Help to start - first 30L tank

I think we’re all talking and probably overtaking each other.

@marklcfc what have you purchased so far in regards to a tank, heater and filter? Is it still in the box and possibly be swapped?

Ive just done a quick Google and Maidenhead Aquatics sells this one and the heater is another £9.99. It comes in black and white (be warned they sometimes charge more for the black version).

Its got 5 stars from 28 reviews. It says, “The LED lighting is highly energy efficient and the light spectrum helps to highlight the fishes natural colours. The internal filter is efficient with a dual action filter cartridge. this consists of the 3 forms of filtration: mechanical, biological and chemical. The fully open structure filter foam provides optimal mechanical filtration and creates a vast bacterial growth area.”

Perhaps someone could give their view on whether this would be suitable? I think I would definitely choose this over the one I have now.

This would give you an all in one place shop for the tank basics. You would also be able to get gravel/sand etc. if you don’t already have it.

NannaLou said:

I think we’re all talking and probably overtaking each other.

@marklcfc what have you purchased so far in regards to a tank, heater and filter? Is it still in the box and possibly be swapped?

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I have an oase heat up 50 which I can still return, and seachem water conditioner. I have a tetre 30 litre tank as linked on previous page which I am meant to be picking up tomorrow but can change that if not good enough

Sorry, I totally missed that, no, that tank looks fine and again has a high number of 5 star ratings . I’d stick with what you have for now, and if at some point in the future you need to change the filter or heater worry about that then.

NannaLou said:

Sorry, I totally missed that, no, that tank looks fine and again has a high number of 5 star ratings . I’d stick with what you have for now, and if at some point in the future you need to change the filter or heater worry about that then.

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It concerns me what was being said earlier about the filter earlier, if I’m spending weeks preparing it and then not knowing what to do with it

Also if anyone can advise how many drops of this goes into a 30 litre tank would be good to know, I assume under the cap is a dropper? https://amzn.to/3hf4v7B

marklcfc said:

How though, I would start with cold water and then dechlorine it, do I need another heater as well as the one in the tank?

I’d be concerned that the nitrates etc will go up again after a week or so of getting it ready for fish if I’m just taking the treated water out

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There will be bacteria colonies on your gravel, decor, and filter media meaning that you will still have a cycled tank when rwmoving the correct ammount of water. When I started my VERY first aquarium I didnt cycle it and everything died. Also, incase you didnt know let me cover this as well... DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT use those filters that need filter cartridges. Try using something like seachem's tidal or aqua clear. They use filter sponges and bio rings to help with the growing of bacteria. It will also save you money in the long run

I've never used that particular ammonium chloride, I used a different brand.

I know that Dr Tim's changed the strength a few years ago but that some bottles still have the old dose rate. The safest way is to add less than it says, wait half an hour for it to mix in thoroughly then test the water for ammonia. If it's somewhere between the colour for 2 and 4 that's good. If it's too low, add some more. But count the total number of drops you use.

Rocky998 said:

DO NOT use those filters that need filter cartridges. Try using something like seachem's tidal or aqua clear

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I only have a small tank and they look huge. I don’t understand filter cartridges, I just want something that works without having to know anything about them

marklcfc said:

I only have a small tank and they look huge. I don’t understand filter cartridges, I just want something that works without having to know anything about them

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Oops yah 30l not 30g... What you can do to maximize your HOB filter is cut a sponge to size (not a kitchen sponge) and fit it in to the filter. Then you can use poly fiber on top of the sponge and then weigh it down with a poly bag of bio rings. That is another idea.

HOB filters are not very popular in the UK; we tend to use internal filters.

Sorry marklcfc, there are several different types of filter - some work better in small tanks, others in big tanks. And some types are popular in one country while different types are popular in other countries. The type of filter we have been talking about are internal filters, a type that's popular in the UK while Rocky998 is American and other types are popular there. They also talk in gallons while we talk in litres

Essjay said:

HOB filters are not very popular in the UK; we tend to use internal filters.

Sorry marklcfc, there are several different types of filter - some work better in small tanks, others in big tanks. And some types are popular in one country while different types are popular in other countries. The type of filter we have been talking about are internal filters, a type that's popular in the UK while Rocky998 is American and other types are popular there. They also talk in gallons while we talk in litres

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Yes... I have to consider those facts next time I make a comment

So should I just stick to the filter that comes with the tank?

marklcfc said:

So should I just stick to the filter that comes with the tank?

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I would…I’m relatively new to all of this and think it’s best to keep it simple…if you decide to go on and specialise in something rare then upgrade. The filter in the tank you are due to collect has a filter section you can remove and rinse (in the dirty tank water not clean tap water) and should be fine.
I know @Essjay has mentioned one single male Betta fish or 6 Endlers - have you decided on either of those yet?
I’ve got a male Betta and he loves coming to the front of the tank when you go past and seems to enjoy ‘interacting’.
I‘ve got a second tank cycling now, no filter just plants, that is taking an age to cycle, and that will have male Endlers in it. The males are very colourful and because they are smaller you can have slightly more per tank size than the bigger fish.

The description of the tank you have ordered says it has a

Tetra EasyCrystal Filter (2.5 watt)

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which is this filter

The info in that links says it has biofilter balls but the instruction manual doesn't mention them. That says it has a sponge (or foam) which goes in the front, and a cartridge containing carbon behind it. The instructions say to wash the spong in old tank water but to replace the cartridge every 4 weeks. The easiest thing for you would be to use this filter as it is. But don't replace the cartridge, wash it. It will be OK just keeping it. If you ever need to add a medicine, just ask what to do about the carbon.