So i'm gonna get a new fish tank.?

Question

Ok so i went on craigslist and found a 55 gallon tank w/ stand for only $50! The bad part is i don't have a filter for it. I don't have much money to spend on a filter and the one i have now is probably too small. So does anyone know of any filter that would be good and cheap and findable in like a petco? Also, any other tips i should know on setting up a new tank? Is a light and a top necessary?

Answer 1

Walmart has Penguin or marineland for 36.00. It works great in my 55. Top light is necesary fish do need some vitamin D. I have aplant light in mine which is healthier for them and the live plants keep the tanks cleaner.and a heater/ Heaters cost like 17.00 and a hood and light will be more.

http://flickr.com/photos/29035692@N03/se...

Answer 2

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...

you most likely need a top to prevent fish from jumping out, but in an unplanted tank a light is totally unessecary, the light from the room is enough by itself, and my favorite fish - piranhas and crayfish dont like light so i never even have the light on in there tank

Answer 3

Yes you will want to purchase the light with canopy/top

I have used the Penguin bio wheel in my 55 for years with no problems

Answer 4

Sounds like a good deal.

Re the filter - If it's supporting the fish you have in a smaller tank (a 20 maybe?) and you move them into the 55 they will be OK. Just get some better filtering before you get more fish (or they grow bigger). Running 2 x 25gal filters in a 55 will work as well, so you can use your current filter then buy a 2nd one later.

The main reason a 50gal needs more filtering than a 25 is that it can house twice as many fish, so has to process twice the waste. But if the 50gal tank only has 25gal of fish, the bioload is the same.

Re setting up the new tank, get it set up, let the water settle then move your existing fish and filter in, that way you will transplant most of the cycle bacteria into the new tank and avoid most of the new tank cycling problems.

Lights? Do you want to grow live plants? If not, then you dont actually need lights. But a cheap option is to just use a sheet of glass as a lid, then you can just sit a simple light fitting on top with some lights so you can see the fish better. Even a couple of cheap CFL lamps will give you usefull fishwatching light. Live plants, then you need to get serious about the lighting.

Ian

Answer 5

Well, you WILL need a filter, preferably one rated for 60 gallons or up.  There are a number of good brands.  Penguin filters work well, as do whisper filters.

A light on top is necessary if you want to grow live plants, and it's nice to have, but you don't absolutely need one.  However, you will have to cover your tank to prevent fish from jumping out.

Answer 6

I have the same opinion as Akita..the biowheel is the way to go, they are efficient and quiet.  They come in many different sizes.  You will need a light to help with some algae growth that is beneficial to your tank.  I would highly advise a top, all fish jump and some more then others when they are frightened.  You didn't mention your preference on what kind of tank but live rock and live sand are always a bonus!  Good job finding a great deal by the way!  And happy fish keeping!