this filter enough? I've read it's good for up to 60 gallons.


4) Any recommendations for fish are welcome, it's a blank slate. I've checked out some books from the library, so I'm well on my way. But I haven't decided what fish to get. I think once I set it up and cycle it, then I'll actually get serious! :)


I want to fill this within a few months, but for now am just gathering info as this is only my second tank, and I want to do it right!


Thanks and sorry for the long post! :hi:

-Pat

[Mgamer20o0]

1 get a day light bulb and you will be fine. save your self the money and get something at home depot or lowes.

2 pool sand is what most people use. tahitian moon sand is nice have it in one of my 20 gal tanks. CaribSea Tropic Isle Tahitian Moon Sand 20 lb $13.99
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CS0821.html
or try http://www.drsfostersmith.com/

3 old filter not sure on the gph

4 build a stand.

[john_matrix]

Thanks for the input. I'll just get a cheap GE light at the hardware store.

[nchoe123]

while technically a hexagon (six sides), it's almost more logical to refer to that tank as a "bowfront"-- at least when looking for a stand.

looks cool though... hope you rinsed off the vinegar though :)

[john_matrix]

I'm probably going to build a stand this weekend. Don't worry, it's going to be very sturdy and distribute the weight evenly.

And yeah, I rinsed it thoroughly.

I might set this one up and let it sit for at least a month with no fish in it, I'm not in a real hurry to stock it yet.

I have to build the stand first though.

[john_matrix]

This past Sunday I built the stand, it's not much but very sturdy. I have yet to stain it. Might do that this weekend.

I filled it yesterday with about 30 pounds of Tahitian Moon sand. (and of course water)

The penguin 330 cleaned it up very nice overnight. 24 hours later and it is crystal clear.

Here are some crappy cell phone pics:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/john_matrix/P_00258.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/john_matrix/P_00256.jpg



Once the tank is cycled, I'm thinking of stocking with 2 dwarf guaramis, A pleco, 2 rams, and maybe a school of tetras or guppies.

Does this sound ok? I'd also like to add a few mystery snails.

[tankboy_taylor]

Nice job with the tank.

[Squawkbert]

If you insist on a Gourami, I'd just get one DG or Honey Gourami (they tend to fight unless paired, and they're a tad aggressive). Tetra schools are nice. You could, with that tank's top, go w/ Hatchets for the top... they'd have a pretty hard time jumping out of that tank.

If it were me, using what you have already, I'd probably go w/ fishless cycle until the tank could zero out ~6PPM ammonia over night, then I'd add 5 hatchets, 15 Cardinals, 5 Khulis or a couple of Yoyo/Horseface/hillstream/whatever sm. loaches are available (or 6 sm. Cory cats - Adolfoi, Schwarz, Panda, Sterbai - any of the neat ones you can find - get 5-6 of same species) and, if/when algae gets to be an issue, some Otos. Of course, w/ as little as I know abt. the loaches, some reading would be in order before buying them.

If I had caught this earlier, I'd have suggested a 55W PC retrofit & live plants.

[H3D]

CaribSea Tropic Isle Tahitian Moon Substrate is not safe to use with bottom dwelling species.

[john_matrix]

If you insist on a Gourami, I'd just get one DG or Honey Gourami (they tend to fight unless paired, and they're a tad aggressive).

Can you explain? A pair will make them NOT fight, correct?


H3D, can you tell me why this sand is not good for bottom dwellers?

That's good information, and I haven't seen it listed anywhere else yet.

I'm trying to compile a lot of info before I actually stock to make sure I get all compatible fish, etc.

I have a few books from the library that I am pouring through.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. :goldfish:

[H3D]

H3D, can you tell me why this sand is not good for bottom dwellers?

That's good information, and I haven't seen it listed anywhere else yet.

I'm trying to compile a lot of info before I actually stock to make sure I get all compatible fish, etc.

I have a few books from the library that I am pouring through.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. :goldfish:

The information is available right on the CaribSea website where it says:

Soft Belly Safe - No
Burrower Friendly - No

CaribSea Tropic Isle Tahitian Moon Substrate is not sand. It is an artificially made substrate which is actually more similar to small pieces of glass.

If you are truly interested in "black" sand consider using the sand from www.moonglowcandles.com (http://www.moonglowcandles.com/) .

[john_matrix]

Wow I didn't even see their web site before I bought it, it never popped up when googling.

Well I guess I won't get any bottom feeders then.

This is why I am doing more research before buying fish.