Upgraded to 75 Gallon

thebeasle · May 20, 2013

I've had this 75 Gallon Aquarium a couple months now. At the insistence of AC members, I also got a proper tank stand for it. I'm really happy with it so far and hope it will support my 4 goldies even when they are fully grown.

75 Gallon Glass Aquarium (Top Fin/Petsmart)
4x Fancy Goldfish (Fantail, Ryukin, Black Moor, and Telescope)
2x Marineland Penguin BioWheel 200
1x Airstone
Live Java Ferns and Anacharis
Substrate: CaribSea Tahitian Moon Sand

authmal · May 20, 2013

I would recommend upgrading your filtration. At the least, replace those filters with AC 70 or C4. I would personally go for a canister rated for 90-100 gallons or so (such as the Aquatop CF400) and an AC 110 for the convenience of a HOB, yet still very versatile and very good filtration. It's going to be more important as those goldfish get larger.

thebeasle · May 21, 2013

Thanks for the advice and specific product recommendations. I figured I would need to upgrade the filters at some point as these guys grow. I thought about the larger BioWheels or the AquaClears. I'd rather not add a cannister filter unless I really need it.

I just ordered the SeaChem amonia meter from Fosters Smith, and I already have test strips for nitrite and nitrate. Water quality has been really good so far and I'm hoping the anacharis, which is growing like crazy, will soak up some of the bad stuff.

Thank you for the recommendations and I'm definitely keeping an eye on my water quality with 4 goldies.

authmal · May 21, 2013

I have a Fluval C2, and it's a great filter design. It's basically the next step up in quality from the AquaClear AC line of filters. That said, it's not as versatile as my similarly sized AC 20. That just means I don't have as many media options as I do with the the AC.

stephcps · May 21, 2013

I resisted canisters too. But honestly, an eheim classic is so easy you will kick yourself you didn't do it sooner!they truly are the easiest canister I have tried. Priciest too....but we'll worth it. They are perfect for a high bio load....which is what you have...

thebeasle · May 22, 2013

Gosh why do AC members always have to be right? I really wanted to leave the tank alone for a little while. I guess that never happens with this hobby

I've been watching the fish and haven't seen any signs of high ammonia, but I'll feel a lot better when the ammonia meter (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4387) arrives in the mail. Nitrites are down to zero. Nitrates are there but well below tolerance. I've been doing 50 percent water changes every 5-6 days because the tank is relatively new. These Bio and Chemical filters don't remove nitrate right? They only help with converting the ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite into nitrate? I guess I'll have a better idea of what I need when I start testing ammonia. Thanks for the recommendations.

authmal · May 22, 2013

Nitrates are the last step of the nitrogen cycle. Water changes are the only way to remove them. Well, correct plant volume will remove them as well, by using them as fuel for growth, but that may be hard to achieve with goldies. There may be other things you can do, but they'll probably cost more in the long run that a simple water change.

And we, as a group, are often right because we have a ton of experience. Individual, there is more variation, but as a group, it's pretty frickin' spectacular. It's one of the times where group think actually has beneficial value.

I just went for my canister on a whim, to give it a shot. Seeing how dirty the sponges in there were after 2 months tells me how good of a job of filtering the crap out of the water it's doing. I like the canister/HOB combination, because you have the agitation and ease of access of the HOB, combined with the efficiency of a canister. And since both can handle the tank alone, if I need to, I can shut one down or move one temporarily, and my tank really won't suffer.

stephcps · May 22, 2013

Show more fishy pics...in the second picture...what is the one on the right at the bottom. Ihave been thinking about a goldfish tank!

thebeasle · May 22, 2013

The one in the bottom right is a moor. He started off a black moor but now has more silver and orange than black. Apparently it's normal for them to change color and the more purebred fish will have more black coloration and stay that way for longer. I got all these guys at Petsmart

Glad to share photos.

Telescope