Major newbie here

[civprod]

I got a 55 gallon aquarium and stand today. It came with a Fluval 404 with polywool and biomax filters which should be good for up to 100 gallons according to the specs. I have read reviews and understand that this may not be the best filter but I plan on using this for the time being. I am planning on buying a charcol filter media as well but it just was not included. It also came with a heater (but I don't recall the exact wattage and it is in my new place), a reptile heat lamp (the tank was used for turtles by the previous owner), and some gravel substrate.

I know that I obviously need a new lighting setup and possibly a higher power heater depending on the exact wattage. I also know that I need a water testing kit and some interior things for the tank. However, outside of those items, is there anything major that I need prior to adding fish?

I currently plan on running a fishless cycle to prepare the water so it will be a little while before I put any fish in the tank.

Also, do you have any good stocking suggestions? What type of fish should I be looking for? Like I have said, I have never done this before but I have always wanted to. I would prefer fish that are hardy enough to handle the learning curve I will go through.

Eventually I would also like to add some plants in there but I don't have the lighting right now and I also want to try to minimize the new things that I am trying to make sure that I don't get overwhelmed trying to manage a bunch of new things at once. Are there any lower light plants that are relatively easy to keep?

Sorry, I know that these are alot of suggestions, but I keep reading a bunch of message boards and keep seeing a bunch of different advice and recommendations so I thought that I would ask my specific questions and maybe that will help clarify things. Thank you in advance for your time reading this post and for your input. I appreciate it.

 

[Omega]

Doing a fishless cycle sounds great.

Having a SeaChem Ammonia Alert is handy during the cycling process. http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=SC-AALERT

You should also get pH and nitrite test kits. Maybe nitrate as well.

Java fern and moss are good low-light beginners plants, but you should really get a new light.

I'd recommend Prime for the water conditioner, New Life Spectrum for the food, getting a Python (or another similar brand) for water changes, and having natural-looking gravel.

What kind of fish do you want?

 

[irishspy]

Are there any lower light plants that are relatively easy to keep?

Bolbitis, Java fern, Java Moss, and Cryptocoryne Wendtii, all come to mind. Have a look at the Plant Guide; you might find it helpful. :idea:

 

[Rbishop]

Clean the tank well, since it was used to house a turtle. Check for damage to the silicone also and re-seal if necessary.

Heater....I'd go for 5 watts per gallon, split between two heaters....I prefer Visi Therm Stealth.

A good liquid test kit that can handle ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. API makes a very good one.

Prime for your water conditioner.

Sand, eco-complete, soilmaster select for substrate choices.