Hi all.
I'm getting ready to make the official move to a new state. We closed escrow and the previous owners have moved out, so I'm getting ready to start moving in. I'm getting ready to start my set up and cycling on my 29g gambusia tank. A major chain recently had a sale on aquariums, so I was able to save some money while getting a decent tank/stand combo - which came with a hood and free filter. I think the 29 is the same dimensions as a 20 long, only the 29 is much taller.
The free filter was limited to one of two styles, and limited to stock on hand - so I got a Whisper 40i, which I've never used before. I'm rather fond of the submersible filters I have in a couple smaller tanks (super quiet, great water flow), and I've used an Aqua Clear 40 on a 20g in the past. (That filter is still running on the tank because I haven't yet moved it to my new home, and I didn't want to disassemble it and have everything dry out.) I mention brand/style because I'm asking advice/input on this filter, and if it would be ok alone, or should I consider adding a second filter. The tank will be gambusia only, unless cory cats, khuli loaches, or both is recommended.
The hood/light fixture is a 30" Aqueon Delux full hood with a T8 fluorescent bulb. I'm pretty sure this is the same hood style on the 25g community tank I set up for my sister. The live plants seem to be doing very well in the 25g, and I am planning on using live plants for the gambusia. So next question is, is this light sufficient? I'm considering swapping to a Nat Geo LED because I like the day/night modes and timer - but am not set on this. And can a fluorescent hood be used with a timer?
Because I'm planning on live plants, is sand recommended over gravel? I see a lot about pool filter sand, so what recommendation does it have? And is it available in colors other than white? I would prefer to find something that is naturally colored and not epoxy coated. My past experience with epoxy coated/painted substrate is that the coating quickly starts coming off, and I want to avoid this.
I won't be officially moved in for a few weeks, still gotta pack up everything from my old place, but am considering setting up the 29g and getting it cycled well before moving the gambusia. (I eventually plan on having a fishpond, so that's why I'm keeping gambusia.) Is it recommended to set the tank up and let it run it's course unattended, or do I need to monitor it daily? There won't be any fish in it, and I'm looking at being out of town for a couple weeks due to prior commitments. I can have someone check the water level and add water as needed.
I'm getting ready to make the official move to a new state. We closed escrow and the previous owners have moved out, so I'm getting ready to start moving in. I'm getting ready to start my set up and cycling on my 29g gambusia tank. A major chain recently had a sale on aquariums, so I was able to save some money while getting a decent tank/stand combo - which came with a hood and free filter. I think the 29 is the same dimensions as a 20 long, only the 29 is much taller.
The free filter was limited to one of two styles, and limited to stock on hand - so I got a Whisper 40i, which I've never used before. I'm rather fond of the submersible filters I have in a couple smaller tanks (super quiet, great water flow), and I've used an Aqua Clear 40 on a 20g in the past. (That filter is still running on the tank because I haven't yet moved it to my new home, and I didn't want to disassemble it and have everything dry out.) I mention brand/style because I'm asking advice/input on this filter, and if it would be ok alone, or should I consider adding a second filter. The tank will be gambusia only, unless cory cats, khuli loaches, or both is recommended.
The hood/light fixture is a 30" Aqueon Delux full hood with a T8 fluorescent bulb. I'm pretty sure this is the same hood style on the 25g community tank I set up for my sister. The live plants seem to be doing very well in the 25g, and I am planning on using live plants for the gambusia. So next question is, is this light sufficient? I'm considering swapping to a Nat Geo LED because I like the day/night modes and timer - but am not set on this. And can a fluorescent hood be used with a timer?
Because I'm planning on live plants, is sand recommended over gravel? I see a lot about pool filter sand, so what recommendation does it have? And is it available in colors other than white? I would prefer to find something that is naturally colored and not epoxy coated. My past experience with epoxy coated/painted substrate is that the coating quickly starts coming off, and I want to avoid this.
I won't be officially moved in for a few weeks, still gotta pack up everything from my old place, but am considering setting up the 29g and getting it cycled well before moving the gambusia. (I eventually plan on having a fishpond, so that's why I'm keeping gambusia.) Is it recommended to set the tank up and let it run it's course unattended, or do I need to monitor it daily? There won't be any fish in it, and I'm looking at being out of town for a couple weeks due to prior commitments. I can have someone check the water level and add water as needed.