Starting up FW-What equipment is needed?

zacdl

zacdl

AC Members
Aug 14, 2005
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Oklahoma
www.zactrades.com
I just LOVE the simplicity of FW. It is so easier than SW and I can leave just about anybody to care for the tank if I am gone or something. Just extreemly simple and low maintince, looking forward to it actually.

I want to prevent as many things as I can if I go to FW. Like in SW I should have gotten a Phosphate remover, but never thought of it. Could have prevented this cyano outbreak. If you get my drift.


SO! Now what do I need? Everything from sand to lighting.

What I currently have:
30 gallon hex tank (Its a taller tank, was thinking "angels")
72 Watts (I thought it was 2x32 but its actually 2x36, sig is wrong) of CF lighting. I remember something like 2 WPG for plants. So somewhere along 3 WPG (Pretty darn close, actual water volume after stuff is added will be less) will be more than I need. I currently have an Actinic and 10,000K bulb, I will have to get rid of those and get two 6500K (Everyone agree with this?)
A Whisper 20 filer. Great little filter, works fine. This will do me for the filter I think.
100 Watt Stainless Steel Thermostat Controlled heater. I love this thing, love stainless steel. I love the idea you set it to a TEMPERATURE rather than a NOTCH.

I think that is about all I have equipment wise that I will need for FW (The rest is SW stuff). Obviously I need a FW test kit, food, etc.

Next... CO2. I was thinking of getting this setup:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/detailed_image.cfm?pCatId=8981
Does 20 gallons, but in my previous experiances 20 gallon stuff normally does a 30 gallon tank. What kind of CO2 systems do you guys prefer (Cheap ones )


Substrate. I seem to recall being told NOT to use sand. What shall I use? I really dont want to go for the cheezy blue gravel look again....
Here is a link to these peoples substrates:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+113555

Ups and downs of each substrate?


Driftwood. Any places to buy driftwood online? How do you guys aquascape FW aquariums? What kind of plan would you think would work well with my tank? Current pics at www.zactrades.com/gallery


I will try lookin at fish, seeing what I like out there and see if they are all compatible and let you know.


I just havent been in the FW ballpark so long I just cant remember what all I need. Suggestions welcome, I would like to make this work!
 
you need to get a airbubbler and for driftwood petsmart.com you can get a bubbler there too :D
 
sublime1184 said:
No, it is not at all.

As for the substrate, you should go with sand since it seems you are doing a planted tank
Click to expand...

flourite is also quite popular. I releases trace minerals to the roots.
 
bubbler definitely not necessary. in fact if you are adding co2, an would be undesirable.
I use natural gravel substrate. I only use hadry low light plants so i don't deal with co2 Or special substrates.
( If you are after 'simple' you could do the same... 3w/g Might encourage green algae, but if you keep the nitrates down and have plenty of other plants that might take care of that. It is all i have usualy had to do, maybe limit hrs/day of light, have a snail or two )
The people in Planted tanks might give you a good response re substrates and co2.
the diy co2 systems seem popular around here.
I tend to favor Over filterring rather than minimal filtering.. I would say that with the relatively low surface area to volumn of your style of tank, plus the under filtration, you will want to stock very lightly.
have fun ! :cool2:
 
OOOOooo...lots of questions...lol...

I would go with Echo-Complete substrate for planted tanks. It's got everythign in it the plants need to start them off right, including some stuff to get the cycle going...and you don't rinse it !! It's cloudy at first, but settles out pretty quickly.

I would get a larger filter than the whisper 20...but do make it a whisper filter...no carbon if you're doing a planted tank. The whispers are good for planted tanks because you get very minimal surface agitation...which you don't want alot of bubbling around at the surface of a planted tank...so, no airstone. I sometimes also add a small sponge filter in a back corner as well...can't have too much filtration in my opinion...and sponge filters are EASY to maintain...just rinse the sponge in the old water when you do a water change from time to time.

As far as lighting.....if you go with only 2 watts per gallon you'll probably not need the CO2.....and eliminate one more gadget to worry about..lol. I use Flourish Excel as a carbon source in my tanks. It's a bit expensive, but the largest tank I have is a 29...so I don't use too awful much of it...and dose every other day. I wouldn't want to buy that for a tank any larger than that though....($ KacHING...KaCHING $)

Put your substrate in and the plants and driftwood the way you want it...let it run for a bit till it clears and then go get some otocinclus. They'll be your algae eaters. At least 3, maybe 4 for that tank. Don't add anymore fish for a bit and keep an eye on your ammonia/nitrite cycle. I'm guess you're familiar with testing water since you've already done SW. The Echo-Complete helps the cycle get started and you shouldn't have too much of a problem with that if you take your time adding other fish.

That'll get you started..........Good luck and have fun in your new endeavor ! Lol...most people Start with a freshwater tank and then go to SW....you're doing it backwards....lol.. :D
 
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Well actually Ive dont Ponds, FW Aquariums, then SW Aquariums, so not relaly backwords, just tired of messing with the SW (I am thinking it may be more work than I can handle this year)

OK so I will get Eco Complete.
What depth do I need it to be? Would a 20 pound bag do me for this tank?


Why should I use LESS light? I thought algeas liked the lower-light type stuff.
As far as CO2 I was thinking of getting something cheap like this:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4603&N=2004+113779

In Chemical form. My canopy is custom-cut to my tank, and as far as getting another filter, this one will do me (Been keeping up with SW, I am sure it will keep up with FW too).

I know all about the nitrogen process, just need to know what all I need to get to start off with! Once I get a better idea I will post my "Order list" and see if I have it right.
 
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