eric_m

Hi folks,
I just came across a 75 gallon tank, had the space and decided to jump into this hobby. I currently do not have the tank yet, picking it up this weekend.
My first decision was what to do with this tank.. I've decided to go with fresh fish with some live plants.. I'm still in the verry early stage of planning.. going through forums, and reading up on the initial setup.. equipment needed etc.. I havnt decided on a fish as of yet.. im still trying to figure out what equipment I will need first.. the tank comes with rocks, and autofeeder.. im definately going to need a filter (i'm leaning towards canister filters)...

any suggestions on anything is welcome..

Eric M

angelfish220

Hello Eric_M!!!

Welcome to Fishlore!!

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore !!! I agree with canister..on our 75 we ended up switching and had nothing but great water since then..course 2-3 weekly water changes help also LOL but im overstocked so I have too...make sure you read up on the nitrogen cycle and you will be loveing your new hobby..cant wait to see pics!!
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm heres the link for the cycle process

Lucy

Hi Eric, Welcome to Fish Lore.

Wow 75g's is really jumping right in!

Here's some good reading:

READ FIRST: Freshwater Beginner Important Topics

eric_m

I was initially looking for a small tank to make a terrarium.. My manager overheard me asking my cousin (he had a 10 gallon tank he stopped using) and mentioned that his brother in law was getting rid of his (he got another tank and wanted to get rid of the old one). It was such a great deal (the catch was I had to pick it up) I couldnt refuse.. After reading up on the salt water tank (which are really cool) I decided to go with fresh water and live plants (Got scared with the salt water aquariums.. too costly if I make a mistake)..
during my research I came across this site and had great info.. I have the droopy eyes to prove it.. I had to research fast since all this was only decided two days ago..
I want to move slow with this project.. I want to setup once.. and not by trial and error.. like getting wrong equipment.. I figure by moving slow I can also spread out the operating and equipment costs so it wont hurt the pocket too much..
I really didnt post any questions yet since im still in my research mode.. but i'm eventually going to need the expertise of the members in this forum..

Lucy

Very smart of you.
This forum is full of knowledgeable, friendly people.

Martinismommy

Welcome to Fishlore Eric....

steveangela1

welcome to fishlore, the people on here I have grown to find have a ton of knowledge when it comes to fish!!! the info above, the nitrogen cycle def good advice!
I too have a canister filter on my 2 larger tanks I love them! they are wonderful filters, I use them along w/ the penguin biowheels. (I have heavily stocked african cichlid tanks).

Tazmiche

Hi mate. When i decided to start this hobby i came across this site, many others where around too BUT this one stood out.

I have learnt SOOOO much here, no horrid people and if they are they have to leave. Great for kids.

The knowledge and experience of the members is fab. I'm in the UK and if i have not been able to find a US med THEY have researched one that may do the same trick for me!! They are amazing! I and the others are here. NO question too small!!

kra-z-fishmumm

Welcome! Everyone else has said it all. Have fun!

eric_m

thanks everybody.. I hope I was able to attach the pic .. here is the tank.. its still at the guy's place gonna pick it up tomorrow.. here are the details ..

Aquarium in good condition (no leaks) .
78 gallons
48' X 24' X 16'
Includes : Stand + over + light + auto feeder + rocks.
$125.00

I spoke to a friend of mine at Nature pet store, he works in the fish section... The filter im looking at is the fluvel 401... but I saw the ehim at big al's.. any comments on either filter?? problems to look out for etc...
so far here is the list..
- Canister Filter Not sure which brand model etc ..
- a heater
- gravel (depending if i dont like the one it comes with).. maybe sand??
- rocks, driftwood.. basically decoration stuff will set it up dry to get the layout..
- maintenence accesories.. that big tube thing to clean the sand/gravel
- testing stuff (this one when ready to fill the tank.. cycling)

am i missing anything??

thanks again

eric_m

nope still cant post pics.. here is the link

http://www.fishlore.com/fishpicture/...php/photo/5040

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

I'd think about Discus maybe.

aquariumnewbie

Welcome to Fishlore! Remember to cycle your tank before adding fishes.

peter

Welcome Eric
Hope you enjoy your new Hobby you will love it once you get set up.

shellbell4ever

Welcome to Fishlore!!This is the place for the best info,Your already off to a good start being here Taking your time is the best way to go,Do you know how to cycle your tank?If not check the links on the homepage!
Best of Luck!