New Tank

Hi all!

I'm in the market for a new tank an need some help with the setup.

At the moment i only have a 2 foot tank and need to start buying new equipment. I was looking at a uv filter but the guy at the shop says 1000l/h is too fast for a 2 foot tank. I'm looking for a good filter not the most exspensive.

Any ideas?

 

hi and welcome to TASA Dontknow, hope you enjoy your stay...( jesse sits back and waits to see what happens )...

how many liters of water does your 2ft tank hold?

 

Hi and welcome Dontknow.....

 

Hey Dontknow, welcome to TASA

Hows about telling us a little more about your plans for the new setup

 

Dontknow welcome, so I will stick to hello

3 times your tank capacity would be a guide towards a filter.

 

i don't think a UV filter would be necessary for a standard 2ft tank of about 60L, a normal internal filter would be a good choice..

 

Hi everyone,

Seems this site is very popular, very quick replies.

I want to start with tropical fish, not sure yet what but like malawi's.

any idees?

Jesse,

Is the internal filter beter than the ones the hangs outside?

 

okay, if no one is going to do it then i will

hi dontknow,

please can you introduce yourself in the new members section, its forum policy to introduce yourself...thanks dontknow...

yes dontknow,

i've recently discovered that internal filters are more powerful than your HOB filters(hang on back)...it can also provide both mechanical and biological filtration...

 

mechanical and biological filtration?

biological sounds beter, but is it?

 

Biological Filtration

Biological filtration is the term used to describe beneficial bacteria, which are established during the initial cycling of the aquarium. These bacteria break down ammonia and nitrite and convert them into the less toxic compound nitrate.

It is widely acknowledged throughout the aquatic community that these bacteria require a surface to attach to as well as oxygen rich water.

Biological filtration is essential and needs to be adequately established in every aquarium.

On this note it is recommended to medicate fish in a separate tank (hospital tank) when using antibiotics (anti bacteria), as extensive use of these medications will kill the bacteria.

Live rock and sand are by all means biological filtration as well. In theory you could maintain an aquarium with these alone, however the tanks fish population would be restricted to small numbers.

Saltwater tanks can be successfully maintained using only a protein skimmer and biological filtration.

Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical aquarium filtration removes solid particles from the water via the aquarium filter. It does not remove or convert ammonia, nitrite or nitrate.

This filter type actually provides a means to remove free-floating waste before it decays. Mechanical filtration will only be beneficial if the filter material is replaced every 2-4 weeks because the waste will still decay while trapped in the filter material. To save money on replacements, you can also rinse the filters in use or use an alternative filter such as filter floss, which costs only a fraction of replacement cartridges.

Common types of filter media are paper cartridges, sponges, and floss. Mechanical filtration will be ineffective on matter that settled in the gravel. Use a siphon to remove these particles. Kill two birds with one stone (bad remark for an animal related web-site, but you get the picture) – siphon during water changes!

Be aware, that beneficial bacteria might settle on the filter media. Take this under consideration, and replace part of the media at a time if it’s possible. Sponges will clog quickly and paper even faster.

Filter floss is very efficient due to small and large openings, which will not clog as easily.

 

Thanx, Jesse

last question for today

Do you need to add a underground filter? and if not how often do you clean the sand?

 

Thanks JesseG... seems you on the ball today. I'm getting ready to travel down to my grandfather's funeral this weekend, so haven't been able to attack our newbies.

Underground filters belong in the museum DontKnow... and should NEVER be used!

 

Echo what Zoom says.
For the size tank you have, I'd maybe suggest looking at getting a hang on back filter. I find they're great value for money, do what they're supposed to, and are biological filters

 

You can buy a substrate vacuum from the LPS and use it whenever you clean your tank.
Most people do about 10% water change each week and some something like 20-30% every other week.
The bigger the tank the easier it is to maintain.
I might look for other fish than malawis for a 2ft tank.

 

Hi DontKnow. UV Filters are mainly used on salt water aqauriums as they remove certain things from the salt water. A normal cannister filter or HOB filter will do just fine. When looking at the size of the filter take into account the amount of water that is in your tank and then when buying your filter it will tell you what the filter is rated at and from there you can make a decision.

 

as to stock id say have a look at things like livebearers and danios, cories they all nice beginner fish and relatively easy to keep and available in lots of colours and markings.

 

i'm also a newby IDON'TKNOW,i have learned some of the things about cycling and tank maintenence.if you need help with some basics then i can help you out,if you need more advanced explaining then you will need to ask the other guys here.a biological filter is the first step for a new tank is is also the first step for cycling the tank.(cycling is needed to balnce out the tank so the fish can live more healty and naturally)

I also have a question:what do i need to buy to meusure (spelling) the following:GH,PH,KH,conductivity,NH4/NH3,NO2,NO3,CU,O2,CI/L ?

good for cleaning gravel,extremely bad to clean sand.

 

hi and welcome to tasa... i feel HOB filters are better since the "dirt" doesn't actually remain in the water. go for one with mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. lol i found a way to clean sand. use air tubing to drain some water and "vacuum" up all the pollutants up at the same time.... it does remove a negligable amount of sand but it works! sharp

 

Dasher, as a beginner all you really need to worry about measuring is:

pH, Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate. Api Masters make a good kit that measures all 4.

 

Ok, so can anyone please tell me more about this cycle process, how do you know your in cycle or not? and why?