New checklist

[mlee0332]

here's my list of stuff to purchase when I upgrade my tank to a 29 gallon (sadly my house floors can't survive 55 g's weight)

of course the tank
air pump
20/40 filter
hood
decor
gravel 30Lb
heater 100 watt
air stones
air line
replacement filters
stand



Can anyone think of anything else that is a NECESSITY? Trying to work on a budget here

 

[boxman]

I would go for a 300w thermostat, yea a 100w can handle US29g (I think) but it'll be stretching it abit.

My 22gUK has a 300w thermostat and it runs perfectly as it's not having to work mega hard as it's more than the tank needs.

Same with your filter, I'm not familiar with a 20/40 but I'd recommend whatever you go for you get a more powerful filter than you need (especially with canister filters - fluval 304 or equivalent for your tank size I'd suggest).

Plants you could add. Thermometer (glass internal one), bucket for water changes, strong jug for water changes, tap safe declorinator, net, algae magnet cleaner, algae scraper, siphon, gravel vac (possibility), bogwood (possibly, if you're planning to get a pl*co ).

There's much more I'm sure, that's off the top of my head.

Oh, and one of the most important things, a chemical test kit (if you don't have a kind LFS to test your tank water for you).

I know you're on a budget but alot of the stuff above is pretty essential (see if you can get some of it thrown in from your LFS since you're spending enough anyway!)

I'm good at spending other peoples money! Even better with my money!!!!

Good luck!
Pete

 

[mlee0332]

Thanx,

and great news, I already have 90% of that, so that will cut down a lot, now off to the stores...

 

[boxman]

Hehe!!

Good stuff - hope the cycle goes well!

 

[BigC]

B) What about the lighting?

 

[boxman]

Good point!

 

[mlee0332]

on my list i automatically think lighted hood not just a plain hood, so I got that covered...

O well i have just returned and I have seen the advantages of buying separate and buying in one big box and the buying together has more advantages than disadvantages, so thats what I'm going to get.

One more question, do you think that it would be better to get a 29g tall or long?

 

[pjfish]

IMO heaters are a big problem if they don't work, either don't come on or get stuck on, so I use 2 smaller heaters instead of 1 big one. If one fails, the other will handle things until you notice the problem. That way, your fish shouldn't get cold or fried. I haven't had a problem yet, but this gives me peace of mind.

 

[FrAnK3333]

300 watts, sorry but thats crazy. It reallys depends on where you live I guess, well not really. I live in Michigan and my tank, 20 gallon, can stay above 80 during the winter with a 100 watt heater. I would upgrade, but not a 300, half that. Gte a 150 watt heater. The guideline is usually 50 watts per 10 gallons.
Sorry but there isnt a tall or long for 29 gallons, its just a standard size 30x12x18. Plus you only need 20lbs of gravel, or sand (which is the way to go IMO), because I basically have the same tank. I would upgrade your filter, maybe to an emperor 250? The emperor filters are the best HOB filters IMO, I have a emperor 400 on my 20 long. As for lighting, standard should due, but that means yourlive plants if you choose to get any will be limited.

 

[mlee0332]

well what size is it that is long/wide? I thought 29s were the ones...

 

[pjfish]

I have a 20-gal that is 30" long x 12" tall x 12" deep. Is that what you're thinking of?

 

[mlee0332]

maybe... I have tendencies to tangle things up...

I fi buy the 29 g tank, will the hood for 20 g tanks fit it??? That is puzzling me.............

 

[rdd1952]

I don't know what type budget you're on but air pumps can be very noisy. I took the first one I bought (a cheap one) back because it was very loud. The guy at Petsmart (yes I have a good one with knowledgable staff to shop at) suggested a Rena pump. He said he used them on his tanks. I bought one and it was dead silent. I now own 4 of them and wouldn't buy anything else. They are more expensive than some you can get but well worth in my opinion.

Edit: Air pumps/air stones aren't 100% necessary if you have enough surface agitation from your filter. Also, if you have live plants you probably don't want an airstone as it will drive the CO2 from the water and severely hinder your plant growth.

 

[pjfish]

maybe... I have tendencies to tangle things up...

I fi buy the 29 g tank, will the hood for 20 g tanks fit it??? That is puzzling me.............

Probably the same thing. My 20-gal long tank (30" long) uses a standard 29-gal top. It should be easy to find a top to fit Whatever tank you get, but be sure to measure if you buy them separately.

 

[boxman]

My 300w thermostat is about the same size as a 100w - and I live on an island in the English Channel so it does get pretty cold!! (Av. 10-15oC)

I stand by my theory though, at least if I want to upgrade to say a 30g I won't have to buy another thermostat! (£11 for a 100w, £12.50 for a 300w). Plus I'm not working it hard.

In US yea, probably no point - good point.