Please help me find equipment for new tank

[trio]

Hi, everyone

I come here to read most nights although don't post much and have learned so much since I had my 1st ever tank in July. My tank came with built in filter, heater and pump and it was a beginner's dream for me as I'm not at all technical! I didnt have to buy any extras.

Now I would love a slightly bigger tank. The one I have spotted on Ebay is 3ft wide by 18" high by 12" deep and has a pine lid and cabinet base. I tried to upload the pic but can't seem to do it! It is just a new tank on its own though with no accessories.

I am so clueless as to how I would choose a filter etc, and how they would practically work, eg a "hang on the back" filter how do they work or how you hang a heater if you buy a heater on its own mine currently fits in the jewel box thingy, and for a light can you just buy a light and fit it on? Would I be able to reuse some of my existing equipment as my current tank is only 1ft smaller width.

Could you please give me your opinions as to what hardware would ideally suit a tank of these dimensions? That would so point me in the right direction.

Thank you loads, Clare

 

[mandi]

Sounds like that tank is around 33 gallons, I think?

Check out this page -- it's for a 30 gallon tank, but it should give you a good idea of the types of equipment appropriate for that size of tank.

I think you should be fine with a hang on the back filter. What type of fish are you planning on having? If you're thinking about particularly "messy" fish (like goldfish) you'll want to get a filter that's rated for a bigger tank than what you have. Maybe something like an AquaClear 50 which is rated for 20-50 gallon aquariums.

As for the heater, probably a 100-150 watt one would be good.

[Edit - sorry was 5 pm & I was leaving work]

When you say the heater, filter, etc. were "built in" to your last tank, do you mean physically "attached" (like the Eclipse System tanks?) to the hood of the tank? If not, take a look at them and look for the brandname/model on the filter and the wattage of the heater to see if they will work with the new tank. I'm not sure what you meant by the heater being built into the jewel box? Maybe its a type of tank I'm not familliar with.

 

[keane]

Hi,

i got my tank off ebay aswell.

it too is a pine base and hood but 4 feetlong as opposed to the 3 feet long you saw

does the guy who makes them live in Birmingham?? What price are they currently bidding at?

If so then I highly recommend you bid on it. Mine is brilliant. I am well chuffed.

Will post some pics in the appropriate section as soon as I get my hands on a decent digi cam.

tbr

 

[trio]

Thank you for your replies,

mandi thanks, what I meant was that the tank came with all the equipment with it a Jewel Rekord 70, and there was an internal filter and pump that just sits inside the tank and the heater goes inside that, but they're not actually attached so I'll have a look at them. I've got 2 guppies, 11 new neon tetras and 3 otos.

thebaldranger, my tank I'm looking at is at High Peak near Buxton, the guy seems to make them, what equipment did you choose for your new tank? The thing is, I feel unsure to bid for it because I dont know how to set it up because my tank now came with everything with it!

Thanks still need lots of info! x

 

[steelhealr]

Hi Trio....you were looking for brands/names. Everyone here speaks highly about AquaClear filters. It's an outside power filter. I had problems with a heater in the past and got an Ebo Jager. It's a little pricier, but temps remain rock stable. I think those are two solid names in equipment. If you want a canister, Eheim makes a good one. Good luck. SH

 

[Nospherith]

well, if you were to get a new heater, I would get a new titanium heater like this one.

 

[keane]

Hi trio,

i have a Hagen fluval 203 external canister filter (won on ebay for £35, never used) on my tank but am soon gonna get an aquaclear 200 (or new name equivalent) as well, just to increase filtration and cover any major problems should my fluval decide to pack in! .

From what i have read on this forum the AC's are highly recommended so you might want to consider one of them.

my heater is made by Climate. Never heard of them before but seems to work really well. Again, was won on ebay (£5 I think, never used)

i don't have a great many plants so currently running just one 40w light tube (actually bought from a shop and not from ebay!!!), giving about 1.3wpg.

HTH

tbr

 

[swampcat]

I would get an aquaclear 200 for sure (now ac-50). The aquaclear filters can be used with many kinds of media not just the ones supplied with filter. The sponges can be rinsed and reused. Place lava rock, cyramic cylinders or just another sponge for bacteria growth. Use carbon ,zeolite, peat, phos-x. You can add poly fiber pads, filter floss. You name it, for any application, plus you can make these inserts using filter bags and bulk media saving tons of money. I used two of these on my 29 gallon.

The visetherm delux heaters, set and forget. These heaters are calibrated to be accurate within 1 degree. Mine are exact. You set the temp to desired degree and watch your thermometer, it will be where you set it.

check out www.petsmart.com The prices are unbelievable, even free shipping on the visetherm heater.

 

[black angel]

i have a 35 gallon uk tank with a fluvel 3+ and a 200 watt heater. i also have the rekord that you are talking about too. if you are breaking the other one down then you can use the heater if its 200 watts but you cant use the filter as it is fixed to the back wall.

 

[wdrury]

I also have a fluval 4 Plus internal canister filter and highly recommend them.They are easy to clean and the filter media can be perchased anywhere.If you are on a budget go for a resun 150 watt heater,there cheap,last a long time and are aqurate.

 

[trio]

thansk guys this is soooo helpful!