New tank: looking for advice on equipment

[Falling Ash]

Hi there, I have been out of the hobby for some time, however have recently acquired a small aquarium.

It's 80 litres, square. After cycling the tank I intend to have it as a small community aquarium, moderately planted.

I am looking for advice on what filter and heater to get for it. There are so many options, internal, external, and brands etc I'm getting a little overwhelmed. Any suggestions for a good quality filter and heater to get?

Many Thanks

 

[Irishlad123]

Their is really no reason for a external filter for that size tank. Aquaclear hang on the back filter is a good filter from my expierence. I would stay away from eheim internal filters. I had a very bad experience with these and my neon tetras but it might just be me. Sorry this isnt much help but one of the more experienced members would probably be better to answer this question

 

[seangee]

What fish are you planning? WIth a reasonable amount of plants these will cope with the bioload so the main purpose of the filter is moving water and mechanical filtration. Many fish won't like the flow of an HOB so a simple sponge filter or internal may be best. I think it really does depend on what you are planning on stocking.

 

[Essjay]

I, however, like Eheim internal filters I've used Aquaball and Biopower filters. They have a flow regulator so they can be used with fish that like a slow water flow as well as fish that like a lot of flow. One of the Aquaballs would be suitable for the tank size, and they contain only sponge as the medium.

 

[utahfish]

I have a 20 gallon which is about 75 liters and i use two HOB filters one on each side of the tank for the purpose of moving the nutrients in my water around to my plants and keep the water well oxygenated. The flow isnt too strong for my neons. I always figure over filtering cant hurt. Plus its more area for beneficial bacteria to grow and if one of them breaks i have a backup currently running.
As for heaters who knows ive tried expensive heaters cheap heaters submersible heaters they all are spotty and iffy at best. Get the correct wattage heater for your tank and hope for the best!

 

[Falling Ash]

Thank you for all the replies, it's given me some things to think about.

What fish are you planning? WIth a reasonable amount of plants these will cope with the bioload so the main purpose of the filter is moving water and mechanical filtration. Many fish won't like the flow of an HOB so a simple sponge filter or internal may be best. I think it really does depend on what you are planning on stocking.

I was thinking a school of Ember tetra, perhaps 10-12, and 6 pygmy corydoras or another small cory breed if compatible.

 

[Retired Viking]

I have ember tetra (10), very nice little fish but need soft water, they would be a good fish for your size tank

 

[Byron]

Thank you for all the replies, it's given me some things to think about.



I was thinking a school of Ember tetra, perhaps 10-12, and 6 pygmy corydoras or another small cory breed if compatible.

Given these fish...Minimal filtration (if any at all, frankly) but with plants, just floating if you prefer or with some lower growing. And a few more pygmy cories, the "dwarf" species do much better with a few more. Corydoras habrosus is another lovely dwarf cory.