Hey all, Bearclaw here!
This is my first thread/post, the community seems wonderful and I'm excited to start my new hobby in earnest. The catalyst for this decision was the death of my wifes' Betta which prompted a trip to the pet store. One 10 gallon tank later and I think I might be hooked.
The 10 gallon is a freshwater planted tank that I started to appease my wife but turned into my own little project instead. It's currently stocked with 4 Serpae Tetras, a Sword, and some Java Moss. Having realised I had not done ANYTHING properly with my first tank (and am now having to correct all of those issues), I wanted to start fresh and properly plan a tank. I have some ideas in regards to what I want but I would like some feedback on my choices and some recommendations from the community before I begin.
The Filter
I've read a lot of the threads here about the different types of filters (canister vs HOBs) and their pros and cons but I'm torn. Canisters seem to be the preference for their media customizability, their lack of noise, and decreased evaporation. On the other hand, HOBs are preferred for their ease of setup cleaning, and price. I think I've narrowed it down to the Fluval C3 and the Penn-Plax Cascade 700.
The Light
This one is another case of which type to use? LEDs last much longer and are easier on the electricity bill but I've read that Halogen is better for plants. I haven't looked at halogen yet because I found a Fluval Aquasky that's affordable and looks quite nice. Suggestions?
The Heater
Choosing a heater shouldn't be that difficult, I'm more concerned with brands and their associated qualities. The other aspect that I am unsure of is its placement in the tank. I've read a number of different tips about how best to place a heater but I would like your opinion.
The Substrate
Again, something that SHOULDN'T be complicated. Since I plan on making this a planted tank, are there types of substrate that are more preferred than others? I don't plan on running CO2 just yet, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.
I'm sorry for the wall of text but I just want to make sure this new tank gets off on the right foot. I would really appreciate your input and I look forward to starting this project.
This is my first thread/post, the community seems wonderful and I'm excited to start my new hobby in earnest. The catalyst for this decision was the death of my wifes' Betta which prompted a trip to the pet store. One 10 gallon tank later and I think I might be hooked.
The 10 gallon is a freshwater planted tank that I started to appease my wife but turned into my own little project instead. It's currently stocked with 4 Serpae Tetras, a Sword, and some Java Moss. Having realised I had not done ANYTHING properly with my first tank (and am now having to correct all of those issues), I wanted to start fresh and properly plan a tank. I have some ideas in regards to what I want but I would like some feedback on my choices and some recommendations from the community before I begin.
The Filter
I've read a lot of the threads here about the different types of filters (canister vs HOBs) and their pros and cons but I'm torn. Canisters seem to be the preference for their media customizability, their lack of noise, and decreased evaporation. On the other hand, HOBs are preferred for their ease of setup cleaning, and price. I think I've narrowed it down to the Fluval C3 and the Penn-Plax Cascade 700.
The Light
This one is another case of which type to use? LEDs last much longer and are easier on the electricity bill but I've read that Halogen is better for plants. I haven't looked at halogen yet because I found a Fluval Aquasky that's affordable and looks quite nice. Suggestions?
The Heater
Choosing a heater shouldn't be that difficult, I'm more concerned with brands and their associated qualities. The other aspect that I am unsure of is its placement in the tank. I've read a number of different tips about how best to place a heater but I would like your opinion.
The Substrate
Again, something that SHOULDN'T be complicated. Since I plan on making this a planted tank, are there types of substrate that are more preferred than others? I don't plan on running CO2 just yet, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.
I'm sorry for the wall of text but I just want to make sure this new tank gets off on the right foot. I would really appreciate your input and I look forward to starting this project.