jack11

Hi everyone.

I have started saving for a new tank hopefully somewhere between 40 and 60 gals. firstly for a tank this size what is the best filtration system to use? what gph will i need? how strong a heater? and lastly does anybody have any tips for setting up a larger tank?

Thanks jack

sgould

As a general rule, 10x your tank volume in filtering capacity. So a 40 gallon would need 400 gph, and so on. As with so many "rules", it is not an absolute. You can play with it a bit depending on whether your tank is fully stocked or lightly stocked, and whether or not you are keeping heavy waste producers. For a heater, if you settle on the low end of the tank range you mentioned, a 150 watt one would work. If you settle closer to the 55-60 gallon range, probably a 200 watt. Some people chose to use smaller heaters, but have 2 of them in the tank instead of just 1 with the idea that if 1 should fail they still have some heating going on. I kind of like the idea, but will admit that I only have 1 heater in each of my tanks.

jack11

thanks heaps, thats what i thought for the filtration. for the heaters is it ok to have a more powerful heater thank is advised, i.e a 300W heater in a 55G tank?

0morrokh

In a 55 I would recommend using 2 heaters instead of one, in case one fails and to distribute heat more evenly. (So 2 100 or 150 watt heaters).

JMatt1983

if you buy an aquarium kit, which is cheaper to do than buying the parts individually, they have everything you need in the box, i know eclipse makes a pretty good 55G kit

0morrokh

If you chose this method just make sure you get a good brand. I always end up buying everything separately because, for example, the marineland stealth heaters are the only heaters they carry around here that work well, but I don't like marineland filters, etc.

JMatt1983

i agree, the marineland filters are horrible, mine stopped working after about 3 months, so i upgraded to an eheim i bought mine for $23 Canadian at big als http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...bertyfilter200, and i would recommend them over the bio wheel byfar,i have a bio wheel on my 10G and it is the most difficult thing to get started again after a power outage, or cleaning the impeller.

jack11

yes i have been looking at a set up they have for sale at my lps. i cant remember what specific brands are used but it seemed fairly good.

JMatt1983

just remember to stay within your budget, its an addicting hobby and can cost a lot of money if your not careful lol just ask anyone with multiple tanks

jack11

haha trust me i know, i already have 2 tanks and have been keeping fish since September, my budjet is more closely linked with my patience because i am just consistantly putting money aside and it actually build up quite quickly.

Jack