Help w/a filter system, freshwater

[lilguido1]

All,

I am new to this forum and wanted to say hello. I've read quite a few of the postings and feel this is a legit place to get some great information. So for all you "veterans" in the hobby/passion, your advice is undeniably valued.

I have pretty much picked out my new tank...either a 72 gal "Bowfront" or a 75 gal rectangle (24" deep). I know from years ago, the bigger the tank, the better/easier. (I had a 20 gal 10ys ago w/sucess).

My questions are as follows:

1) What kind of filter is recommended? I've checked on some reviews and I am hearing good things about power/bio wheels & especially the Ehiem 2227 wet/dry. I'm not really partial to something that "hangs" off the back of the aquarium, like my Whisper years ago. I don't mind the $, I just want to do it right. Advice is appreciated.

2) Heaters - I have been told that I need (2) heaters for this tank, not a problem but would they both be the same wattage or should I buy one for a 60 gal and one for a 20?

3) To plant or not to plant - I am also interested in having live plants in this aquarium. Should I and will these help or hinder the tank? I plan on using the right lighting and timetables.

4) As far as the livestock, I am basing my "newly found aquatic passion" around Angelfish. I love these guys and know that they can get big. I just want to add as many varieties as possible and quantities, but not create "riots" and "congestion.

I apologize for the lengthy questioning, but I feel that more research is needed to get off on the right foot. Although I've researched the web and liabrary, speaking (or writing) to people in the know is the best way.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[Macquatic]

Hi lilguido 1, welcome to the madhouse We like to have fun here as well as the serious stuff.
1) IMHO the Ehiem range is the best on the market so go for it
2) 2 heaters are better/more reliable in case of any faults occuring and spreading the heat around the tank. Both the same wattage approx. 150w.
3) A planted tank has definite advantages, using up excess nutrients produced by the livestock.
4) Angels are a good choice but remember that they are cichlids. When they mature they will pair off and want to breed, you may have problems!
You may also want to add some cories for tidying the substrate.
Let us know of your progress and don't be shy about posting questions. Mac.

 

[whacky]

Hello and welcome to the madhouse as it is effectionately known

Agree with mac eheims get a lot of good reveiws so there a safe choice,

Again with the heaters two are better than one,

i think mac means you need approx 150w worth of heater rather than tw0 150w heaters so two 75 or 100w heaters will be fine, the idea of two heaters is the effect is felt slower in the tank wether the heater fails hot or cold.

As for a planted tank not only do these help the tank you should also consider the fish you want, angels like a planted tank which leads me to Angels imo the best tropical fish there is, The 24" deep tank is a must due to the "height" angels can get to, work on a rough guide of 1 fish to 10 gallons i personally would go for 6 this gives you that extra bit of space for an territorial fish you end up with and allows for some tank mates, avoid any of the smaller tetras as angels will eat them, aswell as that avoid any traditional fin nipping fish,

Finally if you do get the angels a bit of slate in the tank is a good idea for them to lay there eggs on should they spawn, then a breeding tank is g a good idea, angels are good parents to there fry but it may take them a few attempts to get it right,

Angels a man after my own heart

sorry i will stop rambling now

 

[Great Lakes]

Hi Lilguido. Seems your questions have been answered, so now it is opinions, so I'll give you mine.

First, get a regular rectangle aquarium. The bowfronts are nice, but if you ever want to make your own hood/canopy/stand for it, you will appreciate the rectangle shape.

I have never run an eheim filter, so will have to concede they are a quality unit. But I have had great success with Magnum 350 Pro system. This system has the bio wheels you mentioned, and is the perfect size to do a bang up job on a 75 gallon tank.

Go with two 150 watt heaters, submersible if you can afford them. I ran two 100 watt heaters in a 65 gallon, and found them inadequate in the cold months.

As far as live plants. I love them, but first, make sure you have adequate lighting. This means at least four 40 watt lights for your size tank.

Fishkeeping is a very satisfying hobby, glad to have you on board.

Remember, We are ALWAYS here to share.......

 

[lilguido1]

Mac / Whacky / Great Lakes,

Thank you for the advice! I definately will use it. I actually got more out of your advice than what I was looking for. The tank will either be a 75 gallon or now (he, he ) a 125 gal!

Either way I go, I know where to get some solid advice. Thanks for welcoming me and providing me with help. Rest assured I will return, and often, to share my progress and to ask away.

Hey real quick, Whacky stated that I should add slate to my tank for the Angels, what if anything should I do to prepare the stone? I've heard that you need to wash (that's a given) but also bleach it? I plan on doing some driftwood (store bought), the plants, and other various rocks and hiding places. Should I build a little "cubby" out of the slate?

Thank you all!

 

[mrV]

Hi!

The tank will either be a 75 gallon or now (he, he  ) a 125 gal!

If you are going to buy that bigger one, you should think about having two external filter and one internal. Remember, there isn't too much filtration in aquarium.

My biggest tank is 450L and only one external filter. But hey.. I keep only couple fish in aquarium. Still i have thought to buy another one too. Current EF is Eheim 2028 and i have to say that im more than satisfied

Here is a pic of that tank: http/kotisivu.mtv3.fi/water_world/aquarium450_2.jpg (1-2 months old pic, nowadays it looks like a jungle)

 

[Macquatic]

Hey L1, I think whacky is refering to a piece of slate for the angels to spawn on. Get a good long piece about 12-15ins x approx 3ins wide and lean the long side against the tank glass at a slight angle. Clean first with a stiff brush and warm water only. Mac.

 

[Great Lakes]

I screwed up on my lighting advice too. I meant 40 watts X 2. I had 4 X 40 watts on my 90 gallon for optimum plant growth.

 

[lilguido1]

Thank you all for the great advice! The tank is picked (75 gal) and I will be getting it in about a week. I am going to build the the stand and the cap (or cover) to match my basements stain/style (southwest).

MRV, Thanks...I plan on using the Ehiem 2227 and (later if needed) a Penguin 330 Biowheel or the Magnum 350. Although I have heard that it is not a good idea to use Biowheels w/Planted tanks, I plan on only having a few (live) plants. Main going to use rocks.

MAC, I will definately get the slate...gotta keep the guy's happy! Thanks

GL, The store where I'm going to get the aquarium includes the 2 - 2 light fixtures. When I was talking to the guy at the store, he suggested that I get the saltwater grow light bulbs. Not exactly sure if thats the terminology, but he did show me the bulbs in the box and what they looked like on in a tank.

Thanks again for everyone's feed back. I knew this was a good place to begin!

 

[Great Lakes]

L1, I used a Magnum 350 Pro with great success on a planted 90gal. The Pro system has the bio wheel return.

 

[lilguido1]

B) Cool GL, I be doin that! Thx for saving me about $200!

 

[Great Lakes]

The 350 also comes with the water polishing cartridge

The lighting fixtures you mentioned, were they 4ft bulbs?

 

[lilguido1]

GL, I belive the sales rep said that the light fixture comes w/(2) light fixtures - (4) 24" bulbs. Simply because the hood has (2) openings (lights mount on the wood cap, not over the tank cover).
Also, on the 350, the Biowheel in non-powered right? Just powered by water (just looking @ maintenance perspective)...

 

[Great Lakes]

L1, the 75 is a nice size tank. It is a few inches shorter than a 90, so the four 24" bulbs will probably work. But if it is four 18" bulbs, you may be disappointed.

The magnum with the bio wheels splits the return into a straightforward outlet, and a biowheel outlet, and yes, the water powers the wheels through adjustable spray bars.

 

[lilguido1]

Thanks GL! I will check on what it has prior to purchase. Good info!