Hi - I am brand new and contemplating getting a 55 gallon (48 x 13 x 19 inches high) tank for my son! Of course I will go slow, change the water, change media as needed, do cycling and test the water a lot!
Now,to include both plants and fish (freshwater only), what range of equipment (approximately) is appropriate:
A) Heating: how many watts total? One heater, two, or more? One 100 Watt heater on each side plus a 25 Watt coil in the bottom? Or... ?
B) Lighting: is the "All Glass Aquarium: Standard Aquarium Spectrum" fluorescent lighting useful? Or is "Actinic" spectrum needed for plants. Or?
Also, about how many total watts of lighting is needed to support both live plants and small fish?
C) Filtration: Bio-Wheel or Canister? Fluval 405? Emperor 400? Something else?
Is it better to use one powerful filter, or two moderate filters?
What do you guys suggest?
D) Is a separate "quarantine" tank necessary when (slowly) stocking up?
E) Finally, how do you heat up the water for a water change?
Okay, those are my questions to start.
I would like to have an idea what I am getting into beforehand.
Now,to include both plants and fish (freshwater only), what range of equipment (approximately) is appropriate:
A) Heating: how many watts total? One heater, two, or more? One 100 Watt heater on each side plus a 25 Watt coil in the bottom? Or... ?
B) Lighting: is the "All Glass Aquarium: Standard Aquarium Spectrum" fluorescent lighting useful? Or is "Actinic" spectrum needed for plants. Or?
Also, about how many total watts of lighting is needed to support both live plants and small fish?
C) Filtration: Bio-Wheel or Canister? Fluval 405? Emperor 400? Something else?
Is it better to use one powerful filter, or two moderate filters?
What do you guys suggest?
D) Is a separate "quarantine" tank necessary when (slowly) stocking up?
E) Finally, how do you heat up the water for a water change?
Okay, those are my questions to start.
I would like to have an idea what I am getting into beforehand.