LF equipment advice

Morning Everyone,

I may be fortunate to upgrade my tank a lot sooner than I thought. I'm either looking at a 90gl with stand I found on CL or i'm looking at a brand new 75 gl tank. Neither tank comes with a filter or heater...just the hood and tank.

So i'm wondering what would be the best filter to use for either of the tanks? Do I need 2 for a tank this size? What heater would be most recommended? What about air?

I really want a Rainbow Shark and possible some sort of a school of Barbs (Tigers or Rosey's), so would regular gravel be good or would sand be a better choice? I know I will have fake plants as my thumb is almost as black as coal when it comes to plants.

Any input or advice is very much appreciated.

Thank you,
Jenn

 

I would get the 90g, the bigger the better IMO.

About the filter, I would suggest getting a canister filter. The ones I have are Aqua Top and relatively affordable compared to other brands.

Zero experience in sharks except Balas...sorry can't help you on the second part.

About the plastic plants make sure you don't get the ones with the wires inside or hard plastic. There are also silk plants too that look realistic.

 

I have no experience with tanks that big. My largest is 55 gallons. Many folks like canister filters for larger tanks. HOBs are all I have ever used. Number and type of fish would play a big part in that decision. Some people like to use two heaters that equal the appropriate level on the larger tanks. The substrate is pretty much dictated by plants and bottom dwellers/feeders. The plants aren't a concern for you, but most of the catfish like a soft substrate like sand. There are good arguments on all sides as to what kind of sand to use. My choice has always been the Quikrete Play Sand. It takes more initial cleaning than pool filter sand, but it provides a very natural appearance. I don't think that there are any specific substrate needs for the fish you mentioned. The barbs don't care and my red tailed shark spends all of his time grazing on the plants and other decorations. One note on the heaters, the high powered ones will be going on and off a lot compared to heaters meant for the size of your tank. That wears them out faster. In my opinion, it's better to get heaters that equal the total wattage for the tank (the old rule of thumb is 5 watts per gallon). Well, like I said, I'm no expert on the big tanks. I don't think I've led you astray: howevr, let's wait and see what some of the owners of large tanks have to say. Best of luck !

 

I would get the 90g, the bigger the better IMO.

About the filter, I would suggest getting a canister filter. The ones I have are Aqua Top and relatively affordable compared to other brands.

Zero experience in sharks except Balas...sorry can't help you on the second part.

About the plastic plants make sure you don't the ones with the wires inside or hard plastic. There are also silk plants too that look realistic.

Yes, be sure to only use artificial plants made for aquariums. I have seen sad news from people who have just picked up some artificial plants from the local craft store.

 

I will definitly be using ONLY fake/ plastic plants sold at my LFS.

It will most likey be a few months before I can get everything I need purchased and set up. I want to make a comprhensive list of what I will need so I can look for good deals in the meantime.

Are canister filters harder or easier to maintain? I have only ever used the HOB kind.

I've been searching aquascapes and I'm pretty sure I know how I want my final set up to look like. I was thinking of a black gravel or sand with some river rock sprinkled around, a nice size piece of wood (not sure if i'm going to go with drift or bog yet, going to depend on PH needs) and lots of green plants as I want my color to come from the fish.

 

I will definitly be using ONLY fake/ plastic plants sold at my LFS.

It will most likey be a few months before I can get everything I need purchased and set up. I want to make a comprhensive list of what I will need so I can look for good deals in the meantime.

Are canister filters harder or easier to maintain? I have only ever used the HOB kind.

I've been searching aquascapes and I'm pretty sure I know how I want my final set up to look like. I was thinking of a black gravel or sand with some river rock sprinkled around, a nice size piece of wood (not sure if i'm going to go with drift or bog yet, going to depend on PH needs) and lots of green plants as I want my color to come from the fish.

IMO I think canister filters are easier to maintain.

Check out youtube for inspiration on Aquascaping.