Equipment and general advice.

[Malak]

Thanks for the great information. I'm trying to find out what kind of lights setup the person had. It only says perfecto t8 white and t8 actinic in the ad.

 

[Malak]

I'm going to see the aquarium tonight, it has 108 watts so I will be alright for live plants

 

[Mgamer20o0]

if your going with plants just get a canister. you might never add co2 but if you do you wont have to buy another filter. 108 over a 55gal should be good for plants. heaters i like visi therm.

 

[Malak]

Just 1 canister filter?

 

[Malak]

Can I fishless cycle with ammonia with plants or it's better to wait before planting plants?

So with plants I'd be alright with only a magnum 350 filter? Or how about a Fluval?

 

[UCF-Planted]

Plants will actually use ammonia like a fertilizer instead of Nitrate, so if you are going heavily planted, CO2, ferts, etc. there is no need to cycle at all. If you are going with just a few plants you'll still want to cycle but it shouldn't hurt the plants to be in while you are fishless cycling.

 

[Phil22]

Malak, like you, I got back into this hobby after many years away from it. Had a number of tanks back in high school and always had HOB filters. I bought a 55g a few months back and decided on a canister - a XP3 (thanks to this message board). Many also recommend an Eheim. Whatever brand, I'm sold on canisters. They are quiet, easy to clean, move a lot of water, and keep the tank crystal clear.
You'll get a lot of recommendations to add a second filter. I haven't yet. But these guys/gals know what they're talking about, and I'll probably add one in the future.
My main point though is don't shy away from a canister just because you're used to HOBs. Check 'em out.

 

[Malak]

I will be getting the Magnum 350 then, there's 3 options to it, the Magnum 350 Micron Filter, the Deluxe filter and the Pro filter.

Is the price difference between the kits worth it? I don't really need a gravel cleaner since I am planning on getting a python.

 

[Malak]

Te Eheim Filter 2213 is on special, 119$ CAD instead of 179$. Would it be good enough for a 55G?
I could pair it with another filter, or 2 of these?

 

[Squawkbert]

Last week, at BigAls, there was a special, I think the 2217 was only $10US more than the 2215 (kit prices, including valves, pads, media). Either would be great for a 55. I think a 2213 would be a little small... not enough circulation in the long run.

A pair of 2213s would work, but I think a single 2215 would be better - less hassle etc.