Need advice : setting up an Aquarium

Sui_Generis

New tank delivered fingers crossed all is OK tonight when its opened.....

Sui_Generis

Froglet wrote: »

Just off to see how much they are.

£15.75 on eBay... only one supplier though.

Right what do I need to get this tropical tank going? Will any gravel do and any recommendations to white or dark etc? Seen some fluorescent too!.

I can buy some plants from my LFS and eventually the fish. Sadly its not going to be ready for the birthday.

MrsTinks

I actually put a mixed white and black gravel in mine pick one that matches your room
Black on it's own though makes it VERY dark... White... well I think it makes it look clinical If I remember I'll try to take some pictures of mine later and post up

Sui_Generis

just typed a long post but it got lost on submitting it - may get around to retyping the tiresome tale later but for now more advice needed!


I have the Fluval Edge set up with its chic expensive and seemingly useless heater!

The heater is raising the temp to just over 23C (despite being rated at 26C) and I desperately need to get some fish in this ******* tank so dare I get eg. 1/2 dozen Tetras and hope for the best or again disappoint a small chlld? I think I'm going to need a beefier heater but can I get some fish in there while I order one and return this POC?

Mrs T what do you use in yours?

MrsTinks

I got my heater seperately (I was one of the first to get one lol when I bought mine they hadn't got the stock of the heaters from fluval in yet literately only the tanks :eek:) The one I have in mine is a small interpet one - most pet shops should stock them I think Can't recall what I paid for it...

Careful_with_that_Axe

As an amateur, if you want to get fish now, I had Rasbios and Danios (sp?) in the tank before I fitted a heater and just increased the temp by a couple of degrees a day until it got to desired tropical temperature - the fish just thought Summer was coming!

Careful_with_that_Axe

p.s. Thank you for the link to the video for cleaning the substrate. It's one thing reading about doing it, but I feel much more confident now I've actually SEEN it being done.

Sui_Generis

Well the first are in - 3 Danios and 3 White Cloud as they tolerate lower temps apparently - all seems well so far! Child somewhat interested until they were released into the tank... Think we need some more colourful ones down the way.

Will talk to Fluval tomorrow about the heater and see if they think there's something wrong or if I need a more powerful one. Thanks to both.

Froglet

Please do not get any more fish until the filter is mature.In theory this should have been done first,the fish are at risk now until the filter can cope with the waste.Lots of water changes will help,but do monitor the ammonia and nitrites in the water until it is mature,which could take up to 6 weeks.

MrsTinks

Froglet the filter has been running for a couple of weeks...