New Tank Checklist

[mystered]

Hey guys,

I have a 4 x 1.5 x 2 foot tank on layby at the local fish store. Now, before I pick it up I want to ensure that I have all the equipment planned out before hand. It will be a tropical tank, plenty of plants with at least the following fish
1x Pearl Gourami
2x Neon Tetras
1x Phantom Tetra
1x Platy


Can you comment on my checklist below before I continue...

Air Pump - I have one already.

Heater - Got 2 units, @ 50W each. Will this be enough to heat the new tank to 27 deg C

Gravel for substrate - Got it. However would like to change to sand. Is there anything wrong with going down to my local beach and helping myself. Will the fish adapt? Will the plants adapt? is there a chance of compaction and blocking filters if too fine?

Decorative Rocks - Got it

Plants - Got it

Stand & Cover - Getting it

4 Foot light and globes - Got a 2 foot one, will buy a 4 foot. What are the benefits of a dual globe model? Will I need this for tropical fish or should I forward plan for marine.

Filter - was planning on a cannister filter. However, in the short term will I get away with using my existing internal filter + another internal or hang on filter. I really want to have it set up for christmas but funds will restrict a proper cannister filter?

Cheers.

 

[catxx]

tetras and platys too i think, need to be in groups of 5 or more.

how many gallons is your tank?

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. I'll comment on a couple of things where i feel i can be of help. So a 48" x 18" x 24" tank is about 90 US gallons. The recommended heater wattage for any size tank is 3-4 watts per gallon. So 90 x 4 = 360. I think you need stronger heaters than 2 x 50 Watts. I would go with at least 2 x 150W if not more. The gravel you choose is up to you. Some people prefer sand and there have been many write ups about this posted recently. If you are collecting sand from outside somewhere, watch out that there aren't any contaminants in it, and make sure it won't affect your pH, and wash it really well before adding it. Look for some of the sand posts for more info.
The air pump is optional, decorations are to your taste. If using real plants, substrate and lighting become more important, and i am not able to help you with that. Make sure the stand is really sturdy as a 90 gallon tank will be very heavy, and you've got the hood covered.
As for filtration, the filter should be able to filter all the water in the aquarium at least 4-5 times an hour. More is better than less, and most people over filter. I have 7 times or more on mine. So as long as your filter does that, and disturbs the surface of the water enough to create oxygen exchange, then you should be ok.
Also, as stated above, the smaller fish like tetras and platys should be in groups of at least 5-ish. Good luck, and i hope you have fun setting it all up.

 

[littleimp]

Beach sand is a big no no!! You will never be able to wash out the salt & impurities. Playsand (very cheap) or aquatic sand is best.

If you want a heavily planted tank you need fertiliser additions to the substrate, stronger lighting, no air pump & the addition of CO2.

At the moment you need to make sure the plants you put in are low light demanding otherwise they will just die & pollute the tank.

 

[Gazoo]

A thermometer is a good addition.

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> Will this be enough to heat the new tank to 27 deg C

Depends on the ambiant temperature. They are quite small heaters. If you live somewhere where the room temperature is rarely below 20C then they'll take up the slack. In a cold house or shed, that is not enough. 27C is somewhat high for regular tropicals, 24-25C is more typical. Water holds less O2 as it gets warmer.

>>> is there a chance of compaction

All substrates compact to a variable amount. I use swimming pool filter sand as the even grain size and shape stops it packing down as hard or as quickly as silver sand or play sand. Beach sand will contain calcareous material which will harden your water and raise your pH. It is not a sensible choice for a freshwater setup.

>>> 4 Foot light and globes

I don't know what "globes" are. If you intend to grow live plants, light is almost always a problem. You should aim for 2Watts per gallon of full spectrum, (5000K - 6700K), fluorescent light turned on for 10-12 hours a day. This will give you "Medium" light and will allow you to grow many types of plants.

>>> the following fish

Tetras are shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish. Additionally, Neons and Phantoms are sensitive fish and are not really suitable for newly set up tanks. After the tank is cycled and running for a few months, then add them.

>>> it set up for christmas

Unless you have access to a ready cycled tank and your old internals are pre-seeded with good bacteria, you may not get the tank cycled in time.