I thought this could help a lot of people out there who need equipment advice. Suggestions should be for a 55 gallon aquarium, and users can size their tank needs from there. If you can provide a link to the product you are recommending, I will post it. And if your quote about the product is not good enough.... I will make it up. 8)
FILTER(only canister filters)
Cascade 1000[/b]
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22583;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=
The Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter combines all the best features of popular canister filters in one easy to use filter. Features an easy, push button self primer, flow rate control cut-off valves, extra large stackable filter media containers, sturdy tip-proof base and 2 independant directional 360 degree rotating valve caps. Media is included with each filter. The Cascade 1000 is suitable for aquariums up to 100 gallons in size.
Fluval 404 With Filter Media
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22045;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=
The ultimate multi-stage filter. Features, easy to use sealing lid with large seaaling clamps. The filter offers multi layer filtering and extremely efficient water flow throughout out the filter media for maximum cleaning. Automatic shut off disconnect valves and all hose and media included. 340 GPH. Recommended for aquariums up to 100 gallons in size.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals RENA Filstar XP 3 Canister Filter
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22037;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=
Multi-stage, bypass-free system is highly efficient and versatile. Bypass- free: ensures complete water flow through the filter media. Disposable filtration pouches for easy clean-up. Multi-use filtration baskets with handles for easy maintenance. Built in handles for easy carrying of filter during maintenance. Easily accessible impeller. Recommended for aquariums up to 175 gallons in size.
WATER TEST KIT
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19383;category_id=3111;pcid1=3233;pcid2=
The Freshwater Master Test Kit is a complete kit for testing tap water and aquarium water. Tests water five different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions. Tests include: freshwater pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Kit features 4 test tubes, a holding tray for testing bottles, and test tube rack.
“I've been using this brand for years and found it to be a pretty good one.” –Pennpit
“Works great and easy to use.” -PazMan
”Screw this test kit, it’s the worst kit ever. The AP kit doesnt have a KH GH or PO4 testkit so you can add it up.. $5-15 X3 ouch the AP kit isnt so cheap now is it tough guy.
I personaly dont like the PH test kit color charts.. its very hard to read when you shut your eyes.” –Greenmaji
” I use the AP kit and never had a problem reading the PH test. Nitrates are kinda hard when you get to the upper levels but, if your colors are that high, then you have more problems than the test card. Lol” –Fluff
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Fresh Hard/Carbon Test Lab
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19377;category_id=3239;pcid1=3233;pcid2=
Tests tap water and freshwater aquariums for general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH). Helps detect stress on fish caused by rapid pH shifts, which result from low KH levels and helps aquarists duplicate the natural habitat of their fish.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phosphate Test Kit
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=29507;category_id=3241
Excess phosphate contributes to unsightly algae and inhibits the growth of corals and other invertebrates. This kit tests phosphate levels from 0 to 10 ppm. Kit contains 150 tests.
NutraFin Test Master Lab Kit
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19475;category_id=3111;pcid1=3233;pcid2=
Master test kit hagen aquarium tests for fresh and salt water. Every test you'll ever need in one complete kit. Hard plastic attache is portable and stores all your kits for future use. Tests for ammonia, calcium, nitrate, phosphate, nitrite, ph, iron, carbonate hardness, and general hardness. 9 instructions booklets, 5 glass test tubes with caps, 2 pipettes, and 1 spoon.
Although it’s pricey, this kit comes highly recommended by my homey, Hagan.” –Greenmaji
HEATER
Aquarium Systems Visi-Therm Stealth Heater-250 Watt
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=30633;category_id=1733;pcid1=3231;pcid2=
The Visi-Therm Stealth is a submersible aquarium heater which combines streamlined design with water calibrated accuracy. Features include: easy set adjustability, overheating protection, which shuts the heater off when removed from the water, reinforced plastic coating that protects components against thermal and mechanical shock, and a aluminum cylinder which distributes heat evenly and efficiently.
“Here's a good heater.” –Fishyfanatic
GRAVEL VACCUM
Python No Spill Clean And Fill- 25'
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19123;category_id=2937;pcid1=;pcid2=
Python no spill clean and fill is a complete ready to use system which adapts easily to most faucets and makes water changes a breeze. It drains as well as fills aquariums. For saltwater, fill a container next to the aquarium to prepare the salt mix. When prepared, use the python to clean the tank, then use a pump or powerhead to fill the aquarium. Python no spill clean and fill system includes the following supplies: hose, gravel tube, switch, hose connectors, faucet pump, and faucet adapter.
“I crap my pants every time I use this it’s so good” -Fishyfanatic
Lee's Ultimate Gravel Vacuum- 25 Ft.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=28833;category_id=2001;pcid1=3347;pcid2=
No more carrying pails of water back and forth from your aquarium! Simply attach the ultimate gravel vac to your faucet and begin siphoning water, dirt and debris from your tank. Adjustable water flow insures that you remove the maximum amount of dirt with the minimum amount of water. 25 foot hose.
”lee's product is the same thing as the python.. its just a little cheaper..” –Greenmaji
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
FILTER(only canister filters)
Cascade 1000[/b]
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22583;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=
The Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter combines all the best features of popular canister filters in one easy to use filter. Features an easy, push button self primer, flow rate control cut-off valves, extra large stackable filter media containers, sturdy tip-proof base and 2 independant directional 360 degree rotating valve caps. Media is included with each filter. The Cascade 1000 is suitable for aquariums up to 100 gallons in size.
Fluval 404 With Filter Media
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22045;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=
The ultimate multi-stage filter. Features, easy to use sealing lid with large seaaling clamps. The filter offers multi layer filtering and extremely efficient water flow throughout out the filter media for maximum cleaning. Automatic shut off disconnect valves and all hose and media included. 340 GPH. Recommended for aquariums up to 100 gallons in size.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals RENA Filstar XP 3 Canister Filter
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22037;category_id=1711;pcid1=2885;pcid2=
Multi-stage, bypass-free system is highly efficient and versatile. Bypass- free: ensures complete water flow through the filter media. Disposable filtration pouches for easy clean-up. Multi-use filtration baskets with handles for easy maintenance. Built in handles for easy carrying of filter during maintenance. Easily accessible impeller. Recommended for aquariums up to 175 gallons in size.
WATER TEST KIT
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Master Test Kit
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19383;category_id=3111;pcid1=3233;pcid2=
The Freshwater Master Test Kit is a complete kit for testing tap water and aquarium water. Tests water five different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions. Tests include: freshwater pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Kit features 4 test tubes, a holding tray for testing bottles, and test tube rack.
“I've been using this brand for years and found it to be a pretty good one.” –Pennpit
“Works great and easy to use.” -PazMan
”Screw this test kit, it’s the worst kit ever. The AP kit doesnt have a KH GH or PO4 testkit so you can add it up.. $5-15 X3 ouch the AP kit isnt so cheap now is it tough guy.
I personaly dont like the PH test kit color charts.. its very hard to read when you shut your eyes.” –Greenmaji
” I use the AP kit and never had a problem reading the PH test. Nitrates are kinda hard when you get to the upper levels but, if your colors are that high, then you have more problems than the test card. Lol” –Fluff
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Fresh Hard/Carbon Test Lab
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19377;category_id=3239;pcid1=3233;pcid2=
Tests tap water and freshwater aquariums for general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH). Helps detect stress on fish caused by rapid pH shifts, which result from low KH levels and helps aquarists duplicate the natural habitat of their fish.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phosphate Test Kit
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=29507;category_id=3241
Excess phosphate contributes to unsightly algae and inhibits the growth of corals and other invertebrates. This kit tests phosphate levels from 0 to 10 ppm. Kit contains 150 tests.
NutraFin Test Master Lab Kit
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19475;category_id=3111;pcid1=3233;pcid2=
Master test kit hagen aquarium tests for fresh and salt water. Every test you'll ever need in one complete kit. Hard plastic attache is portable and stores all your kits for future use. Tests for ammonia, calcium, nitrate, phosphate, nitrite, ph, iron, carbonate hardness, and general hardness. 9 instructions booklets, 5 glass test tubes with caps, 2 pipettes, and 1 spoon.
Although it’s pricey, this kit comes highly recommended by my homey, Hagan.” –Greenmaji
HEATER
Aquarium Systems Visi-Therm Stealth Heater-250 Watt
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=30633;category_id=1733;pcid1=3231;pcid2=
The Visi-Therm Stealth is a submersible aquarium heater which combines streamlined design with water calibrated accuracy. Features include: easy set adjustability, overheating protection, which shuts the heater off when removed from the water, reinforced plastic coating that protects components against thermal and mechanical shock, and a aluminum cylinder which distributes heat evenly and efficiently.
“Here's a good heater.” –Fishyfanatic
GRAVEL VACCUM
Python No Spill Clean And Fill- 25'
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=19123;category_id=2937;pcid1=;pcid2=
Python no spill clean and fill is a complete ready to use system which adapts easily to most faucets and makes water changes a breeze. It drains as well as fills aquariums. For saltwater, fill a container next to the aquarium to prepare the salt mix. When prepared, use the python to clean the tank, then use a pump or powerhead to fill the aquarium. Python no spill clean and fill system includes the following supplies: hose, gravel tube, switch, hose connectors, faucet pump, and faucet adapter.
“I crap my pants every time I use this it’s so good” -Fishyfanatic
Lee's Ultimate Gravel Vacuum- 25 Ft.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=28833;category_id=2001;pcid1=3347;pcid2=
No more carrying pails of water back and forth from your aquarium! Simply attach the ultimate gravel vac to your faucet and begin siphoning water, dirt and debris from your tank. Adjustable water flow insures that you remove the maximum amount of dirt with the minimum amount of water. 25 foot hose.
”lee's product is the same thing as the python.. its just a little cheaper..” –Greenmaji
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
