Got a couple of questions here... - Aquarium Advice

rubysoho · 10-11-2004, 09:54 PM

Well, the 55 [acronym:850db64a74="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:850db64a74] tank I was suppose to buy from a dude hasn't happened yet because I never heard back from him... HOWEVER, today I dropped in the [acronym:850db64a74="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:850db64a74] and my favorite guy was working there, and he said he had a 55 [acronym:850db64a74="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:850db64a74] tank to give me for FREE!! Woohoo!!! But it is just the tank, nothing else. Here are my questions:

1. The tank is dirty, used to be saltwater, what should I use to clean it? It is acrylic so it needs to be gentle in order to not scratch it.

2. What is a good filter to buy? I'm on a college student budget and don't have much to spend, but I don't want something crappy either. I've heard a bunch of brand names, but I don't know why or what makes them good. I plan on ordering online so they should be less expensive.

3. What lighting can I get that comes with a hood? Will I need a glass top or is there lighting that already has protection from water? I would like to grow plants so 2 [acronym:850db64a74="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:850db64a74] would be nice. More would be awesome.

Everything else I think I can take care of. Thanks guys!! This is the first time I've pieced together a system instead of buying a kit. I'm excited!!! (and I'm so happy about getting the free tank because now I can afford new parts instead of used!!)

Menagerie · 10-12-2004, 12:55 AM

1. Vinegar and water

2. I love the Via Aqua over the Fluval. Both are basically the same canister filters, but the VA is quieter ([acronym:7a7c927889="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:7a7c927889]), and it has handles. I found mine on eBay.

3. That's not my departement.

rubysoho · 10-12-2004, 10:02 AM

thanks menagerie, as always, you've come to my rescue! hehe.

Menagerie · 10-12-2004, 11:20 AM

But you are still waiting for an answer to your lighting Q. Come on people, help her out!

Cafe Jeff · 10-12-2004, 11:24 AM

Great score!

rubysoho · 10-12-2004, 05:37 PM

haha, thanks for bumping the thread

Menagerie · 10-12-2004, 06:55 PM

You may want to talk with the [acronym:35512af6bc="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:35512af6bc] selfers. They may have a $$saving idea.

BrianNY · 10-12-2004, 07:21 PM

If you want a planted tank you'll want a glass canopy.

I know it might be a stretch on the budget but you're better off buying quality lighting the first time around. I bought mine from AH Supply and I couldn't be happier. Go to their website and either email or phone them. They'll be happy to work with you.

rubysoho · 10-13-2004, 01:23 AM

Does AH Supply sell premaid sets? I know absolutly nothing about making my own, and I'd rather not venture down that road without knowing at least a little something.

BrianNY · 10-13-2004, 07:36 AM

If you can use a drill and a screw driver you can do it. It's really very simple and fun to build the entire thing yourself. [acronym:e2644ac148="Just My Opinion"]JMO[/acronym:e2644ac148]. Finished power compacts are available but are very expensive for a 55g.

10-11-2004, 09:54 PM	#1
rubysoho Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,539 Images: 3	Got a couple of questions here... Well, the 55 [acronym:850db64a74="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:850db64a74] tank I was suppose to buy from a dude hasn't happened yet because I never heard back from him... HOWEVER, today I dropped in the [acronym:850db64a74="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:850db64a74] and my favorite guy was working there, and he said he had a 55 [acronym:850db64a74="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:850db64a74] tank to give me for FREE!! Woohoo!!! But it is just the tank, nothing else. Here are my questions: 1. The tank is dirty, used to be saltwater, what should I use to clean it? It is acrylic so it needs to be gentle in order to not scratch it. 2. What is a good filter to buy? I'm on a college student budget and don't have much to spend, but I don't want something crappy either. I've heard a bunch of brand names, but I don't know why or what makes them good. I plan on ordering online so they should be less expensive. 3. What lighting can I get that comes with a hood? Will I need a glass top or is there lighting that already has protection from water? I would like to grow plants so 2 [acronym:850db64a74="Watts Per Gallon"]wpg[/acronym:850db64a74] would be nice. More would be awesome. Everything else I think I can take care of. Thanks guys!! This is the first time I've pieced together a system instead of buying a kit. I'm excited!!! (and I'm so happy about getting the free tank because now I can afford new parts instead of used!!)

10-12-2004, 12:55 AM	#2
Menagerie Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 11,266 Images: 77	1. Vinegar and water 2. I love the Via Aqua over the Fluval. Both are basically the same canister filters, but the VA is quieter ([acronym:7a7c927889="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:7a7c927889]), and it has handles. I found mine on eBay. 3. That's not my departement. __________________

10-12-2004, 11:20 AM	#4
Menagerie Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 11,266 Images: 77	But you are still waiting for an answer to your lighting Q. Come on people, help her out! __________________

10-12-2004, 11:24 AM	#5
Cafe Jeff Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 511	Great score! __________________ In theory there should be no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.

10-12-2004, 06:55 PM	#7
Menagerie Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 11,266 Images: 77	You may want to talk with the [acronym:35512af6bc="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:35512af6bc] selfers. They may have a $$saving idea. __________________

10-12-2004, 10:02 AM	#3
rubysoho Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,539 Images: 3	thanks menagerie, as always, you've come to my rescue! hehe.

10-12-2004, 05:37 PM	#6
rubysoho Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,539 Images: 3	haha, thanks for bumping the thread

10-12-2004, 07:21 PM	#8
BrianNY Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 4,259 Images: 18	If you want a planted tank you'll want a glass canopy. I know it might be a stretch on the budget but you're better off buying quality lighting the first time around. I bought mine from AH Supply and I couldn't be happier. Go to their website and either email or phone them. They'll be happy to work with you.

10-13-2004, 01:23 AM	#9
rubysoho Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,539 Images: 3	Does AH Supply sell premaid sets? I know absolutly nothing about making my own, and I'd rather not venture down that road without knowing at least a little something.

10-13-2004, 07:36 AM	#10
BrianNY Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 4,259 Images: 18	If you can use a drill and a screw driver you can do it. It's really very simple and fun to build the entire thing yourself. [acronym:e2644ac148="Just My Opinion"]JMO[/acronym:e2644ac148]. Finished power compacts are available but are very expensive for a 55g.

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