I'm new! Setting up a 90 gallon planted tank for our first one.

I bought a 90 gallon tank with a 48" x 18" footprint. I have a Filstar XP3 running on it. The substrate is Flourite topped with an inch or so of gravel. I bought a couple Amazon Swords and have a Java Fern in it now, with some driftwood. I have two Aqueon Pro 200 heaters being delivered tomorrow so that I can start my fishless cycle. I have lighting taken care of for now but may upgrade later.

My main concern is whether I need a powerhead for this tank. I am using the spraybar for the XP3, but it's submerged so its' not disturbing the surface. If I move the spraybar above the surface, is that enough agitation, or should I look at getting a powerhead for the tank?

I have a vacuum, cleaning accessories, test kits, etc. already.

Is there anything else I should be considering, or am I on the right track?

 

Unless you're planning on getting a fish that wants an agigated surface I'm not sure why you would want it to be agitated? You may want a co2 system if you get more difficult or finicky plants. The ones you listed don't need that as far as I know though.

 

I was concerned about keeping the oxygen levels up in the tank for the fish. It's ok to have the sprayer bar underwater?

 

Yes the spray is fine. If you want more surface movement turn the spray a little towards the top of the water.
Personally I have a small AC filter at the other end I only have a 60 gallon(48" x 14") and a sunsun 404-B which is 525gph empty so I would think it produces with everything I have in it about 300/350GPH which is enough but I have small AC on all my tanks for the ready. How many GPH is the Filstar XP3 (300)

JMO but I would take the Gravel down to a 1/4" and if you intend on having Cories make sure the gravel is smooth and rounded. Remember each week your going to have to stick the tube in the 1/2 to clean the food that fell between the gravel and the sand. It's not a big deal if you like the look it's just that uneaten food will fall between.

Don't forget pictures we like pictures and also ask for help if needed there's really good people when it comes to cycling a tank.

 

The XP3 is rated at 350 GPH.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of fish keeping. Personal I think a planted 90 gallon is a bit much for your first tank,but it sounds like you done all your research, and have what you need. I wish you all the success and enjoyment that that comes with keeping fish.

 

Well, I had a free 55 gallon available, but then saw a nice 72 gallon bowfront for sale, but the guy wouldn't budge on price. Then found this 90 gallon setup. I got the tank, enclosed stand, and a bunch of accessories for $300 and I couldn't pass it up.

My son is 12, and really likes fish. He's been doing all the legwork as to what will be put into the tank. He's spent hours looking up compatibility as to temperature, size, how many he needs of each species, and all of that. The 55 gallon didn't give him much in the way of what he wanted to stock, and I know that the larger the tank, the better buffer it will be against changes and it will be more stable.

We're not going nuts with the plants (at least we don't plan to), but there will be natural plants in it.

 

Welcome to the forum and glad you joined us. Alison

 

I am starting my fishless cycle today, adding the ammonia.

I bought some Top Fin ReadiStart in the hopes that I'd be able to innoculate the tank, but after some reading, it seems that's not the way to go.

My son has a 1.5 gallon betta tank setup with gravel and an undergravel filter setup. The betta had died a couple months ago (it was over 4 years old) but we left it running because there were a few snails in it, and we weren't sure if we were going to get another betta.

Should I bag up the gravel from the betta tank in some nylons, and maybe empty the water out and submerge the betta tank in the 90 gallon in hopes that there's some good bacteria in there to kickstart the cycle?

 

But the filter from the betta tank on the new tank run that for a wile with the old media in it.