Setting up a new tank

[Booswalia]

Hi,
I've decided to set up a new tank and I have a few questions that perhaps the group could help me with.

First of all I have a 25 gallon tall tank, 2 bags of flourite on order along with Seachems Nitrogen, Potasium, Phosphorous and Iron. 70 Watts of flourecent lighting and DIY C02.

I'd like to get some circulation in the tank and my AquaClear 200 is getting old, so I'm wondering what people would suggest for a filter.

Also, if there's any major advise that anyone has ...... I'm always in need of good advise.

I currently have a 20 gallon planted tank that's been set up for 5 or 6 years, but I think it's time to replace the substrate and start new. (Now that I know a little more about what I'm doing......I think.) :confused:

I don't have room for a larger tank, so I'm going to use a 25 gallon tall with the same foot print as my 20 gallon. That way I can use the lights etc.

Thanks. It's great to have a place where I can at least ask the questions. I live in an area where VERY few people have planted tanks.

Shirley

[Glenstorm]

um I actually just finished the opposite transition. . . I had a 20G tall and switched to a 20G regular. It has been a big improvement for the plants. This may be a discouragement for you, but I would say stick to the 20G just replace the substrate.

I don't have any advice to offer regarding the filters, except personal experience. I have an Eheim Liberty that I am happy with. One caveat with them is that their primary filters cartridges are carbon netting. Activated Carbon is regarded by some as anti-productive because it removes most of the ferts and traces that we add. Instead of Eheims catridges I just bought some generic filter foam and cut the pieces to fit the filter when I need a new one. . .

Also if you get a HOB filter make sure to keep your water level relatively high so that there isn't a long fall to the surface. This causes added agitation and dissipates the CO2 you are adding. . .

Good luck with your new tank!! Hope it turns out well

[nvision]

shirley, if your space is limited and you don't want to compensate any extra space behind the tank to fit gadgets, you can look into internal filters if you don't mind losing a bit of space inside the tank.

i've ditched all my canister filters after years of owning them because i got really sick of dealing with hoses and connector plugs. i actually prefer to have my tanks self-contained, so they fit cleanly at any corner or wall surface. for 25g, check out the fluval plus 2. i'm running that in my 20g long and it's quite easy to use and very quiet.

[Booswalia]

I hear what you're saying about the tall tank, but I really want to give it a try. If it doesn't work out, I can always switch back. May angel say's, "Go for it". :)

I was looking at a Fluval submersible. It seems like the most suitable that I've seen so far.

Is there anything that I should be mindful of as I'm doing the switch?

I can break in the tank with the old filter, but what about getting the plants off to a good start. Should I put in all fast growers to start? Fertilize right away or leave it for while? Or anything else?

Thanks.
Shirley

[djlen]

You will be running almost 3 watts/gal. with DIY CO2. IMO, you want as little surface agitation as possible. You want to get your CO2 concentration into the high 20's in ppm and load up on the cheapie, fast growers initially. A Fluval is a good choice because not only do you have less agitation, but you can run your CO2 line into the bottom of it and then it becomes a reactor as well.
I have a 40 gal. with a Fluval and an AquaClear 200. I run the AC on low flow and it seems to work out nicely, although I know I'm wasting CO2 by using it. It's just very convenient for cleaning and dosing ferts.
A great way to cycle the new tank is before you break down the old one, siphon off enough water to put your AC sponges into and squeeze them to clean out all the debris. Keep the sponges wet in that water. If you have the means, siphon off as much of the old tank's water into a holding vessel. Then when filling the new tank you can add that water back into it. After filling the new tank up, take the sponges out of the "dirty" water, replace into the filter and start it running in the new tank. NOW, take the "dirty" water from the sponge cleaning and siphon that right into your brand new, clean tank. Try to distribute it around so that as much as possible goes into your new substrate. I know it sounds awful, but it will clear in a short time and it will be seeding your new tank with beneficial bacteria that it needs.
If you have loaded up the tank with plants you are all ready for a few fish and the tank will completely cycle within days(the time it takes for the new plants to establish themselves), adding fish gradually ofcourse.
Start your ferts, and CO2 between 20 - 30 ppm and you're in business.
Len

[Booswalia]

Thanks djlen. I like that cycling method. It should work well.

My flourite arrived today. Guess I know what I'm gonna be cleaing tonight.

Better gidadit.

Shirley