ok so I been out for awhile

[h8z2luze]

I never had a real freshwater tank... I was into reef so this is new to me. Ok so we decided my step son needed a small fish tank. My girl loves this one... AquaView 360 Aquarium Kit | Aquarium Kits | Aquarium Kits & Fish Tanks | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

So we got it and it has the "under gravel filter system" Apparently I dont know how this works could someone explain? Is there a better filter system available for this aquarium? By the way we only have goldfish and a peloco in it. I plan on getting a 55 gal or maybe a little smaller for a tropical freshwater or possibly aggresive salt. I need help getting back into the hobby. Thanks!

 

[spoonman]

Undergravel filters in my experience are a collection area for gunk. I just removed them from 2 of my tanks. I am an avid gravel vacuumer and still have buildup under the filter. A good Hang On Back (HOB) filter or canister filter will do a much better job and will be easier to maintain.

 

[mgamer20o0]

you need a air pump or power head. the air pump pumps air down and goes up the tube creating flow.

on a side note thats way to small for a pleco and goldfish.

 

[thominil]

Plecos and goldys are 2 fish that should never meet.....Goldys are coldwater and pleco's are tropical.

 

[h8z2luze]

Ya I was thinking that but my friend had had the 2 in his tank for years and they are fine. But with my experience with SW i know what you mean. The kid just HAD to have the pleco... Can i even get a decent HOB filter for this thing? It has the lid and the air tube with stone about 3 inches off the bottom inside the tube. Im not even going to tell you how many fish are in here. They will be out soon I plan to put up at least a 20G maybe bigger asap.

 

[mgamer20o0]

some times as a parent you have to say no.

 

[h8z2luze]

some times as a parent you have to say no.

Ya I know the only thing that made me do it is cause of my friends tank. PLUS like I said he will be going in the other tank asap.

 

[mgamer20o0]

if its a common pleco it will even out grow a 55 gallon. they get to be 20-24 inch.