New 42 gal, first timer...

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EvanH

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Dec 25, 2003
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Hey all,

I just got my first setup for the holidays. I've got the following:

Oceanic 42 Gal Hexagon tank
AquaClear 300 filter
Rena Cal 200W heater @ 76F
A very nice statue, and some fake coral
A few fake plants and varrying heights.

here's 2 very low quality pics (and don't worry about the window, its being boarded up on the outside)
1.jpg
2.jpg


I put in the water conditioner that was included, and its been running beautifully for a few days. I just have 2 questions:

1. How high should the water be? i've got about a half inch from the top molding, so about 4 inches from the rim...

2. What are some good first fish to start with, and how often should i be checking the water once I get them?

Thanks!
 
Evan:
I'd keep the water level just below the visable lower rim of the tank. No way to know how well the top rim is sealed so it may leak. From your pictures it looks like you have the right idea...how deep is the tank?

Just a thought because you asked about stock for your tank. With a deep tank you will want a range of fish that are bottom, mid-tank and upper level dewellers. For FW, I'd suggest Corys as bottom feeders (great little cleaners they are), perhaps Angels as mid level fish and zebras for upper level fish. All are relatively hardy to varying water conditions and hence easy to maintain.

I test my tanks weekly for pH, AM, NO2, NO3, KH, GH. All the fish I mentioned above are usually acclimatized to your local water conditions by a reputable LFS...(a word of warning ask the sellers to provide a sample of their tank water for delicate fish you may wish to purchase). That way you won't have any surprises and dead fish!

Just my 2 cents, welcome to the watery side!
Chris
 
Thanks!

One more question...

The filter is a bit louder than I had anticipated. The thing itself is quiet, but the water pouring in is rather loud, i was wondering if there's any good tip on quieting it up, changing the flow rate doesn't do anything either... The tank is in our tv room, so i was wondering if the case is that there is no way of quieting it, is it okay to turn off the filter during a movie? I suppose i could always move my tv system into a different room..

Best,
Evan
 
Evan:
I have 2 AC300, one chatters occasionally (usually means there is gunk built up around the impeller and cleaning resolves it), but the other is relatively quiet. I would not recommend shutting down the filter as it is circulating water (read as oxygen) and clean the water quality.

Is it just the sound of water falling causing your concern? If so increase the water in the tank...just watch for leaks on the upper seal.

If not, I guess you have 2 choices...move the tank or turn up the TV!:D

Chris
 
I have a ac 150 and ac200. I've had the 150 for a few years and i remember it being a little noisy at first then for some reason it quieted down over the years and now makes no noise. Increasing the water volume until the water is touching the bottom of the output 'slide' should fix the sound of the water.

My new ac makes quite a bit more noise but is drowned out anyways by the sound of my powerhead.

You'll get used to it. I sleep with 3 tanks in my bedroom- just a little noisey. ;)
 
thanks! i filled the water up some more, and that DRASTICALLY cut the sound, but there's still some trickling sound left. i'm worried about filling it much higher, how high is the limit? the tank really doesn't have a "seal," the glass goes all the way up.

thanks for al your help!
 
Try to not shut off the filter except for cleanings, it's possible to forget to turn it back on. I like keeping the top of the tank water just above the trim so it hides the water line. Also, I like to slope the gravel back so you can't see layers of gravel at the front of the tank.

For the fishes you want to keep, I can't advise you on that one.. :)
 
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