I am getting a stand and canopy custom made in a couple of days and will buy the tank tomorrow. My LFS has a 55g with standard light fixtures for 50 bucks(good deal). However, you can buy the deluxe package for Deluxe Package for 268 which comes with the following including the tank:
Fluorescent light fixture
Power Filter Aquaclear 50
Under gravel filter
Air pumps
Heater- 15 inch two hundred watt
Gravel- 60 pounds
Thermometer
Disease preventatives
Tubing
Gang valve
This doesn’t seem like a good deal to me for the following reasons:
1)Does anyone use under gravel filters anymore? Sounds like they are out of style, and considering I plan on using play sand (which rules out the gravel), I don't think you can use under gravel filters with sand any ways.
2)That leaves the fluorescent light fixture (do I need a separate fixture for this, or just different bulbs?), and the filter (it seems way to small for a 55g, even the box says up to 50). Because I will have a canopy, does that mean I cannot have a HOB, or are most canopy's open in the back? Which is quieter, canisters or HOB, and do you recommend any particular brand?
3)I would really like to have a moonlight in my tank. What kind of hookups do these need, and should the canopy be altered to accommodate it?
It seems clear to me to stay away from this deal. I plan on starting to cycle my tank at the end of this week by sticking a goldfish in there(will that do it?). Another question I have is about the canopy. I have seen feeding doors on some and on others the front lid opens. I assume both work equally well, but I could use some advice here. I know this is a loaded thread, but I want to do this right! I have been reading this site for a month and I am finally ready to pull the trigger!
Fluorescent light fixture
Power Filter Aquaclear 50
Under gravel filter
Air pumps
Heater- 15 inch two hundred watt
Gravel- 60 pounds
Thermometer
Disease preventatives
Tubing
Gang valve
This doesn’t seem like a good deal to me for the following reasons:
1)Does anyone use under gravel filters anymore? Sounds like they are out of style, and considering I plan on using play sand (which rules out the gravel), I don't think you can use under gravel filters with sand any ways.
2)That leaves the fluorescent light fixture (do I need a separate fixture for this, or just different bulbs?), and the filter (it seems way to small for a 55g, even the box says up to 50). Because I will have a canopy, does that mean I cannot have a HOB, or are most canopy's open in the back? Which is quieter, canisters or HOB, and do you recommend any particular brand?
3)I would really like to have a moonlight in my tank. What kind of hookups do these need, and should the canopy be altered to accommodate it?
It seems clear to me to stay away from this deal. I plan on starting to cycle my tank at the end of this week by sticking a goldfish in there(will that do it?). Another question I have is about the canopy. I have seen feeding doors on some and on others the front lid opens. I assume both work equally well, but I could use some advice here. I know this is a loaded thread, but I want to do this right! I have been reading this site for a month and I am finally ready to pull the trigger!
Brands depend on the person. Everyone has their favorites and generally sticks to it. You will get suggestions of Fluval's, Rena's, Eheim's, and my personal favorite the Cascade. But it's entirely up to you. I prefer the Cascade because of the look and simplicity of it.
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