Best equipment for a 10g?

[foxgirl158]

Hello!
I posted the other day about a powder blue dwarf gourami that I wanted to rescue (you can read that thread here: https://www.fishforums.net/threads/is-this-a-betta-i-want-to-help.479088/ )

I’ve found a new 10g tank at a store for 15 dollars. I would have to supply all the hardware myself, as opposed to it coming with like my other three tanks that I bought secondhand. What are the best, not expensive, HOB filters and heaters for the 10g?
I think I’ve found an enheim heater for a good price, and the 75W is actually cheaper than the 50W. Is 75W too much for a 10g?
I’ll also need a hood/lights, good non expensive options for those?

Also, what substrate and plants would the gourami like best? If I can compile a list of things I need with prices, I have a better chance of convincing my parents because I’ll have proved I’ve thought this through. I have Quickrete playsand already if that’s what he likes.

 

[Byron]

An HOB filter is not the best for a 10g tank, especially with a gourami. Minimal water movement, which a sponge filter would provide, is better. And even if the gourami was not there, other "nano" fish suitable to a small tank also prefer minimal water currents. If you don't want an air pump and sponge filter, there are small internal filters that are just a small motor with a sponge. I have two of these, in the line shown in the photo; the smallest size would work, and you can adjust the flow down a bit.

The heater sounds good; I have a 100w heater in my 10g, but a 75w will work. The 50w tend in my experience to give out more, I have lost three over the years, but my 100w and 150w acquired in the 1990's are still working.

You might find a hood for a 10g, but maybe not. A glass cover set is another option, and then the light bar sits over the tank frame (the glass cover sits down on the inner lip around the frame). I'm no good with LED lighting, so others can suggest options. If you intend plants, a 5000K to 6500K spectrum is good.

Substrate is up to you, the gourami are primarily upper level fish, but the Quikrete Play Sand will give you options for other fish than gravel will not. I use this in all tanks.

For plants, floating are mandatory. Water Sprite is your best, but Frogbit and Water Lettuce can do as well. Or some of the stem plants left floating, pennywort is ideal here. Lower plants are up to you, the chain swords and crypts work. Or just branches and dried leaves, very authentic.

 

[StripySnailGirl04]

Quickrete playsand

Yep, sand should be good

Good source to consider:

Dwarf Gourami: Tropical Fish Species Profile

The dwarf gourami is one of the most beautiful freshwater aquarium fish, and definitely the most beautiful gourami. Dwarf gouramis continue to rise in popularity among fishkeepers and aquarists due to their beauty and resilience.

www.fishkeepingworld.com

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I have Quickrete playsand already if that’s what he likes.

That will work.

I think I’ve found an enheim heater for a good price, and the 75W is actually cheaper than the 50W. Is 75W too much for a 10g?

Is it adjustable? If so, it will be good. You will just have to set it at a lower setting.

I’ll also need a hood/lights, good non expensive options for those?

Don't have a suggestion on these, because I don’t use hoods. I would look at your local Walmart and see if you have find a light similar to this:

Works like a champ for my 10g, and they are usually under $20.

 

[connorlindeman]

For a hood a would use a piece of acrylic sheeting. You can cut it to size. I just got one (18" x 24") from lowes for 14.95 for my 10g

 

[foxgirl158]

That will work.


Is it adjustable? If so, it will be good. You will just have to set it at a lower setting.


Don't have a suggestion on these, because I don’t use hoods. I would look at your local Walmart and see if you have find a light similar to this:
View attachment 154388
Works like a champ for my 10g, and they are usually under $20.

I do need some sort of cover because I have two cats

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I do need some sort of cover because I have two cats

So do I

 

[foxgirl158]

I've made a plan.
10g tank: $15
Aqueon internal filter: $15
Eheim 50w heater: (for some reason the 75w went up in price when I next looked at it) $22
Fish, plus the tank it comes in: $20
Total: (not counting plants and any driftwood/decor) $82.
Now I just need suggestions for lighting and a cover of some kind.

 

[OldTimeFisher]

Amazon has a 10g LED hood for $48.
Tetra LED Aquarium Hood, Low Profile, Energy Efficient Hood with Lighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQKQ4T4/?tag=ff0d01-20

Or, you can get a piece of plexiglass and have it cut to size at any hardware store.

 

[Oblio]

Amazon has a 10g LED hood for $48.
Tetra LED Aquarium Hood, Low Profile, Energy Efficient Hood with Lighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQKQ4T4/?tag=ff0d01-20

Or, you can get a piece of plexiglass and have it cut to size at any hardware store.

And get one of those Command (or other) brand removable wall hangars to attach to the plexiglass so it is easy to lift up.

 

[OldTimeFisher]

Yes, you can even have the plexiglass cut into 2 pieces like the glass ones are. Front piece smaller then the back piece so you can feed with out removing the whole piece.