Craigslist 40 Gallon Journal

CrimsonBlush

CrimsonBlush

Attemping to post rather than lurk
Jun 15, 2008
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Twin Cities
crimsonblush.deviantart.com
Real Name
Miah
I have been searching on craigslist for a great deal on a tank. After several months, I found it! It was a 40 gallon with top, light, and stand that were only $50! Around here, that would go for $250-300 new! On craigslist most people were charging round $150-200 for that!

So yesterday, my dad checked it out. He checked to make sure there were no leaks and then picked it up for me. I set it up in my room, but I haven't filled it yet.

I have several questions.

1. What should I use to clean it? Would just wiping it down with a wet paper towel work? I think it has been out of use for a couple weeks. I would rather not use something that needs to be rinsed off really well since the tank is big and heavy!

2. Stocking suggestions? I was considering 1-2 angels, and then maybe a combination of tetras, or platies, or cories, rainbows?, or dwarf cichlids. (Not all of them of course!) But, I open to suggestions!

3. I would like to have it planted, but I know that can be a challenge with such a low wattage bulb that come with regular hoods. Could I still do low light?

Here's some photos! By the way, the tank is in my bedroom. You can't tell I ride horses can you? :)
wbfklv.jpg


My hairy dog decided to check out the tank as well!
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Well the black fish has already jumped out of the tank but I never saw one with curly scales before . . . oh, I see now! That isn't a fish is it?

You can try a couple of things. You can try a dilute solution of bleach (1 part bleach/19 parts water) and water and if you have city water you will need to add a dechlorinator like Prime anyway, or you can use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. In either case rinse well and then do a fishless cycle. You should be all set.
 
It looks like a single strip flourescent light. You can probably go with low light plants like crypts, anubias, java fern, mosses and the like. How many watts is the bulb?
 
excuzzzeme said:
Well the black fish has already jumped out of the tank but I never saw one with curly scales before . . . oh, I see now! That isn't a fish is it?

You can try a couple of things. You can try a dilute solution of bleach (1 part bleach/19 parts water) and water and if you have city water you will need to add a dechlorinator like Prime anyway, or you can use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. In either case rinse well and then do a fishless cycle. You should be all set.
Click to expand...
Hahahaha! :grinno: Its a new version of the pearlscale angel--curlyscale!

I actually rather like the idea of using bleach. If I miss anything, it will be okay when I add dechlorininator? I'm planning on the fishless cycle! I'm actually going to add a used filter sponge from my other tank.

gmh said:
It looks like a single strip flourescent light. You can probably go with low light plants like crypts, anubias, java fern, mosses and the like. How many watts is the bulb?
Click to expand...

Well, at least I can do something! I tried looking for a wattage on the bulb, but I found none.

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Is it one inch in diameter? That would make it a t12 bulb, looks like 24 inches long, so about 20 watts. That is pretty low lighting indeed. You will need basic plants and can go with a long photo period, like 12-14 hours a day for best success.
 
It looks more like a 1.25 inch in diameter. I could always get a new light if its necessary!
 
cheaper option for lighting is to retro fit it with CFLs. that should get you more light, and be much cheaper than getting a new fixture.


tank looks and stand looks to be in good condition. not a bad idea to leak test it when it gets warmer outside.

if you think you didnt wipe off all the bleach/water, add a bit extra prime, that will cut the bleach right away.
 
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