Need help on starting a tropical aquarium.

Hello, I just bought a second hand Buyo tl 550 tank. First I want to set the filter up. There are four compartments in the back and I just wanna know what must go where. I also want to know what the temp., and all the water levels must be and how to test it. I also want to know when I put plants and rock in, should I put fertiliser with it. How long should the tank run before I put fish in it?

Thanks

 

Hi @Andreas17, welcome.

There are numerous threads on the forum on how to cycle your new tank.
Just seach cycling a tank and read through those, then if there is something you not sure about ask away
Not sure what you mean by water levels but your tank is filled to the top

You also need a water conditioner to add to the tap water to remove chlorine, chloramine and all other nasties. I use Seachem Prime, not the cheapest but the best.
Seachem also has a product called stability which makes cycling your tank a lot easier and quicker.
This is used together with the prime,for a couple of days, follow instructions on the bottle

The temperature will depend on the type of fish you want to keep as different species have different requirements

Chose the fish that realy takes your heart and then do some reseach on tank mates that are compatible with the fish you really want

Compatibility includes temperature, water parameters and temperament
If you want to go with a beatiful planted tank... some fish are a no go....

In your filter you need to put wool, ceramics, I like to use Matrix from Seachem.
Some people use activated charcoal, others dont
Not sure which way your water flows in your filter.

When it comes to planted tanks.. I consider myslelf a failure so wait for some of the guys with the magic touch to give you advice but yes, you will need felrtilizer and good substrate, depending on what you have in mind.

 

Thank You

 

Agree with @MariaS.. She's given you the basics and a great starting point..

Once you know what fish you want, you can research the "water levels" / parameters that the fish require, and then see if you can meet them.. Check your supply water's parameters first.. You can usually buy test kits at your pet shop, or some pet shops will test it for you.. Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, pH, kH, dH, are some of the more important ones, but vary considerably in importance depending on who you talk to or which book / site you read and fish you keep.. Lol..

I too am not knowledgeable enough about plants to advise.. I'm sure one of the green- fish-fingered peeps will be along shortly..

Kali