Aquarium Start Up
- Thread starter Bu4ISU
- Start date
Alright, when you decide what size tank, I recommend for filters to have a 500% rotation per hour meaning if you have a 75 gallon tank, the filter should filter at least 275 gallons per hour. On my 75s, I would use the strongest penguin brand filter that hangs on the back with bio wheels to cycle the good bacteria. Emperor brand is good too. Because I had a bunch of larger cichlids, I ran two of these to maintain nice clear water.
Since your a novice, stay away from live plants and stick to plastic decorations.
When you have a he aquarium and accessories, set it up and get a bottle of "prime" water conditioner and chlorine remover and add it according to direction. It's expensive but per dose, the best price out there. You will need to use this every water change.
Once all set, you will need to let it run without fish for about 2 weeks to build up the good bacteria the fish need to survive. You can speed it along buy adding a few cheap gold fish.
The. When picking fish, it's really dependent on what you want the most. If you want angel fish for instance, they tend to swim in packs so you need quite a few of them to maintain their stress level so they don't die.
Never EVER buy a standard pleco, go with bristlenose olecos. They are great for eating algae, stay small and don't bother anything else. Standards suck and grow to be like 15" long and nobody want them.
Never EVER buy a standard pleco, go with bristlenose olecos. They are great for eating algae, stay small and don't bother anything else. Standards suck and grow to be like 15" long and nobody want them.
Read about the nitrogen cycle before buying fish. If the tank is not properly cycled, most if not all fish will be dead. 75 gallon is a good size for cichlids. You can go Central, South American, or African for the most popular and easier to find species. Central or South Americans are generally bigger and have more personality than Africans. Africans have a lot more color, but you will have to buy more to spread out the aggression, especially the mbuna type To replicate African setup, get lots of rocks to build caves and other hiding places. For Central and South American, plants either real or fake and driftwood territories are ideal. The pic on my avatar is a Jack Dempsey. Cool fish.
Jacks are cool. I tried my hardest to breed electric blues but it was a failed experiment. Had my best luck breeding oscars, flower horns and Midas. I miss my tanks. Had a basement flood from tree roots and I just sold everything. Waiting till we move in a year or two before getting back in.
Craigslist for sure. I started with 10gal and now currently at 55gal fresh water plant tank. I made my own stand. There are fish swaps all the time around Iowa.
Check out iowaaquatichobbyist.com. I belong there and breeders are always selling fish at good prices.
Check out iowaaquatichobbyist.com. I belong there and breeders are always selling fish at good prices.
If you want Angel fish you need at least 3. One will become the dominant fish and if there is only one other Angel it will beat the crap out of it.
PM me if you are serious. I am moving and getting rid of my 75 gal tank and stand. Have everything you need to start it up for $400.
