4.4G Flat Back Hex FW Planted Build Thread

[daileene]

So here I am again...giving in to more MTS!


I received my used 4.4G Acrylic Flat Back Hex tank last Saturday, 2/19/2011 from one of the members here in the forum. It came in with the following:

• UG filter (which I am changing to a NOT under gravel one, maybe a Hydor or a Penn Plax Small World..or any advice? I have to get one tomorrow)
• Hawkeye Air pump
• Profile aquarium heater
• light hood that holds up to 15W (bulb was not included so I put in my extra 10W CFL 6500k T3)

I am planning on getting the eco-complete substrate for this one. I am on a very tight budget. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Here are some pics of the items so far:

 

[daileene]

More Pics (air pump):

 

[tyspot1000]

Following. Looks interesting

The Penn Plax Small World or a simple sponge filter would work

 

[daileene]

Hehe..it does look interesting...

Thanks ty for the filter advice...

What kind of a sponge filter will you recommend?

 

[tyspot1000]

DIY are the most easiest and cheapest IME. If you search for diy versions, you are bound to get some results.

 

[daileene]

oh cool...okay...i will do that now...thanks!

 

[daileene]

found a lot of great sites for a DIY sponge filter...maybe I will just do that instead if I cannot find the penn plax

 

[tyspot1000]

Any updates? Have it set-up yet?

 

[daileene]

Hi Ty. Not yet. Sorry. I was so worried about my 5G tank that I ended up not setting up this one yet. I am planning on it tomorrow. I do have to get a filter still. So that is still my project.

 

[tyspot1000]

Oh, ok. Cool, just wondering

 

[daileene]

No problem..i am really excited on this one too coz of the look. I have to think what fish I can put in this one now...when i compare the size of it with my 5G, it almost look the same size, but I know the hex area makes the difference. So...

 

[tyspot1000]

Yeah, theres actually quite a few smaller species of fish that could go in your tank, such as: CPD's (Celestial Pearl Danios), a Single betta, Pygmy cories, and/or endlers livebears.

 

[daileene]

oh really??? cool! how many do you think I could put in?

and oh, I was wondering..this tank came in with the hawkeye 201...never really know how it works? i know it said air pump, but does it work like an airstone? sorry...newbie's mind...:-|

 

[tyspot1000]

Depends, which one do you like?

The hawkeye 201 is the air pump along, its not fully submersible. You would have to connect air line tubing and an air stone to make the bubbles. I used the hawkeye before and it quit working on me after 2 months, I wouldnt use it if I were you (instead, you could get a better air pump.)

 

[daileene]

oh okay...it had the tubing already but no airstone...okay..i got it now..

anyway, I am interest in either the CDPs and/or endlers livebears, they are beautiful...can I join them in together? or my tank is too small for both species?

 

[tyspot1000]

You could actually do both, they are quite small (only getting around 1" )
In a 4.4 gallon, You could probably do 4-6 CPD's and 1-3 endlers.

 

[daileene]

oh yayyy...so cool....i will put that in mind now...I have to write that down before I forget. hehe...i am not getting any younger you know...LOL...wish i was still 13 like you.

 

[tyspot1000]

By next tuesday Im 14 (March 1st). Ill already be able to get my drivers permit.

 

[daileene]

oh wow...congrats...here in MA, you can't get a permit till you are 16.

 

[tyspot1000]

yeah, It varies in different states.