Fish Tank Newbie.

[DanDax]

Hi guys, I'm a complete newbie to the world of fish tanks and only really set this tank up for my nephews pleasure, anyway.
 
The tank is 36" x 18" x 12" and is going to be used for tropical fish, It's currently set to 24 degrees and just waiting on a 800l/h internal filter.
 

 
The water is straight out of the tap and hasn't had any treatment yet although I do have a few Tetra treatment procuts which consist of Aqua safe, Safe start and Easy balance. Everything I had has come free so can't complain.
 
So what do I need to do from here?
 
Another thing which confuses me is filter media, I have some carbon foam and the new filter comes with media, It's an All pond solutions 800IF.
 
And what type of fish could I stock to tank with? Needing easy to care for but not so boring that my nephew get's bored of them ha.
 
Criticism is welcome

Cheers guys.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hello and 

 to the forum.
 
That a nice tank and set up for your nephew 

 
First, I am glad to see that there are no fish in that tank yet, so therefore want to ask if your tank is cycled yet?
Meaning is the filter ready with good bacteria to be able to cope with fish waste?
 
If not then I strongly urge you to have a read of this to help you do what we call a 'Fishless' Cycle. this will help explain and why this is a good thing to do.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/421488-cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first/
 
You will also need a water test kit if you have not already got one yet. 
API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the brand of choice for beginners as value for money and accuracy is decent enough. Can be bought online or from LFS.
Do NOT get paper strip test kit, can be very inaccurate.
 
And also you will need some ammonia for the fishless cycle as per the link I posted above.
Here is a link to help you to source some Ammonia.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/427161-ammonia-and-bacteria-starter-sources/
 
As for fish stocking AFTER you have cycled your tank.
 
I would suggest you have a look around your local fish stores and see which fish you like the look of, then post the name/species on here and we will help you as much as we can to say if your preferred choices are suitable and how many would be recommended for your tank.
 
A lot of information to take on and can be a bit of a learning curve at first but all will be worth it, believe me 

 

[DanDax]

Thanks for the reply Charlie and you're right, no fish added and not going to until everything is right.
 
The water was only added yesterday and not added any treatment as of yet but I have bottles of Tetra Aqua Safe, Safe Start and Easy Balance which I was given with the tank. So the Aqua Safe and Safe Start will sort out the chlorine and ammonia?
 
Going to order one of those test kits now, cheers for the recommendation.
 
I have a new filter coming next week, this filter to be precise. http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/aquarium-filters/internal-filters/800l-h-aquarium-internal-filter.html - Will the media supplied be suitable for my tank, if not, what do I need?
 
As for fish I like the look and idea of shoaling fish like zebra danios and neon tetras.
 
Been told shrimp will be a good idea to help keep the gravel clean?

 

[Ch4rlie]

Great!
 
Tetra Aqua Safe is a dechlorinator, this makes tap water safe before you add to your tank by taking out chlorine and chloramines. Really, I don't think there is any bottles of stuff that reliably takes out ammonia unfortunately, would actually be nice if that was the case.
 
Put the Tetra Safe Start in your tank, you might have a chance it will have decent bacteria.
Won't do any harm to add that to your tank in the hope it will start your cycle.
 
Easy Balance, waste of time and effort IMO. Not something you should rely on.
 
That filter is perfectly fine, other members of this forum use APS filters and they say are pretty good. The media supplied will be fine.
 
Shrimps are good for cleaning up some algae, although you should not rely on shrimps being your clean up crew for your tank, thats our job. 

Red Cherry Shrimps would be good for you to start with, these tend to be the hardiest as well as cheapest from most LFS.
 
Would say have your tank cycled, up and running with fish for at least a month before adding any shrimps, they prefer an established tank and often do better that way. 

 

[DanDax]

Cheers for the replies Charlie.