Started An Oddball Tank.

[Mr._Fishy]

I'll see if my Not so LFS has any of the penguins... I remember seeing one hooked onto their marine tank...whether or not they have them for sale is another question.

Still need to figure out how to put that damned canister filter together... I can't find the connector piece to the water diffuser for the tank return...not really needed, but I'd like to know where it is...

Since you bought it used, the previous owner may have lost it and forgot to tell you it was gone.

I wouldn't recommend getting a large filter at an lfs, they rape you. I would look into buying it online at places like Big Al's and Dr. Foster and Smith. Since you are looking into buying your lighting online, just buy the filter and the lights at the same place to save on shipping. I just got my Eheim 2213 for $67 and my lfs has them for $99. Saved quite a wad of cash there. My lfs has a penguin 350 for $52 and I have seen it as cheap as $33 online.

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Since you bought it used, the previous owner may have lost it and forgot to tell you it was gone.

I wouldn't recommend getting a large filter at an lfs, they rape you. I would look into buying it online at places like Big Al's and Dr. Foster and Smith. Since you are looking into buying your lighting online, just buy the filter and the lights at the same place to save on shipping. I just got my Eheim 2213 for $67 and my lfs has them for $99. Saved quite a wad of cash there. My lfs has a penguin 350 for $52 and I have seen it as cheap as $33 online.

Ryan

Aye, I was just going to head out there and see what prices they have. Need to get that set up asap... It's a shame too, because Liveaquaria.com just got an order of weather loaches in... by the time my tank is set up and cycling it they'll all be gone.

 

[Snooks1!]

Just got to thinking....



Would a single fire-eel be suitable, instead of having 2-3 other sorts of eels? Or is this a no-no


Nothing better to do, so I figured I'd ask. ( I remember seeing a fire-eel in a store around here once ). But not sure on the other eels I've seen.

Just curious

 

[Mr._Fishy]

Fire eels can get rather large, up to three feet. I would say no for your tank. If you want a larger spiny eel, Macrognathus aral would be good. Given the proper care, it can grow up to two feet.

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Wasn't wanting anything bigger, just got to thinking.


As a plus, I've got the canister filter working, so all that's left is to get a biowheel, airpump, and lighting.

And then cycling...


gah!

And as a bit of bad-news update, the top glass-lid thing just smashed into bits. I told mum those flimsy pieces of #### wouldn't hold it up...lo-and behold , it falls straight down into the tank, busting to smitherines.

 

[Mr._Fishy]

Wasn't wanting anything bigger, just got to thinking.


As a plus, I've got the canister filter working, so all that's left is to get a biowheel, airpump, and lighting.

And then cycling...


gah!

And as a bit of bad-news update, the top glass-lid thing just smashed into bits. I told mum those flimsy pieces of #### wouldn't hold it up...lo-and behold , it falls straight down into the tank, busting to smitherines.

I broke one of those lids last week too! I was doing a water change and I dropped it onto my bed frame post. It shattered all over the carpet. I had a ropefish and spiny eel in that tank too (both escape artists).

You probably already know this, but to speed up the cycle, you can add mature media to your filters. Bio Spira by Marineland will cycle the tank in a day if it was stored properly (it has to stay refrigerated but it often doesn't).

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Well, i'm about tired of that filter anyways...Piece of #### won't stop leaking. Every single spot possible was leaking, got all fixed except for one connector hose,then finally got it to stop. Tried to get all the air out of the filter and then the whole thing drained, which caused the last connector that was leaking to start leaking again.


So I'm just gonna bin or sell it and buy a new one, odds are.

Not to mention buying a new top....

 

[Mr._Fishy]

For the top, I would just cut your own out of plexiglass. That is what I do for all my tanks that don't come with a top.

If you are going to buy a new filter, I would go with an Eheim classic or a Rena XP. I have personally used both and both are great.

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Saying I just ditch the idea of an external filter ( not too happy with that leaky thing....) would one Penguin 350 Bio-wheel be sufficient for the tank? Or, would it be better to get two?


I really...really hate that filter with a passion now

 

[Mr._Fishy]

I would go with two. The fish you have are big carnivorous fish, many of which are pretty sensitive. You might be able to get away with one when the fish are little, but when they get bigger, I am not sure it would work.

Sorry for constantly saying this, but if you are going to pay around $80 for the 2 filters, why not put down a few dollars more and get a canister? They will provide much better bio filtration, which is what you need with your fish. Also, if you want to go planted, you want the least amount of surface agitation possible to retain the co2 in the water. If you get 2 hobs, you will get tons of surface agitation. Not very good for plants. With a canister, you can set the spray bar beneath the water level so there is little to no surface agitation.

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Just saying if I forgo using a canister. Odds are that I'm going to use one...


Just not the one I have

An Eheim classic 2215 would be good enough, no?

 

[Mr._Fishy]

Just saying if I forgo using a canister. Odds are that I'm going to use one...


Just not the one I have

An Eheim classic 2215 would be good enough, no?

Either that or the 2217. It really depends what your stock is going to be like. I would finalize your stocking plan, then decide what filter to get. As long as you keep the stocking light, you should be okay with the 2215. If you can, I would go with the 2217. It is nice to be able to have a margin of error when it comes to filtration. You will have much more flexibility of your stocking with the 2217. Keep in mind your mechanical filtration will be practically non existent with the 2215 and will not be outstanding with the 2217.

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Well, I have a 350biowheel on the way. Cheapest 2217 I can find is 130$ at Dr. F&S online, I'll see if I can find anything cheaper on ebay later.

 

[Mr._Fishy]

If you already have a 350 bio wheel, the 2215 should be just fine. I believe Dr. F&S has the cheapest prices on these too.

Ryan

 

[Snooks1!]

Aye, I was able to find a 350 for 20$ (+5$ shipping ).

So, with the 2215 this will be sufficient filtering power? Or would it be best to get a 2217? Also have a T5 system coming in too...

So much for a 300$ all inclusive system Still gotta' find more ammonia too, heh By the time I get this tank set up I'll be gone off to college, haha.