Starting My First Fishtank

[yancho]

Whatever you say I follow. Putting the number of breeding traps to 1 and forgetting that idea. I taught it sounded a bit dodgy but tried my luck basically

Cheers for all your help!!! Many many many thanks! I'm naming the male guppy assaye after all your help

As I said, I'll respond more in the morning when I have more time but please don't get a breeding trap and put a betta (fighter) in there. They really do need more space! Some people keep them in tiny pods but I don't think this is ethical. They still need plenty of room to swim for exercise and mental stimulation.

The rest sounds good. I'll double check all your links and gear tomorrow =)

 

[Assaye]

Whatever you say I follow. Putting the number of breeding traps to 1 and forgetting that idea. I taught it sounded a bit dodgy but tried my luck basically

Cheers for all your help!!! Many many many thanks! I'm naming the male guppy assaye after all your help

As I said, I'll respond more in the morning when I have more time but please don't get a breeding trap and put a betta (fighter) in there. They really do need more space! Some people keep them in tiny pods but I don't think this is ethical. They still need plenty of room to swim for exercise and mental stimulation.

The rest sounds good. I'll double check all your links and gear tomorrow =)

I'm actually a girl, but feel free to name a boy after me!

 

[yancho]

Oops heh! Yeah one of the fish girls gonna be Assaye!

I'm actually a girl, but feel free to name a boy after me!

 

[Timmy_Bee]

by the way, you cant really go 1 fish / 5 litres. The 'rule' is 1 inch of fish per gallon (roughly 5L).
I say 'Rule' - this can be stretched, but don't go thinking you can shove in 30 fish. As a beginner, i would start with half that (max) and work your way up when you have got into the habbit of water changes etc

just re-read your post and saw you were going to get less fish... Sorry for that. But thought the above was worth mentioning anyway

 

[yancho]

Cheers Timmy for your concern

Yeah as you noted, I am not going to start full blast: Starting with a male + female from one shop, buy another male + female from another and hopefully another 2 females from another - So starting at 2 Males / 6 Females. Hopefully that will get me a good mix of Genes + some fry which obviously I will loose some to nature survival of the fittest. Once its going strong, I'll keep a max of 20-25 [very very max]. Then when its going on I'll add [LATER ON] 4 platies - 1 M / 3 females. Those will obviously mate but much at a slower rate.

Max [very big max] will be a total of 35 fish at any time!

 

[Timmy_Bee]

thats cool. Just take it slow otherwise you'll find yourself chained to your tank and won't enjoy the hobby...

 

[yancho]

Thanks for the advice! Yeah definitely. And obviously at first its going to be hard. I know that. Until everything gets going its going to be soem get sick / some die so I will need to give them super extra duper care

 

[Assaye]

Hi,

Small changes, actually big ones! I managed to get a 4ft aquarium from freecycle! This obviously makes all the other plans bust. Need to start thinking bigger now.

Can I go again through the items and ask your kind advice again please?


- Aquarium -> basically a 122 x 31 (4ft) - giving 172 liters / 40 gallons of water
- Aquarium stand - steel -> http/www.aquatics-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/FISH_TANK_STANDS.html - Are they a good company? Anyone can recommend them pelase? I really dont ant 40 gallons of water floating in my living room! I prefer dry environments

No idea how good they are, sorry. I know quite a few people who use similar stands, though, and have no trouble. Personally I would get a thick bit of board and put that on top to make a surface, and sit the tank on that.

-Heater -> 100W Heater - http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/100W-Aquarium-Suction-Cup-Heater-Marine-Plant-Fish-Tank-/320592877073?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4aa4d31611#ht_1694wt_911 Set to: 24 degrees -- Should I buy 2 of these and switch them both to 24degrees? Like that if one of them goes bust there will be the other one working. I think that if the water reaches 24 degrees they should stop heating no?

I would go for two 150W. I have one 150W on my 3 foot tank (110 litres) and the light is almost always on which means it uses a lot of energy to heat the tank. Get a heater that is adjustable and doesn't have a fixed temperature. That way, yopu can set it correctly for the fish you want (for guppies and other livebearers 24 would be fine).

Feeder -> Automatic feeder to make sure they get their food daily and regularly - will keep one type of food in it and then will mix manually - http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aquarium-Automatic-Fish-Food-Feeder-Timer-w-Suction-Cup-/320594029354?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa4e4ab2a#ht_1710wt_911

I really don't rate auto-feeders. Fish don't mind erratic feeding and it's good for them to have a day off every few days. I would feed manually - less chance of something going wrong/failing and means you can carefully mix and match their food. For example, in my community tanks I feed flake 3 days a week, bloodworms/brineshrimp 1 day a week, sinking pellets 4 days a week, floating pellets 1 day a week, chopped pea 2-3 times a month. I don't feed the same food everyday and add other stuff, as the fish would get unhealthy from all the food.

-Filter -> 2 x ApesX-2300 - http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ApesX-2300-Filter-Live-Aquarium-Plant-Fish-Tank-SI-/250445509048?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3a4fb731b8#ht_3483wt_911 (each is over 20 gallon so 2 will be over 40 gallon - good?)

With a big tank I would strongly recommend a big internal power filter like the Fluval U4 or ideally an external filter such as those made by Rena, Tetra, Eheim or Fluval. You want big filtration to make sure the water circulates around the tank properly and to make sure you have enough biological, mechanical and chemical filtration avaliable. Those sponge filters are not very powerful and don't really provide mechanical or chemical filtration.

-Air Pump -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/RESUN-Aquarium-Silent-Two-Way-Air-Pump-180L-H-AIR-3000-/370393119727?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563d267bef#ht_4558wt_1041

If not using them on a filter, air pumps are great when applied to an air-stone to create extra oxygen in the water for the fish.

- T connector to cut the air pipe so will have a filter on each side -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/T-Connector-Air-Hose-Pipe-Fitting-Aquarium-Joint-6mm-/110547874964?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item19bd2ab494#ht_1203wt_911

The air pump you showed has two outlets anyway. No need for T connector, although they are useful to have around. I would honestly get a power filter for the tank and use the pump for an air stone.

-Pipe to connect Air Pump with Filter -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Silicone-Aquarium-Air-Line-tubing-pipe-filter-/250688892996?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3a5e38f044#ht_500wt_1154

That's fine.

- Extensions so the water comes out from the air pump - 6 x http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aquarium-Air-Pump-Stone-Diffuser-Adaptor-Tube-Hose-AU42-/250701672996?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3a5efbf224#ht_2607wt_1044 will keep them at 20 cm difference. Should also help the fact that they have an air pump stone diffusor no?

That's basically just an airstone kit. If I were you, I'd use the two outlets on the pump to put an airstone at each end of the tank. I'd also consider a bigger air-stone - maybe a long one that will give you a 'curtain' of bubbles?

-Gravel -> Dorset Pea Pre Washed Aquarium Gravel Medium 20kg-> http/www.netpetshop.co.uk/p-17625-dorset-pea-pre-washed-aquarium-gravel-medium-20kg.aspx + Dorset Pea Pre Washed Aquarium Gravel Small 20kg http/www.netpetshop.co.uk/p-16450-dorset-pea-pre-washed-aquarium-gravel-small-20kg.aspx -- is 40kg too few / enough / too much?

Great selection. Not sure how much you'll need, to be honest. I'd get both bags and make sure you have 1-2 inches at the front and 3-4 inches at the back for planting. Extra is always handy!

-Plant (Vallisneria Spiralis)-> 10 plants -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/10-Vallisneria-spiralis-Tortifolia-Tropical-Fish-Plants-/260666430177?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3cb0ee12e1 (looks like the guppies love to play hide and seek)

Lovely plant, I have them going wild in my big tank. 10 isn't very many for such a big tank - you can really get loads and loads! I must have 30 stems or more in my big tank, and that's with loads of other plants. I would recommend a decent UV light for the tank, though, rather than LEDs or a clip on light. They are not too demanding BUT need a reliable source of light to grow.

Why not get a few other plants as well? Cabomba is fairly easy, amazon swords are apparently easy (although I have bad luck with them), java fern is great but does need to be tied to bits of rock or wood instead of planted, as does anubias. Cryptocorynes are my favourite!

Water tests -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/API-Freshwater-tropical-Master-Test-Kit-PH-tester-/150495694622?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item230a3e0f1e

Good choice =)

Fry net -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/PPI-Aquarium-Net-Breeder-plus-Digital-Thermometer-FREE-/280502594102?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item414f41ea36#ht_500wt_928 - it also comes with a thermometer - so its a good bargain. and for my new big tank a thermometer is really needed ey?

All tanks should have a thermometre but I'd be wary of those stick on, 'digital' ones. I find them very unreliable. Try a more traditional glass one with a sucker. They're still cheap.

Net - that's good, sure, if you want a net. Personally, I'm in favour of letting the fish breed free in the tank where they have space to hide and feel secure. Some may get eaten but that's nature for you.

Ammonia -> http/www.boots.com/en/Boots-Household-ammonia-500ml_923908

Fine!

Primer -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SeaChem-Prime-100ml-Marine-Tropical-Water-Conditioner-/370363386146?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563b60c922#ht_2660wt_911

Good stuff!

Gravel Cleaner -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fish-Tank-Aquarium-Siphon-Gravel-Vacuum-Cleaner-AQ15-/190439656037?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2c57168a65#ht_2914wt_1086

Never seen one quite like that before but should be fine. Just make sure it is long enough! I have short arms and small cleaners and it's a real struggle to clean out my 4 foot tank.

Fish - Should I still stick with guppies? Can I mix something else with guppies now that I have space? Will 2 males 6 females be good or i can put a bit more? or best i start with few so in case something goes wrong at least i wouldnt have killed many? And like this they should start breeding soon ey? I read that guppies mix well with other live bearers such as platies. Looks like some ppl suggested against guppies + mollies? Whats your take on it?According to my calculation of 5 liters x fish I can have a maximum of 30 fish no? so if I go 2 Male Guppies / 6 Female Guppies / 4 male Platies will be good ? That gives me a lot of extra space for babies, and a good turnover for fish who will die etc until I get used to properly take care of them.

First of all - test your tap water for pH. Test some straight from the tap and some that has been sitting around for a few days. Get a good idea of the pH and that will give you a rough idea of how hard the water is as well. My experience is that you should mix fish that will enjoy your water rather than getting the fish you want and finding they don't like your water. Guppies, platies, mollies, etc all like harder water and this usually has a pH that is over 7-7.5

If you have softer water with a low pH (under 7) consider fish like tetras, corys and dwarf cichlids instead of livebearers.

In a big tank, you can have quite a few fish but as someone else pointed out, work on inches of fish rather than numbers of fish. For example, you couldn't have 30 fish that were all 6 inches long but you could have 30 teeny fish like male guppies.

As your are cycling with ammonia before getting fish, you can put a few fish in at once after the cycle if you want. However, I think you have the right idea of getting the tank ready and then carefully building up the fish numbers. Get the guppies in first (maybe 10 of them) and then see what you want to add further down the line. As you said, always leave space for them to breed! Livebearers have been known to try to interbreed to be wary of that. I don't see a problem with mixing guppies and mollies, tbh, but I've not done it myself.

Is it crazy that we buy another those fry hatchers and we put a betta siamese fighter there by itself? Or it will still try to attack the guppies?

Already addressed.

Since guppies are not good jumpers, if say I fill the aquarium to 2/3's with water, can I go without a hood / roof? Instead I have a roof which was used for a vivarium, has a decent sized net in the middle, and two big glass windows which I was thinking that if I can use it instead of my hood I will stick two small neons on it. Pic of it is here: http/tinypic.com/r/34o5yxv/7 - Since the Arc Pod seems heavy should I put them on the gravel bed? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ARCADIA-ARC-POD-9W-WATT-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-LIGHT-UNIT-/180504396628?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2a06e68354#ht_3688wt_1002

I have a similar hood on my newt tank. If you don't hav other pets or children, a 3/4 or 2/3 filled tank is fine. It could look really good once the plants have bedded in as some will start to grow above the water line and may even produce flowers! Reducing the water does mean you can't have as much stock but you are going to start small anyway. With less water, you could have less powerful heaters and filters but I still recommend 100W heaters and a power filter rather than sponge. You could try two sponges if you like but I feel that it limits what you can do as you can't put things like carbon in sponge filters and they are not very good at keeping the water clear (but very good at keeping it clean - important difference).

Don't use the Arc Pod on such a large tank. Get yourself an aquarium UV tube (about 30-36 inches long, 'daylight' spectrum) and a UV tube starter unit (Arcadia make them, as do a few others) and get that fixed into your lid with a reflector (again, Arcadia make them). You should be able to get all the clips and such with it. That gives the fish and plants enough light to grow and live. If you wanted Arc Pods, you'd need loads in that tank.

The Arc Pod is not for underwater so even if you get it, it must be clipped onto the rim of the tank. They're rally not powerful enough for such a large tank, though.

Food: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250501112960&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_2394wt_911 <- I already bought that before - can I give it to them? I had also bought this before: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160359945116#ht_1358wt_1137 Shoul I NOT use it?

Goldfish food is for goldfish. I personally wouldn't use it although it won't do any harm, but it looks pretty cheap and nasty. I would recommend mixing that tropical flake in with some small pellets such as the Hikari tropical fish pellets or the Love Fish tropical pellets, and then some frozen bloodworms and brineshrimp once a week (get those locally, not online).

Hope that helps!

 

[yancho]

many many thanks for your reply assaye!

Will go through it when I'm back at home. Will I need some accessories for the internal filter? Or just buy it and that's it?

 

[Assaye]

many many thanks for your reply assaye!

Will go through it when I'm back at home. Will I need some accessories for the internal filter? Or just buy it and that's it?

You'll need the filter (I recommend something like a Fluval U4 if you're going for a relatively lightly stocked tank with smaller fish) and it's helpful to have some spare sponges and carbon inserts. You can get them from Fluval as well and should be able to find them on Ebay and such.

You won't need to replace the media (sponges, etc) very often at all but it's handy to have spare. The carbon can be kept out until you need it, for example to remove excess medication after treatment.

 

[yancho]

No idea how good they are, sorry. I know quite a few people who use similar stands, though, and have no trouble. Personally I would get a thick bit of board and put that on top to make a surface, and sit the tank on that.

No worries - I might go with it.

Heater -> Great! Thanks. Will have the RESUN one : http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/RESUN-150W-Aquarium-Heater-all-type-Water-Tank-/370146365710?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item562e71510e

OK Great - Less money Not buying the feeder!

Filter -> What about this -> Aquarium 5W Internal Sponge Bio Pump 200L/H Filter-AU05 ? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360303365740&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_3114wt_1086 / I am thinking I get the other one still and put the stones on it. Do I need to fill it with anything? If yes with what? Will that just stick it to side and power it on?

Air pump - Will keep it as as said above. Will buy the same one above and stick to it 6" air stones

OK - Just not getting any Tconnectors then - I won't need
Ok getting 3 meters of air pipe then.

Getting 2 x 6" Air stones then

-Great selection. Not sure how much you'll need, to be honest. I'd get both bags and make sure you have 1-2 inches at the front and 3-4 inches at the back for planting. Extra is always handy!

Yeah I will

Why not get a few other plants as well? Cabomba is fairly easy, amazon swords are apparently easy (although I have bad luck with them), java fern is great but does need to be tied to bits of rock or wood instead of planted, as does anubias. Cryptocorynes are my favourite!

I'm getting 2 x 5 Cabombas too. http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CABOMBA-AQUATICA-LIVE-TROPICAL-AQUATIC-FISH-TANK-PLANT-/170435560654?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item27aec044ce#ht_1680wt_911

Water tests -- Good choice =)

Bought these - due to the others finished: API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT. RRP31.00

All tanks should have a thermometre but I'd be wary of those stick on, 'digital' ones. I find them very unreliable. Try a more traditional glass one with a sucker. They're still cheap.

Net - that's good, sure, if you want a net. Personally, I'm in favour of letting the fish breed free in the tank where they have space to hide and feel secure. Some may get eaten but that's nature for you.

Just want them to be safe until they are a bit big which then I'll move them to the big tank

Ammonia -> http/www.boots.com/en/Boots-Household-ammonia-500ml_923908 Fine!

Buying it although note to others: small boots don't stock it - actually just realised that the duty chemist of boots didn't have a clue what ammonia is! Well done there!

Primer -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SeaChem-Prime-100ml-Marine-Tropical-Water-Conditioner-/370363386146?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563b60c922#ht_2660wt_911

Good stuff!

OK great!

Gravel Cleaner -> http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fish-Tank-Aquarium-Siphon-Gravel-Vacuum-Cleaner-AQ15-/190439656037?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2c57168a65#ht_2914wt_1086

Never seen one quite like that before but should be fine. Just make sure it is long enough! I have short arms and small cleaners and it's a real struggle to clean out my 4 foot tank. [/quote]
Ok cheers Well I'm tall so it should be ok

First of all - test your tap water for pH. Test some straight from the tap and some that has been sitting around for a few days. Get a good idea of the pH and that will give you a rough idea of how hard the water is as well. My experience is that you should mix fish that will enjoy your water rather than getting the fish you want and finding they don't like your water. Guppies, platies, mollies, etc all like harder water and this usually has a pH that is over 7-7.5

If you have softer water with a low pH (under 7) consider fish like tetras, corys and dwarf cichlids instead of livebearers.

When the PH kit arrives I'll test and reply back

In a big tank, you can have quite a few fish but as someone else pointed out, work on inches of fish rather than numbers of fish. For example, you couldn't have 30 fish that were all 6 inches long but you could have 30 teeny fish like male guppies.

Gotcha Yes im calculating on those teeny fishes

As your are cycling with ammonia before getting fish, you can put a few fish in at once after the cycle if you want. However, I think you have the right idea of getting the tank ready and then carefully building up the fish numbers. Get the guppies in first (maybe 10 of them) and then see what you want to add further down the line. As you said, always leave space for them to breed! Livebearers have been known to try to interbreed to be wary of that. I don't see a problem with mixing guppies and mollies, tbh, but I've not done it myself.

Starting with 2 males / 6 females - trying to find from different sources!

Is it crazy that we buy another those fry hatchers and we put a betta siamese fighter there by itself? Or it will still try to attack the guppies?

Idea forgotten and binned!

I have a similar hood on my newt tank. If you don't hav other pets or children, a 3/4 or 2/3 filled tank is fine. It could look really good once the plants have bedded in as some will start to grow above the water line and may even produce flowers! Reducing the water does mean you can't have as much stock but you are going to start small anyway. With less water, you could have less powerful heaters and filters but I still recommend 100W heaters and a power filter rather than sponge. You could try two sponges if you like but I feel that it limits what you can do as you can't put things like carbon in sponge filters and they are not very good at keeping the water clear (but very good at keeping it clean - important difference).

Don't use the Arc Pod on such a large tank. Get yourself an aquarium UV tube (about 30-36 inches long, 'daylight' spectrum) and a UV tube starter unit (Arcadia make them, as do a few others) and get that fixed into your lid with a reflector (again, Arcadia make them). You should be able to get all the clips and such with it. That gives the fish and plants enough light to grow and live. If you wanted Arc Pods, you'd need loads in that tank.

The Arc Pod is not for underwater so even if you get it, it must be clipped onto the rim of the tank. They're rally not powerful enough for such a large tank, though.

Ok will fill it to 3/4 and use that hood then Yeah flowers should be nice! Will buy a UV light and hook it to the top of the aquarium. Need to go to my LF. Should defo be cheaper then over ebay and less risk of being broken.

Goldfish food is for goldfish. I personally wouldn't use it although it won't do any harm, but it looks pretty cheap and nasty. I would recommend mixing that tropical flake in with some small pellets such as the Hikari tropical fish pellets or the Love Fish tropical pellets, and then some frozen bloodworms and brineshrimp once a week (get those locally, not online).

I will - need to put some taught on what to buy etc. Cheers! Have a month researching this

Hope that helps!

THANKS MANY MANY THANKS!!!

Updated docs : https/spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=tc2iAmCbBwgoscwwpGG-Maw&authkey=CK2b4_QF&hl=en&authkey=CK2b4_QF#gid=0

Red = still to buy / Orange = Agreed [will start buying] / Green bought!

Thanks

 

[yancho]

Ignore the filter - How about this one? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUPERFISH-AQUA-FLOW-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-UPTO-200L-/300452527563?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item45f45dbdcb#ht_2395wt_1137

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/AQUA-INTERNAL-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-100-200-LITRE-/370248046034?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563480d5d2#ht_2848wt_1002

and this as cartridges: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Superfish-Aqua-Flow-200-Easy-Click-Cartridge-/280416944731?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item414a27025b#ht_500wt_928

Should I replace one cartridge a month, so basically start with new ones (A + B)

month 1 = a1 + b1
month 2 = a2 + b1
month 3 = a2 + b2
month 4 = a3 + b2
month 5 = a3 + b3

etc?

 

[Assaye]

Ignore the filter - How about this one? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUPERFISH-AQUA-FLOW-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-UPTO-200L-/300452527563?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item45f45dbdcb#ht_2395wt_1137

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/AQUA-INTERNAL-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-100-200-LITRE-/370248046034?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563480d5d2#ht_2848wt_1002

and this as cartridges: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Superfish-Aqua-Flow-200-Easy-Click-Cartridge-/280416944731?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item414a27025b#ht_500wt_928

Should I replace one cartridge a month, so basically start with new ones (A + B)

month 1 = a1 + b1
month 2 = a2 + b1
month 3 = a2 + b2
month 4 = a3 + b2
month 5 = a3 + b3

etc?

Ah, I see.

I would personally avoid those filters. I have a smaller version and it gets clogged very easily as the sponge in the cartridge is so fine.

From what you've said, you don't seem to understand the cycling process very well yet. That's fine - it can take a while to get used to! You don't want to get a filter that requires you to swap cartridges around because the vital bacteria grow on the cartridges and this can take over a month. If you keep replacing the cartridges, it means your tank won't settle down and grow enough bacteria because as soon as you have just about grown all the bacteria in a cartridge, you'll be replacing it.

You really want a filter that just has some sponges or other biological media (sponges, ceramic rings and other things with a large surface area for the bacteria to grow). These filters (such as the Fluval U series, the Fluval Plus series, the Aquaclear series, etc) can just have their media rinsed out in tank water every few weeks to keep them clear of gunk. The cartridges are fiddlier and often have chemical media (such as carbon) mixed in with them with needs to be replaced more often than the main biological media would.

In short - avoid anything that has some kind of all in one cartridge that it says you should replace lots.

I've NEVER replaced the media in any of my filters and they all work brilliantly.

 

[yancho]

Ignore the filter - How about this one? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUPERFISH-AQUA-FLOW-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-UPTO-200L-/300452527563?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item45f45dbdcb#ht_2395wt_1137

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/AQUA-INTERNAL-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-100-200-LITRE-/370248046034?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563480d5d2#ht_2848wt_1002

and this as cartridges: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Superfish-Aqua-Flow-200-Easy-Click-Cartridge-/280416944731?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item414a27025b#ht_500wt_928

Should I replace one cartridge a month, so basically start with new ones (A + B)

month 1 = a1 + b1
month 2 = a2 + b1
month 3 = a2 + b2
month 4 = a3 + b2
month 5 = a3 + b3

etc?

Ah, I see.

I would personally avoid those filters. I have a smaller version and it gets clogged very easily as the sponge in the cartridge is so fine.

From what you've said, you don't seem to understand the cycling process very well yet. That's fine - it can take a while to get used to! You don't want to get a filter that requires you to swap cartridges around because the vital bacteria grow on the cartridges and this can take over a month. If you keep replacing the cartridges, it means your tank won't settle down and grow enough bacteria because as soon as you have just about grown all the bacteria in a cartridge, you'll be replacing it.

You really want a filter that just has some sponges or other biological media (sponges, ceramic rings and other things with a large surface area for the bacteria to grow). These filters (such as the Fluval U series, the Fluval Plus series, the Aquaclear series, etc) can just have their media rinsed out in tank water every few weeks to keep them clear of gunk. The cartridges are fiddlier and often have chemical media (such as carbon) mixed in with them with needs to be replaced more often than the main biological media would.

In short - avoid anything that has some kind of all in one cartridge that it says you should replace lots.

I've NEVER replaced the media in any of my filters and they all work brilliantly.

Thanks for the clarification At the end comes cheaper!

Is this good? Read very positive reviews on it: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/TETRA-TEC-TETRATEC-PLUS-1000-INTERNAL-FILTER-IN1000-/200344312894?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2ea5739c3e#ht_807wt_1137

or I go to this? Has activated carbon too http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rena-Filstar-iV4-Internal-Aquarium-Filter-Filtration-/110544108497?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item19bcf13bd1#ht_782wt_911

or take ur word and get the fluval 4 : http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hagen-Fluval-U4-Underwater-Filter-NEW-/180539682610?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2a0900ef32
and get this multipack for it: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-Foam-4-Carbon-Inserts-fit-Fluval-U4-2-CarbonFREE-/280540692076?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4151873e6c#ht_949wt_911

 

[Assaye]

Ignore the filter - How about this one? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUPERFISH-AQUA-FLOW-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-UPTO-200L-/300452527563?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item45f45dbdcb#ht_2395wt_1137

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/AQUA-INTERNAL-AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-FILTER-100-200-LITRE-/370248046034?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item563480d5d2#ht_2848wt_1002

and this as cartridges: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Superfish-Aqua-Flow-200-Easy-Click-Cartridge-/280416944731?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item414a27025b#ht_500wt_928

Should I replace one cartridge a month, so basically start with new ones (A + B)

month 1 = a1 + b1
month 2 = a2 + b1
month 3 = a2 + b2
month 4 = a3 + b2
month 5 = a3 + b3

etc?

Ah, I see.

I would personally avoid those filters. I have a smaller version and it gets clogged very easily as the sponge in the cartridge is so fine.

From what you've said, you don't seem to understand the cycling process very well yet. That's fine - it can take a while to get used to! You don't want to get a filter that requires you to swap cartridges around because the vital bacteria grow on the cartridges and this can take over a month. If you keep replacing the cartridges, it means your tank won't settle down and grow enough bacteria because as soon as you have just about grown all the bacteria in a cartridge, you'll be replacing it.

You really want a filter that just has some sponges or other biological media (sponges, ceramic rings and other things with a large surface area for the bacteria to grow). These filters (such as the Fluval U series, the Fluval Plus series, the Aquaclear series, etc) can just have their media rinsed out in tank water every few weeks to keep them clear of gunk. The cartridges are fiddlier and often have chemical media (such as carbon) mixed in with them with needs to be replaced more often than the main biological media would.

In short - avoid anything that has some kind of all in one cartridge that it says you should replace lots.

I've NEVER replaced the media in any of my filters and they all work brilliantly.

Thanks for the clarification At the end comes cheaper!

Is this good? Read very positive reviews on it: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/TETRA-TEC-TETRATEC-PLUS-1000-INTERNAL-FILTER-IN1000-/200344312894?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2ea5739c3e#ht_807wt_1137

or I go to this? Has activated carbon too http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rena-Filstar-iV4-Internal-Aquarium-Filter-Filtration-/110544108497?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item19bcf13bd1#ht_782wt_911

or take ur word and get the fluval 4 : http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hagen-Fluval-U4-Underwater-Filter-NEW-/180539682610?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2a0900ef32
and get this multipack for it: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-Foam-4-Carbon-Inserts-fit-Fluval-U4-2-CarbonFREE-/280540692076?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4151873e6c#ht_949wt_911

All good options, I think! Just remmber with these that if you change your mind about the fish in the future and decide to go for something bigger like cichlids or larger catfish, you'll probably need a second filter or to replace this one with a bigger one. Those would be fine for guppies and other small fish, though.