Setting up 28Gal Tank - Beginner

New to the forum and fish aquariums in general.

I managed to get a 28 Gal Aqua Euro USA tank and stand for a decent price. However, it is missing a lot..

Lights are working. Tank isn't leaking. It's an AIO tank. One of the flow director nozzles is gone so I've been looking for a replacement but the diameter of the port is 21mm and I can't find anything online for a replacement for that size.

Is the best option to just cut off the nub that the nozzle goes on and install a bulk head fitting to install a standard size?

I basically need everything.. filter media, powerhead, substrate, etc. I plan to go to a local store to ask them what all I need.

There are two outlet nozzles so would I need two powerheads or could I just get one powerhead and have a tee that connects both nozzles?

I am going freshwater. Would love to do live plants but I need to do a lot more reading. Haven't planned much for fish yet.

 

May be easier to take that whole assembley out and get an air pump and sponge filter, airline, heater, etc...just food for thought.

 

May be easier to take that whole assembley out and get an air pump and sponge filter, airline, heater, etc...just food for thought.

Good point. I'll definitely look into that option as well!

 

I was thinking of getting these to make new outlet nozzles on the back plate.

Nozzle adapters

 

I have a Fluval Flex tank. Do the nozzle's come out from the back? Mine has 2 also. I got a spray bar off Etsy that connects to the single outlet. 3D printer stuff.

 

I have a Fluval Flex tank. Do the nozzle's come out from the back? Mine has 2 also. I got a spray bar off Etsy that connects to the single outlet. 3D printer stuff.

Interesting. I just googled a spray bar and it looks doable. Do you have a photo of your setup?

 

Interesting. I just googled a spray bar and it looks doable. Do you have a photo of your setup?

I don't have it set like that right now. I will scroll through my pics on break.

 

A picture looking down from above. And a shot of whatever parts you do have for the filter would help.

Buying an internal filter might save a lot of time and effort?

 

A picture looking down from above. And a shot of whatever parts you do have for the filter would help.

Buying an internal filter might save a lot of time and effort?

Here is what I'm working with.

 

There were a lot of water marks on this tank. I tried everything I could find on the internet: Vinegar, razor blades, magic eraser, barkeepers friend.. nothing worked. I even left vinegar on for 2 days and tried scraping it with a razor blade and it still didn't work. Definitely permanent etching.

So I finally tried the cerium oxide powder and a wool/felt pad and it actually worked! It took a lot of time though. I did one side of the tank in about 45 minutes and that was probably a 12x10 square. Probably depends how deep the etching is. I'm really happy with the results though.

Here are some pictures of the side I completed and the other sides showing what it looked like before. I'm splitting up the rest of the glass over multiple days.. it's definitely hard work. Too bad the vinegar didn't work.

 

Shiny, shiny, shoes!!

 

Finished the rest of the tank. Went way faster this time by applying a bit more force and making sure the glass didn't overheat. However, when the glass was warm it meant it was working so just don't get it too warm I guess.
I then took a magic eraser to clean the entire tank.. hopefully that's enough to get all the residue out.

 

the tank looks fantastic

 

Got the tank filled and just trying to cycle it now. Still need a bit more decor and I also want to get plants. I need something tall though to fill the top space.

First time cycling a fish tank and trying the fishless cycle using some bacteria in a bottle from the local fish store. Hopefully it works.

 

I have been wondering if you are adding a food source for the bacteria. Are you adding ammonia to the fish less cycle?

 

I have been wondering if you are adding a food source for the bacteria. Are you adding ammonia to the fish less cycle?

Yup! I have been adding ammonium chloride to the tank. Dosed up to 1-2ppm and still waiting for things to kick in..

 

Here is the water analysis report for my area. I read that you may need to add phosphate to get the process going. Do you think this is needed in my case?