Picking up a 135, QUESTIONS.....

[Bullnugget]

Found a Craigslist add that has a 150 gallon for $150. Great deal I think, even better they were even considering a trade for a 55 gallon with stand. I just so happen to have that sitting in the basement. And the persons interested! So I go pick it up tomorrow. The add says 150, but the dimensions are 72.5x18x24, which equals to 135.6 either way Its what I want, something over 120.

I am going to set this tank up with a homemade stand and canopy, most likely will sit pretty low as I think I want to put it under my TV hanging on the wall. The plan is a couple of Red Tiger Oscars, with maybe 5 Giant danios or 5 silver dollars. I have seen both of these setups and think they look awesome. I plan on a sand substrate with a large piece of driftwood and maybe a couple very low light plants. I want a black painted background as well. Now I have a couple questions....

1. What kind of lighting should I get, this tank has no hood, but with a canopy I am guessing anything will work. I want something that is fairly dark, ill attach a couple pics for examples....

2. What kind of filter will work for a 135? I am planning on a canister, I don't want a HOB as I want this tank to be very clean and simple. Most canisters I was looking at were for tanks up to 80 gallons, what others will work. I know the Oscars can put out a big bioload.

 

[Tuck]

Sounds like a great deal. I'm not too sure on the stocking but as for filtration just buy 2x80g's and place them at opposite ends of the tank

 

[FishBoy185]

You should buy Fluval Fx5. They are for tank up to 150 gallons I think. But they are pricey.

 

[molliwopp]

I would also recommend an fx6 if on a budget but i would also run a second filter with it. For what you get theres nothing really that comes close to this for price though. But if you have a choice, pay alittle more for an eheim 2262. This would be the filter i would go for and will definitely be better biologically than the fx6.