New Aquarium - help me with the rest

[Infiniplex Systems]

Ok, I took the plunge and did something I have wanted to do for years. Get a NICE big aquarium. Now the tank I bought at petsmart, along with all accessories. This is the fish tank but it wouldnt let me select the tank, said there was a problem, but on that page its the second one from the top. I also bought a black stand to go with it, its really nice. I also bought 50lbs of gravel. The filtration system is a TOP FIN Power Filter 60 from petsmart, does up to 60gallons, but it only has one tube going into the tank, on one side, which means the other side wont stay as clean, so I may get the same exact and put it on the other side, for double the cleaning. I also got 3 decorations, 2 with air coming into them, there pretty cool.

So, this is my first fishtank, and I am not sure what fish I want to get, but I know I am staying freshwater, and want something colorful, mid size, and is good with other fish. This is where you guys throw in different fish types you like, and have had good luck with.

I also bought a 3 pack water treatment package, one is water conditioner, one is bacteria starter, the other is water clarifier. The lady at petsmart said to add this stuff, and not to have any fish for at least a week. Is this true? Also, do I need to add this stuff every day, or what?

All your encouragement and knowledge will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Pocatello]

I want a fish tank as well, I just don't know enough to set up my own aquarium yet.

 

[Captante]

I'd go with a side-mounted type filter & an under-gravel filter for the second one rather then another side mount because it will do a much better job of circulating the water from top to bottom.

 

[Infiniplex Systems]

Originally posted by: Captante
I'd go with a side-mounted type filter & an under-gravel filter for the second one rather then another side mount because it will do a much better job of circulating the water from top to bottom.

How much more would an under gravel system cost? Im already at $494 with all this, I need to go to petsmart tommorrow to get tubing hooks to put inside the tank to tidy up the tubing and try to hide it.

 

[FrequencyX]

You first want to start your tank with starter fish for a couple of weeks. I prefer Danios. You will notice that the water will become cloudy IT IS NORMAL... its just the bacteria colonizing.
After the water clears, normally it is ok to either leave the fish in, or remove them and add your fish of choice. Just make sure to add the water conditioner I recommend (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Stress Coat Aquarium Water Conditioner ) Read instructions.. its per gallon. Add also some Doc Wellfish's Aquarium Salt.

If you are going for nice fish, than you want a community tank. Go for Gouramies,Tetras,Platys,(Avoid Barbs). Normally pet stores seperate the aggressive fish from the community fish. Avoid Cichlids etc (Jack Dempsey's Oscars..Parrotheads etc..)
Also avoid Goldfish.. very very dirty fish

To clean you will need a vacuum type suction hose.(Pythons are great) Empty about 25% of the water out of the tank and refill (Biweekly) ( Make sure that water is luke warm). Scrub algae on the side of the glass with a razor. Be sure not to put tank in direct sunlight, or you will be looking at alot of algae problems.

Be sure to get a Nice self adjusting water heater once you add your good fish.. and set to about 79-80 degrees. You want to also make sure you get a PH kit. Your PH levels typically need to be around 7.5 .. Too high or too less can be harmfull to your fish .
Get at least 2 corydoras catfish and a pleco catfish for helpwith keeping the tank nice and clean.

This should be a start.. if you have a Biological setup for filtration, than you will need to use that hose once in awhile in the gravel to suck up the poop and other discarded food that settles at the bottom while emptying the tank of water.

 

[I Saw OJ]

Another side mount filter would do really well to keep the water moving and clean. You need to add the water treatment things now, and her advice to wait a week before adding fish is probably good advice. Its called letting the tank cycle.

The only water treatment you really need to reapply would be the conditioner, do that when you make your weekly/biweekly water changes and that sould be put in with the clean water you add, before it gets into the tank.

I have a saltwater tank about the same size as that, things are a little different with that, but all in all pretty much the same.

Seth

 

[FrequencyX]

For Mechanical + Biological and chemical filtration I would recommend http://www.animalworldnetwork.com/pebipofi.html

Wouldn't be a bad idea to have a Biological Gravel system too

 

[Infiniplex Systems]

So how regularly do I need to change the water in a 46 gallon tank? Did I get myself into something that becomes a regular thing, or is it a minimal thing to tackle, either way, I am happy doing so.

 

[FrequencyX]

Well fish tanks will take alot of your time, but are well worth it. I used to manage 3 tanks in my apartment . 1 agressive setup, 1 community setup and one feeder tank setup and it took about 2 hours to clean all of them.

For that size of a tank you are looking at about an hour or so.. The filtration system will make a big diffrence too. Go with the Penguin system I recommended and also go with a underground gravel system . Get a python system and you will be good to go. The python system will cut your cleaning times down by at least half.

Have fun

 

[FrequencyX]

I also forgot to add, when you clean your system and when you do a water change : (25% - 40%) Be sure to add water treatment, or the water treatmeant packs you have. Just measure it out correctly. Since you will have only a quarter of your tank full, you don't need to add a 50 gallon dose.

 

[I Saw OJ]

Originally posted by: FrequencyX
You first want to start your tank with starter fish for a couple of weeks. I prefer Danios.

Please don?t use live fish to start the bacteria cycle in the tank, its not fair to the fish. You can use one or two uncooked, unseasoned shrimp from the grocery store, or use the bacteria treatment he got from his LFS to achieve the same, if not better results.


Seth

 

[Infiniplex Systems]

Yes, but how often will I need to clean the tank, once a week, 2 weeks, month, months?

 

[FrequencyX]

Originally posted by: I Saw OJ

Originally posted by: FrequencyX
You first want to start your tank with starter fish for a couple of weeks. I prefer Danios.

Please don?t use live fish to start the bacteria cycle in the tank, its not fair to the fish. You can use one or two uncooked, unseasoned shrimp from the grocery store, or use the bacteria treatment he got from his LFS to achieve the same, if not better results.


Seth

The Danios are very hardy fish, and IMO it does not harm them.. But whatever you choose both ways will work.

 

[FrequencyX]

Originally posted by: Infiniplex Systems
Yes, but how often will I need to clean the tank, once a week, 2 weeks, month, months?

Once every couple of weeks should be fine (Vacumm hose cleaning and scraping if needed)
And 25%+ water changes at least once a month.

 

[I Saw OJ]

I also picked myself up a magnet scrapper from my LFS. You put it on the glass on the inside of the tank, the magnet holds it to the outside, and you can move it along and scrap away and unwanted gunk and build up that builds up with no water changes, and no mess what so ever.


Seth

 

[FrequencyX]

Originally posted by: I Saw OJ
I also picked myself up a magnet scrapper from my LFS. You put it on the glass on the inside of the tank, the magnet holds it to the outside, and you can move it along and scrap away and unwanted gunk and build up that builds up with no water changes, and no mess what so ever.


Seth

Sorry but I would have to disagree on skipping the water changes. Scraping the algae is one thing, but making the water changes is CRUCIAL.

Water changes should be carried out regularly - 25% per month should probably be considered a MINIMUM for a lightly stocked community tank.

Water becomes poison after awhile to the fish.. nitrites and ammonia builds up etc
Regular water changes will reduce the level of all potentially harmful substances, as well as replenishing minerals.

Good site for general water change info and water chemistry information
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/wchanges.htm

 

[freebee]

edited.

 

[I Saw OJ]

Originally posted by: FrequencyX

Originally posted by: I Saw OJ
I also picked myself up a magnet scrapper from my LFS. You put it on the glass on the inside of the tank, the magnet holds it to the outside, and you can move it along and scrap away and unwanted gunk and build up that builds up with no water changes, and no mess what so ever.


Seth

Sorry but I would have to disagree on skipping the water changes. Scraping the algae is one thing, but making the water changes is CRUCIAL.

Water changes should be carried out regularly - 25% per month should probably be considered a MINIMUM for a lightly stocked community tank.

Water becomes poison after awhile to the fish.. nitrites and ammonia builds up etc
Regular water changes will reduce the level of all potentially harmful substances, as well as replenishing minerals.

Good site for general water change info and water chemistry information
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/wchanges.htm

Oh I didnt mean to suggest skipping water changes, I just use the magnet scrapper when I see a spot or two to keep the glass as clean as i can in between water changes. It works well as a handy tool.

Seth

 

[RaDragon]

I don't know how you guys manage the larger tanks!

I started with some free fish I won at a fiesta and put them in a gallon acrylic tank. Now I have 3 comet golfish in a 6 gallon tank and it's already too much work for me. Overall, though my fishies still bring me great joy.

Partial water changes is crucial and yah, don't get goldfish 'cuz I feel like they're high maintenance.

 

[Infiniplex Systems]

late night fish tankers?

 

[KK]

I got the same 46 gallon bow front aquarium. For the filter I got a canister fluval 304 on it. I had a 404 on it but it died on me about 6 monthes ago. Luckily I still had the 304 that I replaced it with. Fish wise, I have some african cichlids. I like the solid color cichlids best, like the blue and orange ones. As far as cleaning it, I got one of those pythons, it sure makes it easy. Although I probably haven't cleaned it in atleast 6 months. Also to get supplies, I would recommend buying from bigalsonline.com They seem to have the best prices. The fluvals there are hell of alot cheaper there than at petsmart.

 

[freebee]

edited. Go visit a fish forum. Too much misinformation here.

 

[Infiniplex Systems]

Originally posted by: freebee
edited. Go visit a fish forum. Too much misinformation here.

thanks, I wont ask u anything ever again.

I think tommorrow I am going to go and get the undregravel system, anyone know how much this will cost? Or should I just get the same system I have on the other side of the tank as well?

 

[Infiniplex Systems]

I think I am going to take these air-moving decorations out, and go get one of those air block strips, to make a background of bubbles, I think that will be better. This is to hard to get both of these decorations to work off 1 air pump, tubing, and a spilter. Plus, it kinda looks tacky.

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: Infiniplex Systems

Originally posted by: Captante
I'd go with a side-mounted type filter & an under-gravel filter for the second one rather then another side mount because it will do a much better job of circulating the water from top to bottom.

How much more would an under gravel system cost? Im already at $494 with all this, I need to go to petsmart tommorrow to get tubing hooks to put inside the tank to tidy up the tubing and try to hide it.

Depends on what type of system you want... a full bottom filtration system can cost as little as $30-$40 or as much as several hundred, but if money is tight you can also just get a large flat air-stone, put it underneath about 4 inchs of gravel & pump air down to it..this will
do a decent job of filtering but will require a bottom vacum every once in awhile.