Beginner: Tank questions

[shoemanfoo]

Note: I already posted this in the Newbie section but think it's more appropriate here. Sorry for the double post.


Hello to all. I have been looking for a good forum to learn more about the care and maintenance of freshwater fish. This site seems to have a large following and good advice for my questions. This is my first tank so please be easy…

I currently have an unfilled 26 gallon 24x15x21 AGA bow front aquarium, a Topfin power filter 30 and a Whisper 200 air pump that I was given by a friend. I have a few questions before I add the water, begin the nitrate cycle and finally add fish.

1) My understanding after reading the directions on the filter is that the intake strainer should be about 1” from the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Due to the height of my aquarium the strainer is a good 5 – 6” from the bottom. Will this pose a problem? One solution that was recommended to me was to combine the power filter with a under gravel filter. It was said that the UGF will help to circulate the debris and waste from my fish and push it up to the power filter for proper filtering.

2) I’m looking for a good web guide that will assist me in choosing the right fish for my environment. I understand that each tank may interact differently and two people may have the same fish and get different results but I am looking for ideas on what fish will flourish in their environment.

3) Is a bubble wall recommended? I think that aesthetically the wall is attractive but I wanted to make sure that it would not have a impact on my fish.

4) What is a good quality heater that I can use in my environment? I believe that a 150 watt heater would be best but any advice is appreciated. Any particular brands recommended?

5) Any other equipment recommended? I understand that I need to get a device for weekly water changes and obviously a net but is there anything else that I may be missing?

I appreciate the help and look forward to learning much from this forum.

 

[brianriv]

I am also new but I will offer what little knowledge I think I have.

1)As far as I know as long as the intake stays below the water level on water changes you will be allright. UGFs-as I researched for my tank the common opinion was unfavorable towards them so I have stayed away and I haven't had any problems. The filter won't remove the full amount of waiste and food that is left behind even if the intake was a 1" from the ground. Weekly partial vacuuming of the gravel will take of all the nasties.

2)This site has a glossory of fish with alot of pics. the way to pick your fish is really upto you. The advice that was given me was to start with the main attraction fish and work your way backwards so all fish are compatable. A good website that helps with compatability is www.fishprofiles.com.

3)I just found out what a bubble wall is the other day. You can use it for looks as well as aeration. Won't hurt the tank. You can also use airstones instead.

4)150 watts seems fine to me for your tank but try to get one that can stay in the tank.

5)Most important for cycling is a good test kit with the main tests being for Ammonia, NitrItes, and Nitrates.

Well that is just my opinion but I hope it helps. Just be patient with the cycling process and you will have alot of enjoyment in no time at all.

 

[totalbolshevik]

Welcome to the forum!

1. I don't think it needs to be that close to the bottom. I have a 50 gallon, and I'd say the intakes are about six inches from the substrate. You can buy little extension things that snap on to the end of your existing intake, if you really want to have them down lower. I personally don't like UG filters... I have a little bit of a phobia of them after what happened to my tank a while ago, even though it was really my fault and not the UG filter's.

2. Depends on what kind of fish you like. Zebra danios, tetras, and livebearers (mollies, platys, swordtails) are good fish for beginners. I also really like corys. All these fish are pretty docile and tend to get along with just about anybody.

3. Depends on what fish you end up getting. It is beneficial in that it helps CO2 get out so that oxygen can get in, but it's not essential, and some fish don't like the extra current it produces. On the other hand, some fish love it.

4. Hmm... I can't remember off the top of my head what kind I have... I think heaters are mostly the same, brand to brand... Don't really have an answer to this one.

5. 1) Test kit. This should include at least ammonia, nitrite, and pH. Nitrate, GH, and KH are useful too.
2) Dechlorinator--comes in liquid or dry form, I like liquid better. Try to get something that just dechlorinates the water, some products "lock" ammonia and screw up your test readings.
3) Airstones are good, but not essential. Basically the same thing as the bubble wall you described only much smaller.
4) Magnetic algae scraper thing... One half goes on the outside, one on the inside, and it scrapes off algae so you don't have to get wet every time you want to clean the algae off the walls. Handy but not essential.