noob here. i just ordered a 12g fluval edge for my birthday. i've always been interested in having an aquarium and decided to start with this relatively small tank.
i've been reading this forum (like this great guide) and other sites looking for some advice and i really want to take good care of the fish i bring into this aquarium and teach my daughter about the process. my longterm plan when we move in a year is to upgrade to a bigger tank and let my daughter take care of this one.
anyway, i figured i would just ask if what i'm investing in is off base. i literally have no gear at all and plan on being prepared when the tank arrives to cycle it fishless and get ready for the fish and plants. i'm going to post very specific things because despite many people asking specifics for this aquarium, i havent seen a good guide and maybe another noob like me would find it useful
here it goes. items to go with a brand new 12G tank:
gravel vacuum. i was gonna get the (fluval one) but would prefer the python one. my concern is it might be too strong for this smaller tank but i like the idea of not using buckets to fill the tank. both seem well reviewed but have read the fluval is designed for the 6G so might be too weak for a 12G.
filter sponge: fluval
i've read (this) is good if you get smaller fish so they don't get sucked up
filter foam: fluval
this is the filter foam designed for the filter. is this what you change when people say "change the filter"? is this the only option? how often do i change it? i've read weekly and monthly.
carbon sachet: fluval
this is the carbon sachet for the tank. again, is this the only option? is it necessary? how often do i change it? i've read in everywhere from weekly to only when it is destroyed.
thermometer: umm, no brand listed on this product
this stick on horizontal thermometer seems pretty accurate and affordable. anyone think its not good? i like the look over a floating one given the edge has no place to float
magnetic algae cleaner: small sized gulfstream
i hear this is good to get bubbles out of the edge's top (and of course algae of the sides) and is a bit better than the fluval brand's magnet so it wont pick up debris and scratch the glass. is small size too small? they have medium too.
freshwater test kit: api freshwater
this is top on amazon, i assume its good. seems consistently well reviewed
heater: not sure
this fluval edge 25W heater isn't adjustable and i think too small for this tank. i was thinking of this 100w adjustable heater from aqueon. is this too small/too much? i'm not 100% sure what type of fish but imagine something tropical
fish net: fluval triangle shaped net
i read this triangle shaped net is good for the edge because of the hard to enter top
gravel:
i was gonna get 12lb of gravel. is it better to get sand if i wanted to do live plants or does that not matter?
oh, and for the cycling,
Ace Brand Janitorial Strength Ammonia
Fish Food
seachem prime dechlorinator
now, for stocking fish and plants....
all i know is this is small and i cant get whatever i think is pretty. i've heard shrimp or pygmy cory's might be good for cleanup fish and i've heard maybe 5 or 6 neon tetras plus 1 or 2 others would be nice but would love a few different combination options.
thanks for any advice on the gear, the fish or the plants! be gentle!
i've been reading this forum (like this great guide) and other sites looking for some advice and i really want to take good care of the fish i bring into this aquarium and teach my daughter about the process. my longterm plan when we move in a year is to upgrade to a bigger tank and let my daughter take care of this one.
anyway, i figured i would just ask if what i'm investing in is off base. i literally have no gear at all and plan on being prepared when the tank arrives to cycle it fishless and get ready for the fish and plants. i'm going to post very specific things because despite many people asking specifics for this aquarium, i havent seen a good guide and maybe another noob like me would find it useful
here it goes. items to go with a brand new 12G tank:
gravel vacuum. i was gonna get the (fluval one) but would prefer the python one. my concern is it might be too strong for this smaller tank but i like the idea of not using buckets to fill the tank. both seem well reviewed but have read the fluval is designed for the 6G so might be too weak for a 12G.
filter sponge: fluval
i've read (this) is good if you get smaller fish so they don't get sucked up
filter foam: fluval
this is the filter foam designed for the filter. is this what you change when people say "change the filter"? is this the only option? how often do i change it? i've read weekly and monthly.
carbon sachet: fluval
this is the carbon sachet for the tank. again, is this the only option? is it necessary? how often do i change it? i've read in everywhere from weekly to only when it is destroyed.
thermometer: umm, no brand listed on this product
this stick on horizontal thermometer seems pretty accurate and affordable. anyone think its not good? i like the look over a floating one given the edge has no place to float
magnetic algae cleaner: small sized gulfstream
i hear this is good to get bubbles out of the edge's top (and of course algae of the sides) and is a bit better than the fluval brand's magnet so it wont pick up debris and scratch the glass. is small size too small? they have medium too.
freshwater test kit: api freshwater
this is top on amazon, i assume its good. seems consistently well reviewed
heater: not sure
this fluval edge 25W heater isn't adjustable and i think too small for this tank. i was thinking of this 100w adjustable heater from aqueon. is this too small/too much? i'm not 100% sure what type of fish but imagine something tropical
fish net: fluval triangle shaped net
i read this triangle shaped net is good for the edge because of the hard to enter top
gravel:
i was gonna get 12lb of gravel. is it better to get sand if i wanted to do live plants or does that not matter?
oh, and for the cycling,
Ace Brand Janitorial Strength Ammonia
Fish Food
seachem prime dechlorinator
now, for stocking fish and plants....
all i know is this is small and i cant get whatever i think is pretty. i've heard shrimp or pygmy cory's might be good for cleanup fish and i've heard maybe 5 or 6 neon tetras plus 1 or 2 others would be nice but would love a few different combination options.
thanks for any advice on the gear, the fish or the plants! be gentle!