The first-timer progress thread - 29g tank

Score one for the local fish store vs the big box store. The Aquaclear 70/300 is $3 cheaper at the local store, so that's where I'll pick it up, probably tomorrow.
 
Well well, an update. I have a line on a used Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 cannister filter for $20. Any thoughts? Too much filter for a 29 gallon tank? If I should snag this, how do I go about making sure it is working properly?

I have to say, the search for equipment shopping has been pretty fun so far... :)
 
Most HOB filters I've used are not very loud at all, esp. when you keep the water level close to the top of the tank. Penn-Plax is a fairly old company and I'm not sure how good the quality of their canister filter is. That canister filter is probably an old model so it may not be as efficient as a brand new basic model made by a different company. For hood setups, I prefer a glass canopy with a strip light over it. Separating the cover from the light bulb does allow you to upgrade to better lighting later on if you so choose to. As far as plants go, java ferns, anubias, water sprite, wysteria, cryptocoryne sp., banana plant, hornwort and java/christmas/taiwan mosses are good beginner plants because they are not very demaning in their care requirements and only need low to medium light levels over your tank. Some members on this website sell many of these plants in case you can't get a hold of them at a local fish store near you.
 
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I'm not getting a good feeling about the cannister, so I'll probably just buy a new AC 70. I figure that's one less thing to go wrong (potentially) as it is brand new. The P-P was pretty dirty in the picture in the for-sale ad, and that just kind of turns me off. Pet peeve, I admit, but if you can't clean something up when you're trying to sell it, how well did you take care it?
 
i agree. cant wait to see pictures when things really get going! since you are going with live plants i assume you are striving for a natural look? put in a black background the plants will pop very nicely as will any colorful fish you add in! alsosince you are doing live plants and real driftwood think about a clean up crew. this would probably include otocinclus and some type of snail, i prefer briggs. look here through the classifieds as the people really know what theyre talking about and you will be guaranteed great quality at low prices. good luck! :)
 
I don't know about any other people.. but i had a penn plax 1200, and not only was it the noisiest canister ive ever owned, it trumped some HOBs in noise, and the flow rate was horrid. i would go with something else if i had the option. :)
 
I third(or fourth, whatever the case) the AC filters, I have an AC 200 on my 10gal that is probably 15yrs old. When I set the tank up again after a year of being down I bought a new impeller and the filter is back to being stealthy quiet. I am sitting 4ft from the tank now and I can't hear it....
 
I cleaned out the tank this weekend; it was fairly gunked up from the previous owner. Amazing what a good soak in Windex and some elbow grease can do! All the scum and scuzz on the inside is now gone, and it looks like there are pretty much no scratches.








Ok, Ok, j/k on the Windex! :) It was hot water and some white vinegar with a whole lot of rinsing!

Next step will be to build a hood. Might be a little bit before I update, have some other things that may steal some time. More to follow....
 
Just wanted to say, you're ideas are great and its good to see someone who is doing their research while they get into the hobby! Hopefully the dedication you're putting in will pay off and you won't make newbie mistakes like the bulk of us!
 
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