Mako

SO i bought a used 100 gallon tank, and pretty much the only things that look in good condition (or at least looked good) were two heaters. Everything else was greener than my front yard! Oh well it was only 100 bucks... SO what all do I need? How many filters, how much air bubble things....all that stuff cause i don't even know what to get and how much of it...

mathas

You need to make some decisions, first

What type of fish do you want to keep? This answer should influence your decisions about filtration, substrate choice, and whether or not to have plants.

Assuming you choose plant-compatible fish, do you want live plants, or not? This answer should influence your lighting decision.

Do you want to go with a canister filter, or the type that hang off the back of the tank?

Mako

I definately want a bala shark, a small type of catfish, and a frog and maybe a shrimp. Preferably a live plant as I heard they help the water. Oh and a snail cause i think that would be cool...and whatever filter is easiest to change. I dont know the differance.

Shawnie

http://www.fishlore.com/FirstTankSetup.htm that link will save tons of hassles...wish I had it before I started...congrats on doing your homework first!


goodluck!

sirdarksol

Green doesn't really matter. What matters is whether or not it works. Green can be removed with bleach solution, which can be neutralized with a dechlorinator solution.

In the end, you should have enough wattage of heaters to keep the tank at a steady 78 degrees (what kind of heaters came with the tank? Were they the hang-on-back kind, or the kind that can be fully submerged?), enough HOB filtration to go through 1000gph, or a canister filter rated for a 100+gallon tank (better to overdo it in this area), and that's all you need.

After that, you should think about substrate (if it didn't come with some, or if you want to change it out). If you want plants, consider going with a fluorite/sand mix or EcoComplete (my favorite substrate). If not, just be sure to key the substrate to your intended stock. For example, the black sand that is sold at pet stores probably wouldn't be a good idea, as it has sharp edges, and can hurt the barbels of catfish.
Lighting is another question. If it came with standard fluorescents, they'll be fine (unless you want a planted tank).
Decor is another thing to think about. Do you want resin castles, or natural driftwood, or plastic plants, etc...?

Mako

Thanks I'm thinking either greek/roman design stuff or asian stuff like dragons and the curved roof houses, buddha that sorta thing. And no it didn't come with any lights either or a lid...can I get any lid, like are they universal for size or do I have to like order one?

mathas

There are certain standard sizes, but you'd have to measure your tank to see what fits. Do you have the dimensions for your tank close by?

pepetj

Hi Mako
Congratulations on your incredible deal! Good for you!

100gal gives you a lot of options, and is way easier to maintain than smaller tanks.

The info on setting a new tank that Shawnie pointed out, was my starting point back into fishkeeping.

Make an inventory of everything that came with that tank, green or not, as Sirdarksol says, it doesn't matter as long as it works. Most aquarium accesories are easy to clean (I use bleach solution, then rinse in treated tap water), and some equipment have incredibly long operative life.

Once you have that list, you would have a good idea what you need, depending on the stocking you choose. Take your time doing research.

I will only add a little advice, from my experience with big tanks (only one so far). Research about providing a propper stand and leveling that tank within reasonably safe margins.

Way to go!

Pepe
Santo Domingo