40G breeder shrimp tank - need help please :-)

[Yadokari]

I've decided not to tamper with the PH my current shrimp/fish/snail tank because it is too much trouble and I don't like the side effects of peat. blah blah, anyway, I decided to make a 40G breeder shrimp tank for my crystals.
However, I need help with a bunch of stuff.
GirlieGirl8521 has helped me a TON by showing me what light fixtures to use and how much ada soil to use for the shrimp tank.

Although, I still have some questions I'd like answered, before I start buying the stuff! Here it goes...

- It's a large tank, so I'm wondering what kind of filter I should use. I was thinking of an HOB filter, but I'm scared of the intake sucking them up and I really don't want to have to shove a sponge up the intake, it looks awful. Is there a better way to cover the intake with a sponge? Where should I get the sponge?

- Do under gravel filters work? Would I still need to gravel vac with these filters? This tank will be planted.

- Are there any suggestions in what kind of filter I should use for such a large tank, yet not hurt my shrimp and their babies?

- How much of my PH will ada soil reduce? I will be using amazon. My current PH on tap is 7.6
My goal is to hit 7.0

- I want this tank to be like a "Japan" theme. I ordered marimo balls for this tank. Does anyone have a list or know plants that come from Japan? I tried looking this info up but all I get is "east asia" plants. I'm not really going to be anal about everything having to be strictly from Japan, but I'm going to try that theme anyway :-) Especially since practically everything I have ordered for the tank has originated from Japan.

That's all I can think of for now...
It's a lot of questions, so I don't expect anyone to know the answer to every single one. Any help is very much appreciated ^^
Thank youuu!

[Arakkis]

Dude.. that's a tall order.. PMing you my cell number, we'll talk since you're in my area it'll be easier

[Mgamer20o0]

well sounds like one crazy tank. i would do a couple sponge filters.
http://www.kensfish.com/aticompletefilters.html
i use the HYDRO sponge filters i would prob get 2-3 of the #4 filter might even look at the stackable so you can have 4 sponges in the same area as 2.

if i was doing a underground filter i would do a rugf. uses a canister or power head to push water down. you again will will have to worry about a pre filter. i have most of my tanks on just sponge filters but i do have some with hob filters. i havent had a problem at all with the hobs with a sponge filter over the intake.

not sure with the ada soil

[Yadokari]

I still need help! I'd prefer not to have to order from that sponge filter online, although it's very VERY tempting. The shipping is just so expensive from that store :(

[msjinkzd]

I don't see anyway to avoid sponges on the intake if you want an HOB filter, they are pretty easy to disguise behind good plants. If it was my tank i would do a canister filter with a spray bar to diffuse the current. Are the shrimp going to be the only inhabitants? you may not need to gravel vac much if they are and you don't overfeed. The ada soil will likely get you to your target ph, or at least good enough for the shrimp.

[Mgamer20o0]

cheaper then bigals for one..... prices are great and as you add more the shipping doesnt go up much.

no one said you couldnt find one local though the prices will most likely be more. if your buying more then one your most likely going to save.

[Yadokari]

I'm going to have 78 watts for this tank, do you guys think my lights are "high" enough for me to bubble in co2 safely?

[Yadokari]

I just realized that my Japan theme is already ruined because I'm throwing in African Driftwood.

Haha..... I'm lame. Helppp :-) I looked up canister filters, they're so expensive, it hurts just looking at the price. Thank you for the help everyone!
MG, I was wondering why you suggested to get 2 of the #4s. It says it's "Up to 80 gallons". Having two would be overkill, wouldn't it? If not, why? I'm going to keep this strictly shrimp-only tank. I'm even going to try my very best to avoid snails in this tank. The moment I see one on a plant, I will either squish it or relocate it into my other tanks.

[Mgamer20o0]

just like any filter its over rated. put one on each end. what kind of lighting is it? you can add co2 safely to any tank.

[Yadokari]

Lighting is this one.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+16770&pcatid=16770
36 inches - 78 watts

I have gotten replies before, saying that co2 isn't really needed because my lights being way too low. I have a 15 watt stick over my 20G high. Not bothering with co2 there because co2 wouldn't do much due to very small lighting, apparently.

Two of those giant things will be hard to cover up with plants. Do you think 2 #3 filters will be okay? Or how big is the #4 exactly? I like that the site has pictures, but they all look the same! No measurements or anything is what disappoints me :(

[Mgamer20o0]

well with that your going to need to switch out the one bulb so its for freshwater. the actinic wont help much. ill get back to you on the size.

[Yadokari]

Oh, no no no :) I'm getting the FW version, scroll down a bit more and it's there.

[Mgamer20o0]

ok just making sure.