Setting up new tank, advice?

[Semarin]

Greetings Aquaria Central!

I am setting up my first fish tank, and have been reading alot here about what is good and such. Here is what I have now.

20 Gallon Tank w/ matching lid.

It will be a freshwater tank, with some live plants and fish. After researching around, I think I am going to get the following.

Fluval 204 Cannister Filter (can't stand humming and don't like waterfall sounds)
EboJager 200 watt heater
Compact Flourescent lamps (replacing the flourescent ones)
Testkit(s)

As near as I can tell, that should basically cover the hardware. Is any of it (or all of it?) overkill for a 20 gallon tank? Thanks in advance for the help.

[mcps95]

One thing's for sure...you'll have very hot, very clean water. :)

[Blinky]

Welcome welcome welcome!
I think that when it comes to filtration it's really a matter of personal choice, and it's almost impossible to over filter. Many people will go for Eheim filters over Fluval, but Fluval canisters will do the job nicely as well. I'd say you might not need such a high heater wattage, unless your house is very cold. The disadvantage to too powerful a heater is if it ever becomes stuck in the 'on' position, it can raise the temperature in the tank very high, very quickly (though I've read this in many books, I've seen heaters stop working, but never seen one stick in the 'on' position, but I'll pass the advice on all the same). I wouldn't go over 150W for a 20g. Myself, I have a very warm apartment and use a 150W in my 45g and a 75W in the 20g. IMO, EboJager makes the best heaters around.
The test kits are a very good idea. Tetra makes an all in one 'Master' kit of liquid reagents, it's very reasonable and accurate.
Don't forget about all the little hardware, like a net, a thermometer, a fish-only bucket, water conditioner and a siphon hose (Pythons are worth their weight in gold) to do water changes.
On a slightly different note:
Most people here, myself included, will recommend you do a 'fishless' cycle on your tank. There is tons of information here on AC about how to do it, basically you add pure ammonia to the tank rather than adding fish right away to begin the nitrogen cycle.
Welcome to the hobby!

[Semarin]

Originally posted by mcps95
One thing's for sure...you'll have very hot, very clean water. :)
Hahah, thats why I am asking.

EDIT: Thanks for that info!

[Semarin]

Originally posted by Blinky
Welcome welcome welcome!
I think that when it comes to filtration it's really a matter of personal choice, and it's almost impossible to over filter. Many people will go for Eheim filters over Fluval, but Fluval canisters will do the job nicely as well. I'd say you might not need such a high heater wattage, unless your house is very cold. The disadvantage to too powerful a heater is if it ever becomes stuck in the 'on' position, it can raise the temperature in the tank very high, very quickly (though I've read this in many books, I've seen heaters stop working, but never seen one stick in the 'on' position, but I'll pass the advice on all the same). I wouldn't go over 150W for a 20g. Myself, I have a very warm apartment and use a 150W in my 45g and a 75W in the 20g. IMO, EboJager makes the best heaters around.
The test kits are a very good idea. Tetra makes an all in one 'Master' kit of liquid reagents, it's very reasonable and accurate.
Don't forget about all the little hardware, like a net, a thermometer, a fish-only bucket, water conditioner and a siphon hose (Pythons are worth their weight in gold) to do water changes.
On a slightly different note:
Most people here, myself included, will recommend you do a 'fishless' cycle on your tank. There is tons of information here on AC about how to do it, basically you add pure ammonia to the tank rather than adding fish right away to begin the nitrogen cycle.
Welcome to the hobby!
You replied just as I was replying to the first replier... :o
I do intend to do a fishless cycle initally on the tank. I will try and get "used filter media" right out of one of the tanks at the LFS to speed the process up though. We do keep our place kinda cold, but based on what you have said, I will get a smaller heater (maybe 150W max).
As for the filter, I'd like to get the Ehiem, but they are kinda pricey. So I am going to settle on the Fluval for now. (Is Ebay a bad idea for buying used filtration systems?)

I do have a couple more questions. Back when I was growin up, my folks would put new fish (still in the plastic bag) into the tank, and after an hour or so, would let them out of the bag. Is that still done? Also what is the reason for the fish only bucket? Do you put the fish in it while cleaning? Exactly what is this Python you speak of?

[dwayne]

I can't help you with your filtration questions...

A Python is a big hose with attachments for your faucet. I find it INVALUABLE!!! It makes water changes (almost) effortless. Petsmart sells them, though I got mine at bigalsonline.com cheaper (including s/h).

When I get new fish, I float the plastic bag in my tank, and add a turkey baster full of tank water directly into the plastic bag... every 15 minutes or so, then after about 2 hours I let the fish go into the tank (*preparing to be flamed for not quarantining fish first before adding into the tank*) This helps the fish acclimate to the ph of your tank, which may or may not differ from your lfs' ph.

Quarantining fish is commonly done, keeping new purchases in a smaller tank for 1-2 weeks before adding to your main tank, to avoid introduction of any hidden illnesses or parasites. I don't do this - others wouldn't be caught dead NOT doing it. I think it's a personal preference (and personal risk if you're willing to take it) :)

I have a fish only bucket, I used to use it for water changes, but now it just holds my python when it's not being used. I used the bucket when I re-decorated my tank a few months back, I put almost all my fish in there (to prevent stressing them out - I was changing gravel and decorations). It's not necessary to take your fish out of your tank when you do a water change, and it could actually stress them out more than just leaving them in the tank.

Welcome to AC!! :cool:

~Tara