Need Help!

[CandiBug2]

I recently acquired a 55 gallon tank. At first, I did a ton of research on having a SaltWater tank, but realized that I cannot afford it now. Therefore, I'm going to try something much much easier. Where do I begin? I purchased a filter Proquatics Power Filter 200. Is this ok?? I also bought a heater Proquatics Hydromatic Aquarium Heater 300 Watt. Do I even need this? What other equiptment do I need? And, should I put in the substrate before I fill the tank? What is the best type of substrate to use?


Thanks,
Candi

 

[famman]

Congrats!

What kind of fish do you want to keep? That will partly depend on your tap water. set a glass out overnight and then test pH, GH and KH. post your findings and we'll help you out.

The filter and heater are probably fine for now.

Put substrate in before water, type of substrate partly depends on the fish type and whether you want plants or not. I suggest the tiniest gravel you can find or sand.

Be sure to get a test kit, I like the Aquarium Pharmeceuticas (sp) master test kit. water de-chlorinator like Amquel. algae pad to scrub the sides of the tank with. a bucket or tub for water changes, maybe a small pump, consider a python, gravel vacuum.

also read up on 'fishless cycling', that'll let you get used to everything plus give you more time to study.

good luck

 

[demon_surfer]

about what kinds of fish you want to keep.

do you want to do a species tank or an ecletic community?

do you want a *living tapestry* type tank or something that will respond to you like a puppy or whatever?

do you want to pack as many fish in as possible or would you be happy with a few fish that you really wanted?

do you really want live plants or do you mind not having them?

oh and start fishless cycling the tank now, and you DO need the filter. can you tell us what the gallon per hour (gph) rating of your filter is?

 

[CandiBug2]

The GPH is 200. I'm not really sure what type of tank I want. Any suggestions for beginners? I want some bright colored fish, but not too aggressive because I'd like to keep a variety of species. I'm not too interested in goldfish...I had those when I was a kid. Since I was origionally planning for a saltwater tank, I only did my research on those types of fish. I'm not too keen on freshwater yet, but I'm learning!


Candi