Tank Hardware for beginner

[shiftingsands]

Please could you tell me what I need for a 30 gall fw tank?. I am planning on starting with a few zebra danios and then when the tank is tip top want to add schools of neons and cardinals, about 8 of each. Then add a few slightly larger friendly fish, I'll ask advice on compatable friends when the time comes, but want to have fish that all enjoy more or less the same conditions.

The s/h tank I am getting has everything with it, but it hasn't been used for some time. I was looking on ebay and found these items below, and it seems for the price that I might as well buy new as they are not very expensive. What do you think?

I know that I need a heater ; Will 100watts heater be ok should I get one of these-are they a good price?
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

and a filter:
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I'd be really grateful if someone could have a look at these items and tell me if they are what I need and if they are a good buy?

Also what other hardware do I need? I have seem air pumps and airstones(?) - do I need those too?

Re: sand: is Argos play sand ok? It says its non toxic - but does that mean its inert?
Sorry this is a bit long

What other hardware do I need please.

 

[shiftingsands]

No replies. If there is anything in FAQ or elsewhere could someone direct me to the right place please.

 

[zig]

Hiya

Im not familar with the filter from Ebay, it seems a bit small at 6 inches for a 30 gallon tank, im not sure how much filter media it would contain, would it be enough for a tank your size, i dont know.

I would probably look at a Fluval Plus 3 for a tank your size, these filters im familar with and would recommend them as an internal filter for a tank your size.

The heater at 100 watts would not be sufficient for your tank, i would look at 200 watt heaters.

Have a look at this link for both heaters and filters they have a good range to suit most budgets.

Aquatics Online

You wont need airstones or anything like that if the filter you buy is sufficient for a tank your size.

Argos playsand is fine just give it a rinse before you put it in the tank.

You dont really need anything else unless you want to put lighting in the canopy of the hood.

But before you do anything you should go to the beginners section and find out how to do a fishless cycle for your tank, you will need to do this before you can safely put any fish in your tank, if your not sure about this ask questions in that section.

Good luck with it.

 

[shiftingsands]

Thanks very much for the info, I'll have a look at the fluval ones and maybe get two 100W heaters in case one fails? Or is that a bit OTT?

I am reading up on everything I can, tank cycling - it looks pretty complicated and I'm sure I'll need some forum help. and when we do actually get some water in our taps ( about 2 weeks to go now) I can get started. Thanks again. Byeee

 

[Sky042]

100W should be sufficient if you want you could go to 150. Unless your house is unheated or you want to run a HOT tank(86ish) you don't need a full 5WPG.

Not familiar with the brands but the fluval reccomendation is sound or you could get a fluval 204 cannister.

Also though Unless you want dainos as a species Please don't use them to cycle.

Read the articles on fishless cycling and spare the dainos. Especially since I've found dainos to terrorize cardinals and neons.

 

[Gazoo]

How about a good thermometer?