Help With BigAls Order

hurricanejedi

hurricanejedi

AC Members
Apr 4, 2005
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Raleigh, NC
www.flowerspride.com
Tomorrow I'm finally getting my aquarium. Its a 46Gallon bowfront with dimensions (I believe) 36"W x 16.25"D x 20"H. This weekend I want to place an order for all the accessories I need to get my cycle going soon thereafter. So here are the things I'm thinking of getting. Let me know if there are better choices. I'm trying to keep a decent cost while still buying things that make life easier by being good quality. Its also going to be a fully planted tank.

Eheim Classic 2213 Kit - I've heard canisters are really good for planted tanks. (Edit: changed to 2215 owww huge price change)
Jager Heater - 250 Watts - I've heard this is a good brand but don't really know if this is the right wattage. (Edit: changed to 150Watts)
Seachem Prime - 250ml
CoraLife Aquagloves - I usually have lotion or something on and think this is a good iidea. Are there some cheaper than this that would work. I probably don't need full arm ones but I"d like to stay dry. (Edit: removed from list - too pricey)
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit - I think I heard this one is good. Let me know if there is something better.
Carib Sea Eco-Complete Plant Substrate 20 Lbs. - I already have 1 bag and think I need 2 more. Would that be about right? (Edit: considering dropping item in favor of finding something cheaper locally....but it looks so nice....)

Edit Items Added:
10" Python Gravel Tube
20' Extension Tubing
Python Pump

Ok thats it and that is quite expensive too. But I want to have things that are good quality. What about a Python? I don't know which I would need (ie how long) and I could probably get one from walmart or the pet store.

Oh yes and if I need to do a DIY co2 system I heard the Hagen bubble counter is a good part to have? Should I add that to my list? Maybe that can be in a second order.

Thanks in advance for advice!
 
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The heater seems a little excessive to me for the size of your tank.

For example, Aquarium Systems has a table on their web site saying for a 50 gallon tank, they recommend a 150W if the difference between the tank temperature and room temperature is as much as 9 degrees F, or a 200W to accomodate up to a 18 degree F difference.

The probably with having too much power is if the heater fails in the "on" position, it will heat you tank too high and too quickly before you may discover the problem.

I don't think I've seen Pythons at my Wal-marts, and if your local fish and pet stores are like mine, (including the big box stores), their prices will be 2x what Big Al's are.

As to whether to get a Python, you need to ask yourself if you mind carrying the number of buckets necessary to do your water changes. The downside to the Python is that it uses your potable water to drain the tank, and doesn't allow you to premix the conditioner with your water as you can in buckets. Do you have a sink close enough to the tank to use one of the Pythons? Do you have other tanks?

Prime is good. The test kit is good. Can't really comment on the others.

Do you have media for your filter? Do you have a glass/acrylic cleaner/scraper?
 
Thanks for the response! I really wondered about teh wattage. I'll go ahead with the 150W then.

The sink is pretty close but don't know for sure. Maybe I can measure it when I get home. I'm pretty sure it will reach with a Python. I'll go ahead and add it to my order then. I didn't know the price difference was so big. I was thinking I'd get a scraper in my next order as I won't have my lights on during the cycle.

The filter comes with: hfisubstrat, Ehfimech, fine and coarse filter pads. Is there anything in addition to this that is recommended?
 
TheMightyQueenPixie said:
You donot want to ship 20 lbs of gravel...Pick it up locally if you can.
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I've looked all over for this stuff :( . I completely agree and it essentially is whats killing the price as I have to pay an additional $14 for 40lb of gravel. So it comes out to $22 per bag including shipping. I've heard some people buy this stuff from their lfs for between $20-26 so I thought that wasn't so bad.

Is 40lb of gravel ok or should I go with 60lb (I already ahve one bag at home). Also is there something more readily available for plants that looks nice (I'm thinking Petsmart or Petco). I'll give both stores a look before I place the order with the gravel.
 
My frugal side says it's silly to spend $15 on a pair of rubber gloves. Is there any real difference between those gloves and regular dishwashing gloves? This comment is, however, coming from a starving university student-- $15 is a big deal for me, but maybe not so much for others with real jobs. >_<
 
mandimoron said:
My frugal side says it's silly to spend $15 on a pair of rubber gloves. Is there any real difference between those gloves and regular dishwashing gloves? This comment is, however, coming from a starving university student-- $15 is a big deal for me, but maybe not so much for others with real jobs. >_<
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Yes I would have to agree with you! I keep taking that item off and adding it back on... I guess I'm most concerned about moving plant around and if dishwashing gloves are tall enough. But I think you are ultimately right, I can probably find something much cheaper. That item is nixed.
 
Oh boy now I remember why I didn't add the Python to the list. I have no idea which one I need! There are 10" tubes all the way up to 72" tubes. What do I need? They all say they come with 2.5ft of tubing and I know I need longer than that since...its probably 15-20 feet to the sink(I'm a bad guestimator but its pretty close). So I would need to buy extra tubing?

I see I could buy a 20' extension. That might be just right but I'll have to measure.
 
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Ok. How does it connect to the faucet. Do I need to buy a seperate part for that?

If the tank is 20"D then should I get a 20" tube?
 
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