Upgrading Tank

[bigfish]

Hi

I'm debating whether to upgrade or not. currently have a 60 litre Hexangle tank which is curently used as a livebearers tank, it does have a light but it wont stay in the hood so i just leave it in the dark and therefore the only plants i can keep is amazon swords and also don't have enough room when it comes to plug sockets, only have 1 double socket in my bedroom which i have an extension leading running from 1 plug which gives power to my filter, heater, lights and airpump.

Im think of selling this on and getting an all in 1 system where u have 1 plug that operates everything (heater, filter and lights etc.)

Current occupents are

2 Albino Cories
2 Male Pineapple Swordtails
4 Female Swordtails (young)
1 Female Guppy
1 Male Platy
4 Harlequin Rasboras
2 White Cloud Mountain Minnows

Plants

2 Amazon Swords

I don't know exactly wot size aquarium i would like, a size where i could add a few more fish to the selection i got above i guess. But as my bedroom is quite small, so i don't want a huge tank because of the weight matter.

So wot would you recommend? tank size and any brand names u could recommend would be much appreciated.

 

[clutterydrawer]

As for teh plug problem, why not just get one of those thingies with 4 sockets that plugs into one socket?

Get the biggest tank you can, and the one with the maximum possible surface area.

 

[bigfish]

Wouldn't that overload the one plug if everything was on at the same time? Don't want to cause a fire.

Mam wouldn't be happy!!!

 

[David]

As for teh plug problem, why not just get one of those thingies with 4 sockets that plugs into one socket?

Get the biggest tank you can, and the one with the maximum possible surface area.

That's called a powerbar. i use one for my tank. If I were you, I'd go for a 20-25 gallon bowfront. It would look good in your room.

 

[clutterydrawer]

Wouldn't that overload the one plug if everything was on at the same time? Don't want to cause a fire.

Mam wouldn't be happy!!!

why would they sell them, if they make your house catch fire?!


here is how to work out if you are overloading a socket, which i guarantee you wont be, if all that's running on it is a fish tank.

work out the amps of each appliance by dividing the wattage by the voltage. add up the amps of each appliance. if it exceeds the amps of the fuse, you're in trouble.

I think that's right. someone should correct me if it isn't.

seriously though, you don't even need to bother working it out. a heater, filter and light tube won't overload your socket. lots of people use powerbars with no problem, I use one for my tank, and I have a phone and desk lamp plugged into it aswell. have fun with your new tank.

 

[bigfish]

Sorry i must be paranoid or something!!!! I'm still debating whether to up grade. I think i might pop round a few aquatic outlets and price new tanks up and then see what i come up with.

i had an idea of maybe a Hagen Tropiquarium 55 or the 68 model? it would have to be have a stand as well.

Thanks all for your ideas and keep em coming.

 

[clutterydrawer]

sounds good. if you're on a budget you could try looking for a second hand one online or in the ads in your local paper. or if you're really motivated you could buy a hood-less one and build your own hood, which should be cheaper, but is loads of work.

 

[Vegan Peaches]

New tanks are expensive, lol, especially at big places like petco or petsmart. I went to go get a 40 gallon yesterday... 110$ x.x I'm stuck with the 10 gallon until I can find something nice and cheap on ebay ^^

Davids got the right idea with the bowfront, tho, those look nice, and save a little space on the length for the gallon size ^^

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

well i bought a 55 gallon starter at petsmart for 160. It came with a filter a heater the hood and the tank....and also some video...but somehow mine melted? so i couldnt watch it. It also came with some stress zyme and stress coat, and a little food. I found this to be a pretty good deal...but hey....what do i know? lol

 

[bigfish]

Hmmmmm i might have to reconsider my orignal idea, as i had my welcome pack through for college and i have to fork out for books, uniform and to cover travel expenses etc. And i will be only on a PT wage so i will have to hold off for abit.



Pants!!!!

wots 60 litres in uk gallons?

 

[Chasing Puck]

60 litres = 15 gallons

The 'all in one' setups I've seen still have multiple cords for the lights, heater and filtration.

 

[clutterydrawer]

hmmm...I think around 13-14. Maybe 17ish US.

 

[fishywishy]

about the plug issue, really dont worry, i have power bars plugged into power bars with my comp, monitor, printer, surroundsound speakers, hair dryer, hair straightner and fish tank and no fires yet! they are pretty safe.

we have a rena tank, good price we felt and if you do a search on google.co.uk for "rena fish tanks" and go to the first option that comes up, there are loads of tanks and you can buy them on-line! just a suggestion.

good luck

 

[melleth]

the great thing about reall power bars (go for the more expensive breaker bar rather than the plain power bar) is that they have a fuse built in that will pop a switch if it gets overloaded. This is only true for a breaker bar not the cheap power bar. Get the kind for computers and apliances.

Only problem I see with an all in one tank is can you switch the light on and off? Fish do need their beauty sleep!lol I have my tank on a breaker bar with the light ona timer so I never have to worry about turning it on and off.

 

[bigfish]

Yeah on the Hagen tanks they have a light timer switch that you can switch between manual and automactic so u can programme it for the required lighting hours you want.

I managed to pick up my First Hagen Tropquarium 88 model at £60, 2nd hand from a family friend as it was hogging in the hallway in his upstairs flat and was so glad to get rid.

So maybe i could find one on ebay.co.uk but would have to be local. I would like to sort it out as my parents are away for 2 weeks and my sister is away also, well i need something to keep me occupied ................ think MTS is striking back arhhhhhhh>>>>>> as i reach for anti MTS tablets. lol