Please Help Dad And I Setup Up My Fish Tank...

[Marlin&Nemo&Mac]

Hi,
This is my second post and this is a copy of what I posted in the welcome section...

I am excited to start my first fish tank. I'm glad I found this place. Hopefully I will learn a lot and be able to have a great tank like all of you. My dad will do most of the typing, since it takes me too long, and I'm not that good at spelling yet, so please have patience with that. I will go to the right area to tell about my equipment, and what I hope to do with all of your help. I made my name because Marlin reminds me of my dad, and I would be Nemo. But you can call me Mac for short.
I will be Four soon.

We thought I should post my specs here?

Me and dad are setting up my fish tank. This is what we already have for equipment.

Hexagonal 15-1/4â€￾ across x 20â€￾ high w/stand
All-Glass 20 Hexagon Deluxe Full Hood
Marineland Penguin 150 BIO-Wheel Power Filter
Tronic Electronic 100W Aquarium Heater
Mag-Float 130A Acrylic Cleaner
20 lbs. Spectrastone Decorative Gravel

We are going to start the cycling as per outlined in this forum.
Here are my questions so far;
How many gallons is my tank?
Do I have to change my filter every 2-4 weeks?
What is the best test kit to buy?
How many and what types of fish do you recommend?
Does anyone use a tray at the bottom for possible leaks?
What else do I need?

The tank was given to me by a friend. My dad has replaced all of the corners with new silicon suitable for fish tanks. It does have 3 of the six sides that are mirrored, the other 3 are clear. Will this cause problems for the fish?

That’s all I can think of right now, and we welcome all thoughts and suggestions to help me build the best fish tank I can be proud of. I am a patient little boy, but I am also very excited! Please help my dad and I with this

Mac

 

[chibi]

You can calculate how many gallons your tank is by measuring the width of one side of your tank and then the height of it, then going here. I tried it out but I don't think you gave the right measurements.

I have a Marineland filter in one of my smaller tanks, and I suggest changing it every 2 months or even more. Don't ever replace the bio-wheel, no matter how gross it gets. Since the cartriges are replaced all at once, most of the bacteria you need lives in the bio-wheel.

I've got an API Master Freshwater Test Kit. Many others here have this, too. I'd get one.

I really can't reccomend and fish until I know how big your tank is, so go calculate it and bring back your findings.

Oh, and what do you mean tray? Where are you putting this? Because tanks shouldn't leak...

I don't know about the mirrored sides. That's kind of strange. I don't know if the fish would be bothered by it or not...

 

[AmberMc]

Before you get started, you should definitely set up the tank with just water and let it sit somewhere for a day or so where you won't mind any water getting on the floor. Then, make very certain that there isn't any water leaking from the tank- empty it very carefully (preferrably with a syphon) and check to make sure there aren't any wet spots. Doing this now will ensure you won't need a tray later - and I'm sure most of us have had a failed attempt at sealing a tank... Don't sweat it. Best of luck!!!

 

[Betta91]

The best fish for beginners are livebearers. They are the easiest to take care of, and are quite decorative. Livebearers are fish such as platies, mollies, guppies, swordtails, etc. These fish are also extremely easy to breed, so don't be suprised to turn on the lights one morning to find little baby fish swimming around. As said before, the amount of fish you can have depends upon the size of your tank. Good rule of thumb is 1 square inch of fish per gallon.

 

[angeli697]

Hi,
This is my second post and this is a copy of what I posted in the welcome section...

I am excited to start my first fish tank. I'm glad I found this place. Hopefully I will learn a lot and be able to have a great tank like all of you. My dad will do most of the typing, since it takes me too long, and I'm not that good at spelling yet, so please have patience with that. I will go to the right area to tell about my equipment, and what I hope to do with all of your help. I made my name because Marlin reminds me of my dad, and I would be Nemo. But you can call me Mac for short.
I will be Four soon.

We thought I should post my specs here?

Me and dad are setting up my fish tank. This is what we already have for equipment.

Hexagonal 15-1/4â€￾ across x 20â€￾ high w/stand
All-Glass 20 Hexagon Deluxe Full Hood
Marineland Penguin 150 BIO-Wheel Power Filter
Tronic Electronic 100W Aquarium Heater
Mag-Float 130A Acrylic Cleaner
20 lbs. Spectrastone Decorative Gravel

We are going to start the cycling as per outlined in this forum.
Here are my questions so far;
How many gallons is my tank?
Do I have to change my filter every 2-4 weeks?
What is the best test kit to buy?
How many and what types of fish do you recommend?
Does anyone use a tray at the bottom for possible leaks?
What else do I need?

The tank was given to me by a friend. My dad has replaced all of the corners with new silicon suitable for fish tanks. It does have 3 of the six sides that are mirrored, the other 3 are clear. Will this cause problems for the fish?

That’s all I can think of right now, and we welcome all thoughts and suggestions to help me build the best fish tank I can be proud of. I am a patient little boy, but I am also very excited! Please help my dad and I with this

Mac

we need to know one side of the hexagonal aquarium to tell how many gallons your tank is. yes, you have to change the filter media every month. (4 weeks). if you really wanted to get into it, i would say the big freshwater masters water test kit, but if you want a little test kit, then get some test strips. well i would recommend for livebearers: mollies, platies, and guppies. but if you want cool looking schooling fish, then i would get some tetras. neons, black, cardinal, jumbo, skirt, and bleeding heart tetras. remember for a healthy looking fish, you need 1 gallon of water per inch of fish. no you don't need a tray at the bottom of the tank, unless the silicone on the glass leaks. even if that did happen i wouldn't use that tank, unless you got some silicone sealer for aquariums. all you really need is an aquarium, lights, fish, gravel, food, plants, decor, filter, and a heater. (p.s. if your filter gives of enough aeration w/ oxygen, then you don't need a bubbler, but if it doesn't give off enough aeration then you'll need a bubbler.

HOPE THIS HELPED YOU!!!

-angeli697

heres a good website for you to calulate the amount of water in you aquarium: http/www.aquaticcommunity.com/converter/...-calculator.php

 

[confusion]

This is the test kit to get: http/www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl36...ermastertestkit
BTW, you will learn to like Big Al's. I have yet to find a better price on just about anything, even including shipping costs, though Petsmart will technically pricematch them in their store.

If you're worried about it leaking, I'd try a tray, but I would strongly suggest that you get comfortable that the tank isn't going to leak before setting it up.

About the only thing I can recommend that you may want to get is an air pump and air stone.

I thing a dwarf gourami would be nice in that tank.

 

[Puffdaddy]

We are going to start the cycling as per outlined in this forum.
Here are my questions so far;
How many gallons is my tank?
Do I have to change my filter every 2-4 weeks?
What is the best test kit to buy?
How many and what types of fish do you recommend?
Does anyone use a tray at the bottom for possible leaks?
What else do I need?

Welcome to the forum I wish I had a dad as cool as yours to help start this hobby so young. I have a niece that is almost 2 years old and I plan getting her her very first tank as well. I did'nt get my first tank till I was about 17. I'll try to answer the questions in order and straight to the point.
1. I'm not sure on the volume of the tank although there are many (tank) volume calculaters on the internet you can search.

2. No you don't have to change your filter every 2-4 weeks. In fact it is best to keep the fiter media in the filter for as long as possable (till it falls apart) just rinse it in old tank water once in awhile. You don't need the carbon I would replace with filter fiber.

3. The best test kit in my opinion to get is an API liquid test kit. Your local fish store (lfs) should carry it, just ask.

4. There are literally thousands of fish to chose from. I would start out with "peaceful community fish" such as tetras (many differant kinds), Guppies, cory's, platy's and such. Beware not over stock, although you will have some time to research fish while the tank is cycling.

5. I don't use any kind of tray. A tank should not leak what so ever, if it does you will need to repair before fish are added.

6. You will need a dechlorinator such as Prime by Seachum, there are many to choose from. This is to dechlorinate any water you add to the tank. Tap water has chlorine in it and will kill all the bacteria you are trying grow and maintain in your filter. Add it at the start of your cycle and during every water change.

I think that is about it if I come up with something else I will post it.

 

[-germ-]

In addition to your shopping list you'll need food!
Many people on this site recommend TetraPro as a good food, its also worthwhile making sure you have some frozen peas in the house, most fish will eat these readily and they can also help fish with bad stomachs.
A gravel vac and/or siphon
You'll need to clean (water change) your tank weekly, most say a minimum of 20% weekly is best. Either a siphon or gravel vac is suitable, but a gravel vac is best as it helps remove any build up of food, wastes etc on the aquarium floor.
A bucket for water changes
To put the water in that you siphon off!
Dechlorinator (as mentioned earlier)
Seachem prime is good, cheap and can also prevent any toxic build ups in your tank. In my signature area beneath this post there is a link to SeaChems site.
Everytime you put new water into your tank it needs to be dechlorinated.

I'd definatley test my tank for leaks first, leave it stood full of water for about 48 hours and keep your filter on, if you are not sure about the tank then you need to make sure vibrations won't help cause leaks.
I'd also go for a liquid tester over strips, strips can prove unreliable.
Once you know what fish you want then you can also plan tank-decor, fake plants... real plants... rocks... real wood.... fake wood.. theres loads of stuff to choose from.
Be careful when choosing rocks, you can always check on this link---> ME!! what to look for when purchasing them, some can effect your tank water.

I'm sure i'll have missed loads of stuff though....

 

[Marlin&Nemo&Mac]

Wow! I really am amazed and thankful for all the help here so far

Something I need to mention. Dad did the tests outside for leaking, and feels confident that we have it now. But he just wants to be sure cause of the new flooring .

Some more questions have come up;

I did the calculation for the Hex type aquarium to figure the gallons. And I'm coming up with different numbers for the gallons. My height is 20", my width could be construed different ways? I suppose one way is to measure is from the two opposite sides(15.25"), or along one of the six sides(8.25"). I have calculated anywhere from 9+gallons to 36 gallons ?
Also what is recommended to clean both the inside and outside prior to filling any water for the cycling process?
Germ,
What does a gravel vac look like? I already have a siphon that I was told was for water?

Yes, my dad is the best for helping me.

All the thoughts and comments are very welcome, and thanks for ideas on the fish. Now to get some water in the tank

Mac

 

[-germ-]

You need to get the exact measurments 9 - 36 would make a huge difference on your stocking i'm awful at maths so won't go there....
Did you try chibis calculator link? That tells you exactly how to work out hexagonal tank size, links in my sig if you need it.
Gravel vac is a long piece of rubber tubing with a large solid plastic tube on the end like this--->click me! much better than a standard siphon, although that may be what you already have....
And did dad test with the filter running?

 

[Marlin&Nemo&Mac]

Did you try chibis calculator link? That tells you exactly how to work out hexagonal tank size, links in my sig if you need it. And did dad test with the filter running?

Yes I did try that calculator, but my problem is what is the side dimension? The 8.25 or the 15.25?

No, dad did not test with filter running, that makes a difference?

Thanks germ....

Mac

 

[-germ-]

Right.. erm... what make is it or was it originally?
Also what is the height minus the stand, if you tell me the complete and exact measurements like 2 sides=15.25 and 4 sides=8.25 i'll try and get the GF to work it out, she has brains....
The filter may affect it with the vibrations, as its been resealed i'd try it just to be safe.
Did you say earlier you were going to fishless cycle?

 

[confusion]

Assuming the 8.25" measurement is the length of just one of the flat sides of the tank, you have a 15.3G tank.

It shouldn't make a big difference with the filter vs without, unless part of the leak was above the water line and the filter would potentially splash water on part that is not sealed well. seems unlikely, though.

For a gravel vac, I would strongly recommend a python (http/www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18377/si1380559/cl0/pythonnospillcleanandfill50). You can certainly buy the $10 tube and hose, and a $5 home depot bucket, but that's tiring work.

I also recommend getting the seachem prime for your dechlor. It's good stuff and lasts forever.

Another thing you might want to get is some anachris. It'll help prevent algae from growing in your tank. Speaking of that, not sure if you've been warned yet, but the acrylic tanks scratch REALLY REALLY easily. Be extremely careful if you clean the sides.

 

[-germ-]

Good point post 9 tells you...
15.3gal
Any idea what your PH is locally?
Or what fish you'd be inclined toward...
Stocking ideas anyone?

 

[Puffdaddy]

US gallons - 15.31
Liters - 57.95
UK gallons- 12.75

Here is a great site for calculating tank volumes
http/saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/o...m/abd_calcs.htm