Fresh water 101

[scottdwh]

I am looking for some general info on setting up a fresh water tank. I see the stickies about cycling and fish but I was looking for some more basic stuff. I don't know the first thing about freshwater so the info I am looking for is stuff like what is good substrate to use, what temp to keep the water at, what provides the filtration, water params, etc. I have a feeling all this info is probably right in front of me but im just missing it.

If it helps, I am thinking of setting up a rimless planted tank under 5 gallons.
Thanks!

 

[247Plants]

Looking at your previous posts, I see you are/were a sw guy.

Most of the basics from that world are the same or very similar for freshwater. Tropical temps of 74-82 are usually considered best, most any type of gravel/sand substrate will work provided its inert or formulated for a specific purpose. Filtration and water params are much easier in fw vs. sw. Less equipment needed for sure i.e. no skimmers or refugiums, params are much easier to monitor and can usually be less fatal to a system. Its all about canisters, hob's, sumps, trickle.....powerheads for movement.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[scottdwh]

Thanks for the info plant. How much flow do you shoot for in a planted tank? So a hang on back filter is the best way to go for filtration? None of it is done with rocks like in salt water? Also, what do you have to test for after the cycle besides nitrate?

 

[goalieman59]

I would say just get a freshwater master test kit and do all those for you test regiment. You could go a hang on back, or a canister depending on size of tank and/or inhabitants. Depending on the tank and what is in it you can even run a sump. What are you planning stocking?

 

[scottdwh]

I plan on starting up a really small tank to sit on the desk, under 5 gallons. Dont want a canister or sump so looks like HOB it is. Do you just use something like a biowheel for the filtration? Can I get away with not using a heater if the tank is kept at room temp?

 

[Jspigs]

I plan on starting up a really small tank to sit on the desk, under 5 gallons. Dont want a canister or sump so looks like HOB it is. Do you just use something like a biowheel for the filtration? Can I get away with not using a heater if the tank is kept at room temp?

If you want a Bio-wheel then you should get either the 3 gallon or 6 gallon eclipse tank because these both have Bio-wheel filters.

I don't know of any filter that you can buy separate from the tank that has the Bio-wheel for a tank under 5 gallons..

As for the heater it depends on the type of fish you are getting.

 

[scottdwh]

Instead of a biowheel, will those ceramic rings or bio balls work for filtration instead? Would something like an Aquaclear filter be the best kind to get? Sorry for all my stupid questions.

 

[Jspigs]

Instead of a biowheel, will those ceramic rings or bio balls work for filtration instead? Would something like an Aquaclear filter be the best kind to get? Sorry for all my stupid questions.

Ceramic rings will work. so will bio-balls.

And about the "stupid" questions, 1. they are not stupid, 2. Most people on here are probably glad you are asking a lot of questions and doing research before you get the tank instead of after.

 

[247Plants]

I agree with all the above. Also, a biowheel is not a neccesity as long as you have enough biofiltration(ceramic noodles, etc) in the filter. HOB would be best in this case.

As long as the ambient temp stays above 74 degrees you should be fine without a heater, if not there are plenty of options out there.

 

[THE V]

Let see 5 gallon planted - rimless. Here's some very basic suggestions.

An HOB would probably ruin the effect of a rimless. I picked up a Tom Rapids Mini canister and after having a little flood (my mistake) it's been working fine. It sits well behind a small tank and offers a ton of filtration for it's size. Pretty darn cheep as well. The tiny spray bar is really kind of fun.

For substrate I'd stick with sand or a decent soil type mix (eco-complete, etc). I accidentally found that a thin layer of gravel over sand works really well. It really helps to keep everything planted and makes cleanup easier.

Lighting - I'd do ~20 Watts of florescent over it. That should be plenty to grow most things.

Research your plants carefully. Many pet-stores sell terrestrial plants as aquatic. Before you spend the money double check.

Fertilizer - Buy some dry fert's and mix them with water yourself. This runs about 100 times cheaper than buying the liquid ferts at the petstore. Online is the way to go.

CO2 - leave it alone for now. This is can be deadly to all fish in a tank if you are not careful. Plants grow fine without it, just slower.

Fish - well if you've done salty, you can figure this one out yourself

Cleanup Crew - Malaysian Trumpet Snails

Water parameters - if possible get fish to suit the water you'll be using instead of trying to match the water to the fish. Test the water source you'll be using and then research out what likes that type of water and will live happily in a tank that size. With fresh water once the nitrogen is all going to nitrate you pretty much don't have to worry about it anymore. Especially if the tank is planted.