another newbie with newbie questions about a new tank

[bcmakesiteasy]

Same with me. I had to rinse it like 100x times though. I cant find pool filter sand anywhere. The only kind they have at pool supply stores near me is mixed with zeolite and like $50 for 20lbs.

what is zeolite..and would this work?

Silica Sand | Filter Supplies | Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies, the world leader in residential and commercial pool supplies.

 

[bcmakesiteasy]

would silica pool filter sand work? here are its specs:

Silica Sand cleans pool water and keeps it clear. It is inert, odorless, ecologically safe and will not solidify. It will not stain and will help prevent clogging.
Specifically produced for residential and commercial sand filters
No UV degradation - Durable plastic bags can be stored outside
Meets all AWWA B100 recommendations
Filters out dirt, dust, algae, hair, makeup, suntan oil, leaves and insects
Specifically blended to achieve superior performance
Meets precise specifications of major pool and sand filter manufacturers

 

[bcmakesiteasy]

Oh and what reasonably priced filter should I get for the 20 gallon? I'm going to get the API master kit, do i need any other water treatment things as well? I have the Junge Jump start water decholorniator from my 1.5 still.

 

[Wolfsblood]

would silica pool filter sand work?

Yep

Only chemical you need is a dechlorinator. Other good ones to have are API's stress coat and stress zyme. Stay away from water clarifier, ammonia remover, and things of that nature.

 

[Wolfsblood]

Can't go wrong with this filter :Amazon.com: AquaClear 30 Power Filter - 110 V, UL Listed (Includes AquaClear 30 Carbon, AquaClear 30 Foam & AquaClear 30 BioMax): Pet Supplies

 

[Mrs.h2012]

would silica pool filter sand work? here are its specs:

Silica Sand cleans pool water and keeps it clear. It is inert, odorless, ecologically safe and will not solidify. It will not stain and will help prevent clogging.
Specifically produced for residential and commercial sand filters
No UV degradation - Durable plastic bags can be stored outside
Meets all AWWA B100 recommendations
Filters out dirt, dust, algae, hair, makeup, suntan oil, leaves and insects
Specifically blended to achieve superior performance
Meets precise specifications of major pool and sand filter manufacturers

I don't see why it wouldnt be ok, the play sand I used was silica as well.

 

[bcmakesiteasy]

stocking ideas? should be picking up my tank/hood this weekend, and getting a filter, test kit, and decor by next weekend. I know I want to get some cory cats, and some sort of tetras.

 

[Wolfsblood]

A school of about 5 smaller cories. A school of tetras that you like and a dwarf or paradise gourami would be pretty nice.

 

[bcmakesiteasy]

A school of about 5 smaller cories. A school of tetras that you like and a dwarf or paradise gourami would be pretty nice.

How would I add a school of say 6 tetras to the tank? People here on the forums have been saying not to add more than 2 or 3 fish at a time to your tank due to adding high ammonia levels once its cycled. So would I add 2 or 3, and wait for a bit and add 2 or 3 more? Would the first fish I put in get along with the rest of the fish I put in? (keep in mind I'm talking about the same species of fish) Sorry if this is difficult to understand, I'm in a rush to post this as I am at work!

 

[Wolfsblood]

Depends on how you are planning to cycle it. If you do a fishless cycle you could technically add all of your stock at once.