new member, 3-31-06

[crabguy]

hello all. have been reading the posts on this web site for 3 weeks now. it's a great site. i have a 29 gal fresh water setup with an eclipse 3 hood. getting ready to set up a 52 gal flat back hex tank that a friend gave me. the hex has no hood or lights. any suggestions for an african tank?

 

[rich311k]

Welcome to AA!!!

 

[Jchillin]

Welcome to AA!

the hex has no hood or lights. any suggestions for an african tank

Sounds like you're gonna need a coralife light strip for the tank. Check Drsfostersmith.com and Biglalsonline.com for some nice ones.

 

[crabguy]

thanks, any suggestions of filters?

 

[Zagz]

Welcome to AA! I'd recommend a cannister filter in combo with a HOB, For the HOB I prefer Aqua clears and cannisters you will get a varied opinion about. I have several fluvals with no problems. The XP is another favorite of members here.

 

[crabguy]

checked out the lights, can i use plexiglass to cover the tank?

 

[crabguy]

has anyone used plexiglass to cover a tank?

 

[Thebluyak]

Yeah they have, I think I remember reading about the heat from the lights building up and making the plexiglass sag down some.

 

[crabguy]

I BOUGHT THE CORALIFE SINGLE STRIP COMPACT FLOR WITH THE FLIP UP LEGS, SO THERE WILL BE A SPACE BETWEEN THE LIGHT AND COVER, I THINK. THE PLEXIGLASS WILL BE OK? THE LIGHT COMES WITH AN ACRYLIC COVER OVER THE BULBS ALSO.

 

[rich311k]

Should be fine. It may sag in the middle if it is thin or there is no cross brace on the tank. If you buy a little thicker plexiglass you should be fine.

 

[Melissamustang]

Welcome we are here for you.

 

[Blazeherd2306]

Welcome to AA!