Newb questions regarding setup of new tank

[x3ro]

Just purchased a 55gallon tank, stand, and whatnot..

Filter is an AquaClear 300 (30-70gallons).. Is this filter big enough?

Also purchased a Marineland Stealth heater (200w)...

First question is the bubbles.... I haven't started a cycle yet, as I'm still deciding which way to go... I don't have any other aquariums.

1. There's bubbles all over the plants in the tank, and also along the walls.. What are these and how do I get them to go away?

2. Right now we're just using the cheap glass cover that came with the tank. When I woke up this morning, I noticed condensation all over the glass (on the inside, not the outside). Is this okay?

3. Do I need to get an air pump and airstones or bubble bars or anything?

4. Water is kind of cloudy. How long will it stay that way?

Here's a picture of the setup tank so far. All I've added chemical wise is chlorine/chloramine?? remover:

You can see the bubbles I'm talking about in this pic. And the driftwood is real. Purchased from a LFS.

 

[jenpen737]

the bubbles are normal and just from filling the tank. they will soon go away. The filter is technically big enough but i always double my filtration. Bubble bars are nice but are a personal option. I run them. fishless cycle is easy and the way i always do my tanks but other people do it other ways. Did you rinde the gravel? If you didn't or did not do it enough it will make the water cloudy. The driftwood will make the water cloudy as well if it not prepared correctly. the condensation on the lid is normal. the tank looks really nice. make sure to get some test kits to make sure the water levels are ok after you cycle. i hope i have answered all you questions but if you have any more feel free to ask.

 

[x3ro]

the bubbles are normal and just from filling the tank. they will soon go away. The filter is technically big enough but i always double my filtration. Bubble bars are nice but are a personal option. I run them. fishless cycle is easy and the way i always do my tanks but other people do it other ways. Did you rinde the gravel? If you didn't or did not do it enough it will make the water cloudy. The driftwood will make the water cloudy as well if it not prepared correctly. the condensation on the lid is normal. the tank looks really nice. make sure to get some test kits to make sure the water levels are ok after you cycle. i hope i have answered all you questions but if you have any more feel free to ask.

Thanks for your quick response.

I did wash all the gravel in warm water before putting it in the tank. I noticed this morning that the water was MUCH less cloudy than last night.

What did you mean by the driftwood being prepared correctly? I got it from a LFS. I washed it in warm water as well before putting it in the tank.

I did buy one of those master test kits. I'll pull it out tonight and start reading instructions

 

[shawnhu]

The Driftwood should be boiled/submerged for some time before placing it into the tank, as there are tannins that usually leak out, causing the water to be soft, and brown/tea color. It's not harmful to fish, and some may like the softer water.

If you can get access to pure ammonia, a fishless cycle would be ideal for larger tanks, less water changes.

 

[x3ro]

The Driftwood should be boiled/submerged for some time before placing it into the tank, as there are tannins that usually leak out, causing the water to be soft, and brown/tea color. It's not harmful to fish, and some may like the softer water.

If you can get access to pure ammonia, a fishless cycle would be ideal for larger tanks, less water changes.

When would one typically see tannin leaking out?

So far it hasn't leaked anything out colorwise.

I was reading up on the various types of cycling, and fishless seems to take the most time. Plus, I read that doing fishless cycling, at some point you'll be doing a 75-90% water change.... That's a lot of water in a 55g tank.

Does ANYONE recommend doing a cycle with fish?

 

[Damodred]

Just purchased a 55gallon tank, stand, and whatnot..

Filter is an AquaClear 300 (30-70gallons).. Is this filter big enough?
It depends on your stocking level. That filter (with the flow at maximum) will filter your entire tank about 5.5 times per hour. That's not bad, but with a higher stocking level, you will want more than that. If you post a specific stock list, we can help you more.
Also purchased a Marineland Stealth heater (200w)...
This could be a bit on the small side, but it depends on how much higher than room temperature you want your aquarium to be.
First question is the bubbles.... I haven't started a cycle yet, as I'm still deciding which way to go... I don't have any other aquariums.

1. There's bubbles all over the plants in the tank, and also along the walls.. What are these and how do I get them to go away?
This happens whenever you fill an aquarium that has been empty. They should disappear in a few days, but you can use a net to brush them off of your plants and the glass if you want to speed it up.
2. Right now we're just using the cheap glass cover that came with the tank. When I woke up this morning, I noticed condensation all over the glass (on the inside, not the outside). Is this okay?
As long as it stays on the inside, that's normal and okay.
3. Do I need to get an air pump and airstones or bubble bars or anything?
Some fish need a higher oxygen level in the water and will do better with airstones or bubble bars. Generally speaking, it doesn't hurt to add some if you like the look.
4. Water is kind of cloudy. How long will it stay that way?
Right now it's probably cloudy from your gravel. This should clear up in a few days. During the cycling process you may notice cloudiness as there are "bacterial blooms." They are normal and should clear up, too.
Here's a picture of the setup tank so far. All I've added chemical wise is chlorine/chloramine?? remover:

You can see the bubbles I'm talking about in this pic. And the driftwood is real. Purchased from a LFS.
Your tank looks fantastic! Great start.

Hope that helps!

 

[Damodred]

When would one typically see tannin leaking out?

So far it hasn't leaked anything out colorwise.

I was reading up on the various types of cycling, and fishless seems to take the most time. Plus, I read that doing fishless cycling, at some point you'll be doing a 75-90% water change.... That's a lot of water in a 55g tank.

Does ANYONE recommend doing a cycle with fish?

Tannins would be noticeable by now if the wood was unprepared. If you notice yellow-brown staining of your water, that's the tannins. Just do a partial water change to get back to normal.
You will have to do a pretty large water change at the end of your cycle (to remove nitrates) if not before. Hopefully you at least purchased a gravel vacuum and a nice big bucket or three. Ideally, a Python would make this job much easier. You have a lot of water changes ahead of you as the tank matures, anyway.

 

[josh05magnum]

Take it from someone doing a fish-in cycle even with Media from an established tank. Do a fishless. I am having to change a lot of water pretty much daily to keep my fish safe that are in the tank as the cycle is starting.
I just figured I could avoid an actual 'dangerous to fish cycle' since I was using established media.

 

[x3ro]

Tannins would be noticeable by now if the wood was unprepared. If you notice yellow-brown staining of your water, that's the tannins. Just do a partial water change to get back to normal.
You will have to do a pretty large water change at the end of your cycle (to remove nitrates) if not before. Hopefully you at least purchased a gravel vacuum and a nice big bucket or three. Ideally, a Python would make this job much easier. You have a lot of water changes ahead of you as the tank matures, anyway.

Thanks for both of your posts. that really helps answer some questions....

We don't know yet 100% what fish we're getting. We're pretty clueless on the fish, I'll be honest.

The wife really likes angels, but I dont know. They get pretty big..

We're looking for colorful and bright fish. Any you could recommend?

I still need to read up on doing water changes... I haven't owned a fish tank since I was a little kid. Hahah. If you have any info or could explain them better, please feel free. PM me if you'd like. I'm aware that you're basically removing a certain %'age of the water, and putting in new water. Should I let the new water sit out over night and put dechlorinator in it? I noticed petsmart has water in jugs. Is that worth getting or not really?

I kinda looked at the python, but didn't quite understand how it works... My tank is close to the kitchen, but probably a good 10-15ft from the sink. I didn't think you'd want to dump straight tap water into your tank with fish, would you?

As for the heater, I'm thinking it will be okay... I live in TX, where it gets quite warm. In the summer, my house is usually about 73-79* w/ the a/c, and I set the thermostat to 85* when I leave for work. Right now in the winter, we keep the house around 69* at night, and it usually creeps up to around 73* in the day time right now with the heater set to 60* when we're gone for work. I will keep an eye on the temps though. What's a good temp for a tropical fish tank?

 

[rich311k]

No need to buy water , no need to let it sit out. Take water out of the tank, put fresh chlorinated tap of the same temp back in. As for the amount, depends on stocking etc. I do 50% every week, sometimes more. Generally 35-50% once every two weeks will be fine, it all depends on how fast your nitrate levels rise.

75-77F is a good temperature for a FW tropical tank.