New tank - lots of Questions

Hi guys

Been reading a couple of threads/articles looking for info on setting up my new tank - 1st one in a very long time.

I bought a 2nd hand 3ft with Aquaclear 50 filter - This filter seems big enough for roughly 100l tank - What media do I need, as it is currently empty?

What other filtration will I need for the tank, anyhtingt specific that I need to look at?

I am planning on doing 15 - 25% water change monthly(will vacuum "gravel"), is this sufficient? I am getting a seperate what seems to be about a 1 ft tank as well, I want to use this to get water ready for water change with a 2nd heater, what filter do I need in here? And how long does it need to stand before I can use this water?

Then what checmicals do I need to the water the 1st time as well as for my water change tank? Anti chlore etc?

What is the best substrate to use on the bottem, would like to try and put in a couple of plants as well

And lastly, where is best place to buy live stock, fish & plants - Boksburg/Benoni area.

Thanks for reading and all your advise.

 

I have got the following if it would help.

cycle R100
Ceramic Noodles Bottles (Unused) - x 2 R50 each
Big Bag of Bio Balls (Unused)- R100

As to where to buy from, that is very subjective. I will send you a name that I use by pm. I don't want to start anything.

 

I have read all Zoom's articles

If all of this has been coverd elsewhere, please point me in the right direction, so I can go read those as well

Thanks

 

There are plenty of threads to pick up on... These are on getting water ready. lots of people have put their experiences here. It will take time, but, makes for good reading.

[h=3] Water preparation tank[/h]
[h=3] Daro Aqua chlor - water dechlorinator?[/h]

 

Thanks Howard, will read those during today

 

Ok so I will do water change every 1 - 2 weeks.

Will be getting swimming pool pump sand at builders

As soon as everything is up & running, will post some pics

And get my water tested at local pet shop, after week 1 and week 2

Any other input will be highly appreciated

Thingking to start off with 5 Neon tetras after full nitro cycle and oin another 10 days another 5

What plants would be best to add for beginner as myself?

 

Hi!
When I shopped around for filter sand for my tank, I found Builders to be the most expensive. All places had 40kg (IIRC) @ R100 while Builders had it for R120. Not that it is that large of a difference. Take what's most convenient for you.

I also used a bucket to rinse the sand, but I think you would have come across rinsing the sand by now.

 

Thanks a lot, is a pool shop the best for best price?

I will def rinse the sand a few times before putting in tank, thanks

 

Not necessarily. I checked Chamberlains, Builders and 2 or 3 pool shops. Builders was R120 and all the rest R100.

 

Thanks. I got a price earlier for R65 for normal pool filter sand and then another bag which the guy explnide is more "white" Silica or something written on bag at R95 - both 40kg

 

Nice.

Then I guess Pretoria is expensive

 

Hi there Heino,

From my experience with 3 ft tanks,

With the HOB filter you have you could also go for ceramics in the filter, imo, they keep the bacteria a lot better than other media. This is for the good bacteria that eats away at ammonia...
I used to run my HOB with this media and never looked back.

Also I would go to Exotic pets and aquariums, especially if you need advice, the manager there is good and I trust him.

Regarding chemicals - Go for a water neutralizer that also breaks down ammonia, chlorine and chloramine.
It keeps the water pH at a level of 7 which is in between and most tropical species are happy with this.
You just add the required amount for every water change, this also helps with your tank's chemistry.

 

Thanks for the reply and advice

Tank finally started to setup and will start a new thread with what I have and what I have done and post the link here as well with pics etc

 

Will watch for it.

 

http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?27036-Beginner-3ft-As-much-detail-as-possible