Finally getting my 55 going!

[ff.rice]

Ok, I have finally gotten some time and money to get my 55 gallon tank going! I've pretty much started from scratch. I bought the tank for $25.00, and it came with the tank, both hoods, an old HOB broken filter, a fluorescent light (that doesn't work), one of the ugliest green rusted metal stands I've ever seen, and all of it had really bad hard water stains on it!!! I will post pictures as I add stuff but I will start now.... Please let me know what you think, I appreciate everything and all of the advise I have gotten from you guys and gals so far!!

 

[Convict2161]

Come on Fire Fighter Rice!! Paint that background black!!! 10-4?!?!

 

[ff.rice]

Haha.... I've got a black ground to put on it! I opted out of paint because I was worried that the hard water stains that I couldn't get off would show more...... But I am going either with the black or dark/midnight blue on it..... It should look pretty sharp!

 

[ff.rice]

What a nightmare it was trying to clean this beast!

 

[ff.rice]

Convict, thanks to yours and others advice I think I'm gonna have a pretty good set up once everything arrives.....

I ended up with....

Pool filter sand (as you can see)
AC70 HOB filter
Rena Filstar XP2 canister
Maxijet 1200 power head
And some slate rocks

I've got the AC70 in and running so far, and I've put the bio beads from it in my old tank to soak up some of the good stuff. I plan on moving all of the decor from my 30 gallon over to the 55 once I get finished with my fish less cycle.

 

[ff.rice]

Oh, and a 48" Aqueon single tube LED light, with the option of adding 2 tubes.

 

[redsea]

Congrats on the new tank, I hope you get tons of enjoyment out of it! Welcome to AA by the way!

 

[Convict2161]

Sounds like your on your way brother. Can't wait to see it when it's all done.

 

[Ian086]

Looks like your well on the way to a very cool tank. If it looks as good as your 30g, i can't wait to see the finished set-up. Great job on the cleaning, looks brand new. It's amazing what a bit of elbow grease can do. Best of luck with it and look forward to more pics.... Ian

 

[ff.rice]

Question for you all..... I was wondering if once I get my 55 up any running could I put a couple shrimp and or crawfish in it with my cichlids and Pleco? And also how many cichlids and plecos can I get away with in this tank?

 

[Ian086]

Question for you all..... I was wondering if once I get my 55 up any running could I put a couple shrimp and or crawfish in it with my cichlids and Pleco? And also how many cichlids and plecos can I get away with in this tank?

Convicts the man to answer that one for you....

 

[Convict2161]

Question for you all..... I was wondering if once I get my 55 up any running could I put a couple shrimp and or crawfish in it with my cichlids and Pleco? And also how many cichlids and plecos can I get away with in this tank?

IMO no to any shrimp or snails. They'll be snack and dinner real quick!! The crawfish may last a little but in the end that too will meet his maker. Also the crawfish may injure some fish at night but they'll get the best in the end....

1 pleco is say is good enough. Just not a common. There are sooooo many beautiful plecos to choose from so take your time and find one you really really like. Also IMO of your going to do a pleco have a nice piece of driftwood in your tank, your pleco will thank you.

I have a pleco, synodontis and a feather fin in my 75 gallon along with some botia loaches.

Hope this helps.

 

[ff.rice]

It does.... Thank you guys! Where is the best place to get driftwood? Is it purchased or found? And if found, what kind of cleaning needs to be done to it?

 

[Convict2161]

It does.... Thank you guys! Where is the best place to get driftwood? Is it purchased or found? And if found, what kind of cleaning needs to be done to it?

You can find it. Just boil it, scrub it and soak it. Make sure you kill anything that might have been living on it.

 

[steveo1313]

Can't wait to see this tank filled and stocked! I LOVE the rocks.. as a firefighter's son, find a way to get some FF pride in there! No metal of course but there's gotta be a way!

Be sure to update when it's fully operational!

 

[ff.rice]

Convict, does the raw shrimp need to go in a filter or just on the bottom? And how long should it stay in?

 

[Ian086]

Convict, does the raw shrimp need to go in a filter or just on the bottom? And how long should it stay in?

Are you going to cycle the tank using the raw shrimp method??

 

[ff.rice]

That's the plan..... It's been running a week or so

 

[Ian086]

That's the plan..... It's been running a week or so

Have you added the raw shrimp yet??

 

[Convict2161]

You don't need to use raw shrimp. You can dose pure ammonia.


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