Advice for new enthusiast starting 28 gal tank

[clawlan]

Hello everyone, I am new here to the forums and have some questions. First I'll give some information on my proposed setup and then post my questions one by one for easy answering. So first things first:

Tank: 28 gallon glass bow-front tank for freshwater use.
Filter: Marineland Penguin 150 Bio-Wheel Power Filter
Heater: Marineland Visi-Therm 150 watt heater

Ok so thats the basics. Now to my questions. Yes I have done a ton of reading on this site and other places on the internet but there is just so much information. As a result, I find it easier to ask questions specific to my set-up. So on with the knowledge:

1. I plan on using Bio-Spira to reduce cycle time and get everything going. How exactly does one cycle a new tank with this? I have heard several different things from: stock your entire tank with fish and add the bio-spira to add only a couple fish with the bio spira and add only a few fish at a time after that in certain intervals. So, specifically, what should I do?

2. I am looking for an air pump. The Rena-air get good reviews from some places and terrible from others. Some say it works great, some say it falls apart quickly. What are your suggestion for a good air pump that can drive some bubblers and have room for expansion later if I choose?

3. What are some fish you recommend? I have read a million things on good beginner fish and they all differ slightly. I would like several different varieties and think schooling fish would be nice.

4. What about algae eaters/scavengers. What are your suggestions for this?

Alright, I think thats all i got for now. If I have more questions, I'll ask them in this thread. I thank you in advance for your help! :bowing:

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

I am looking for an air pump. The Rena-air get good reviews from some places and terrible from others. Some say it works great, some say it falls apart quickly. What are your suggestion for a good air pump that can drive some bubblers and have room for expansion later if I choose?

Since you have a HOB (hang on back) filter, you really don't need an air pump. The outflow of the filter should provide enough aeration. I don't run air pumps on any of my tanks. The humming drives me crazy.

3. What are some fish you recommend? I have read a million things on good beginner fish and they all differ slightly. I would like several different varieties and think schooling fish would be nice.

Since you want some variety, a community tank would be your best bet IMO. I'd go with 2 schools of fish (tetras, rasboras, and pencilfish are the most peaceful), some bottom feeders (for that size tank cories or kuhli loaches would be best), and a centerpiece fish (dwarf or honey gourami, pair of Rams, male Betta). That is a good setup for a beginner.

Some tetras and rasboras I personally like are: Rummynose tetras, Flame tetras, Black Neons, Cardinal tetras, Lemon tetras, Pristella tetras, Harlequin rasboras, Silvertip tetras, and Diamond tetras. Those are all peaceful tetras that can be kept with pretty much anything.

I'd choose 2 schools that you like (and can get at your LFS) and have 7-8 of each.

There are other tetras of course...Serpae tetras are nice, but nippy, so they shouldn't be kept with anything that has a long fin; Black widows can also be nippy and they get pretty big for a tetra; Buenos aires tetras are also nippy. You could have Serpaes or Black Widows, but you'd have to be careful what centerpiece fish you keep with them.....and there are still others that I didn't mention.

 

[clawlan]

thank you for your input! anyone else have advice? I forgot to ask what i should use for cleaning. From what I have read, you need an algae scrubber, siphon/gravel cleaner, and one of the magnetic cleaners. Anyone have suggestions on brands or maybe an all in one kit? I do a lot of ebay purchasing so any links would be helpful.

 

[Malbri]

Some say tetras are hard to keep, but I know people who have easily kept them alive, but I dont have any experience with them. I like platys, but you may end up with a bunch of babies

I agree with the centerpiece fish being a dwarf gourami

 

[Malbri]

And I dont use an air pump either cause my filter is strong enough to put air into the water, but I am looking into getting one so I can turn the pressure on the filter down a bit

 

[clawlan]

Since you have a HOB (hang on back) filter, you really don't need an air pump. The outflow of the filter should provide enough aeration. I don't run air pumps on any of my tanks. The humming drives me crazy.

I was thinking of getting an air pump so I could have some nice bubble effects in the tank. As for the humming, i don't think that would bother me too much but again, I am trying to find a quiet pump. Many advertise that they are practically silent but of course, being a skeptic, like to ask people's opinions first.

 

[jjanoch]

So I guess from your post...."fishless cycle" is not even part of your thinking. If so, just get a few fish like Danios or something to use with the Bio-Spira to let the tank cycle. Pick something hardy that is also what you will want to keep.....I definately don't promote taking back fish after the cycle.

I agree, the tank will have enough surface movement, the bubblers will not help the fish....now for appearance that you like that is a different thing. Up to you.

Don't worry about algae eaters....because if you get algae it is a symptom of other problems. Reduce your light time or feeding to hurt the algae....over adding any type of AE.

 

[jjanoch]

thank you for your input! anyone else have advice? I forgot to ask what i should use for cleaning. From what I have read, you need an algae scrubber, siphon/gravel cleaner, and one of the magnetic cleaners. Anyone have suggestions on brands or maybe an all in one kit? I do a lot of ebay purchasing so any links would be helpful.

like I said before algae can be controlled with good tank practices.....as for gravel cleaner I like my Python, but there are other good ones.

 

[clawlan]

So I guess from your post...."fishless cycle" is not even part of your thinking. If so, just get a few fish like Danios or something to use with the Bio-Spira to let the tank cycle. Pick something hardy that is also what you will want to keep.....I definately don't promote taking back fish after the cycle.

I know of fish less cycle. Is this a better route with the use of Bio-spira?

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

From what I have read, you need an algae scrubber, siphon/gravel cleaner, and one of the magnetic cleaners

You don't need an algae scrubber, but its nice to have around.

Here is a maintenance kit that Drs Foster and Smith sell:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14674&N=2004+113164

Really though, the only things you might need are the Python (really great siphon/gravel cleaner) and the algae scrubber...would be cheaper to just buy them. I buy my supplies and equipment online and have ordered lots of stuff from the Drs. They have good prices.

Here is just the Python: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3910&N=2004+113164

If you have an algae scrubber brush, you don't need the magnetic thing....it serves the same purpose.

You should also purchase a Test Kit, if you haven't already. This one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4454&N=2004+113074 is a favorite among Fishkeepers.

Article on Fishless Cycling I would do a fishless cycle, you don't subject any fish to the ammonia and nitrIte levels. Frequently with BioSpira, you still have ammonia and nitrIte levels show up, though they don't get as high as they would without it. Fishless cycle is a better method.