New 55 Gallon Tank- Heater & Filter Question

[SMOOOZZZ]

HI All,

I just purchased a 55 gallon tank, I currently have a 29 gallon tank with 5 Cichild fish (4 of them are about 4 1/2 inch long)and I am upgrading to this new tank. I need to cycle this one however before I begin the process, can you advise how many filters this tank should have I also need to know how many heaters should I purchase and what name brands are good or which filters and heaters I need to stay away from.
One last question, the strip temperature gauge stuck to the outside of the tank does that work properly? What type of temperature gauge should I have? Thanks

 

[loachlover1980]

Hi.

I have a successful 55 gallon tank for some time now and I'm using a aqueon 65-75 hang on back filter and that works great. I've put it on the right side and the heater on the left side with a power head on the left side also. It pushes the heat aid the tank well. The heater is an aqueon 100 gallon heater. It maybe a little over kill but my tank is always 78 on the far side and 79 on the other.

The reason I use aqueon is because they have a lifetime guarantee. If it breaks they will replace it. Aqueon may cost a bit more but well worth it. For example... If you buy a Tetra 75 gallon filter at Walmart it may last for a few years but when it fails you will have to buy a new one. Those two filters will cost more then one Aqueon filter. Aqueon will repair replace your filter for free or very little money.

I have two stick on temp gauges in my tank and a glass thermometer. They are always within one degree.

 

[SMOOOZZZ]

Loachlover1980 what brand is your power head? Thank you for the information.

 

[loachlover1980]

I'll look when I get home. I'm at work

 

[Slade]

Aquaclear 110 is a great HOB filter. If you prefer canister, eheim 2215, fluval 306, Rena Xp3 are good brands. A 100 watt heater is not overkill, usually 100-200 is what you want, I prefer to stay low in case of a broken thermostat, so 100 is ok.

 

[loachlover1980]

I said 100gallon heater because there are different watt ratings by different manufacture s. The heater I'm using is a 300 watt heater. The box.indicates it is for 100 gallon tank