Starting a 55 gallon, some questions (using natural rocks, etc)

[FishCR]

The roseline sharks are very cool indeed. So instead of the bala shark, how about 6 or so roselines?

I'll be on the lookout for a canister filter on ebay if they really are very important.

 

[Boost3383]

Looks like the Roseline/Denison's Barbs are pretty expensive. $30 a piece on liveaquaria.

 

[blue2fyre]

Live aquaria is over priced IMO. I've seen them around here for $7 each.

 

[FishCR]

I have a diatom filter, a Vortex Inner space, from a long time ago. Would running that for a little while every few weeks do the job of a canister filter? Or is it an issue of available filter media? I'm on a very tight budget (I'm a senior in high school)

I'll look for Roseline's around here.

 

[blue2fyre]

I don't know much about diatom filters

It's not that you need a canister filter, it's just they are really nice to have. I got my sunsun 302(I think that's the number for $49 shipped. It's as much as you'll pay for a good size HOB in my experience.

 

[FishCR]

Oh wow, yeah, I was thinking $150+.

Also, now that I've bleached these rocks, how long should I let them soak in fresh water? Or is it even necessary? I've washed them twice and changed the water in the tub twice now.

 

[Boost3383]

Live aquaria is over priced IMO. I've seen them around here for $7 each.

Good to know. The little snippets that Google found from other forums seemed to confirm that they were pretty pricey. Nice to see that pet stores are actually selling them for a more reasonable price.

 

[FishCR]

A question on lighting...

If I were to go the cheap way, and say buy something like this guy: http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4028832&cp=2568443.2568454.2632231.1259231

Would that be enough light for the plants? Would it be limiting in what I can put in there?

Thanks again everyone. I put the sand, water & rocks in and the tank looks great.

 

[prez06]

if i were to go the route of the link above, i think at least two of those fixtures would be needed, unless you plan on just using low light plants. i can't remember how deep a 55 is, but on my 40b i run a 1x96watt bulb and 2x30watt (i think) combination. not sure if the lights you mentioned are strong enough to reach the bottom of the tank. check here, craigslist and any local fish forums often if you're looking at buying lighting relatively cheap

 

[blue2fyre]

Yeah for a 55 you will need more light. I would go with a T5 set up. I have one of these on my 80 gallon(24" high) and my vals are growing fine. Mine is a 2 bulb T5. The Actinic doesn't do much for plants though.