40 gallon setup

[holimoli23]

I'm just getting started. I was given almost everything I need to get going but i"m worried some of the equipment is inadequate. It's a tall tank (as tall as wide) I plan on doing a tropical tank that will be well stocked. (I have more than enough filter capacity for my tank so I can be a little liberal with stocking). So, the air pump I was given is rated for a 10 - 30 gallon tank and the heater is a 100 watt heater without an adjustment control. I have a decoration that has a air hose and I plan on using two bubble rods (whatever they're called). I am on somewhat of a budget so anywhere I can save a dollar is a good thing. I was thinking about maybe putting in a second heater with an adjustment instead of only one bigger one. I have two filters so two heaters could be near the two filters.

All advice is greatly appreciated. I'm sealing my tank today so I'm about as green as they come. I have done a lot of research so hopefully I'll have really nice pictures in the next couple months.

Fair winds and following seas

 

[Gawang]

Number one you need more heating. I'd recommend an aqueon pro of of amazon as you can pick up a 250 watt for about 28 us dollars. Second the air pump really depends on how many things you have hooked up to it.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Hi and welcome!
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f15/guide-to-starting-a-freshwater-aquarium-186089.html

 

[holimoli23]

Gawang

I figured the heating was my main shortfall. It's a 100 watt heater and you recommended a 250 watt so could I just add a 150 or is the single 250 better IYO?

Also, do I need a specific type of bulb or will any flourescent work?

Fair winds and following seas

 

[Gawang]

Is recommend just using the one, however two would not e bad. the only bad thing is I personally do not like the non adjustable heaters as they make me a little wary. In general flourescents are all good, but depending on if you want to keep high level light plants youll need a higher wattage.

 

[holimoli23]

Gawang

Thank you! The non adjustable had me a little uneasy as well but I wanted to make sure it was a reasonable concern.

Mumma

The link was very helpful! Thank you



Fair winds and following seas

 

[Gawang]

Also the preset heaters don't give you the option to adjust your temperature to different fishes needs. Most are set to between 76-78 and many fish need higher than that. That would mean your 150 would be doing all the work and the 100 would be off the majority of the time.