Just picked up my new 75 gallon!!!!

[Docker66]

Just as the title says! I'm really excited about it, though it will be months before I can set it up. I have a picture of it from the previous owners. Now time to start planning what I am going to do with it! I'm leaning towards a planted community tank. Anyways, was just excited about it and wanted to share the info!

 

[Jchillin]

Gorgeous tank Docker! I won't try to steer you towards a planted SA cichlid tank. No, really...although that is the perfect size and type of tank for that particular type of theme.

(psst...planted sa cichlid).

 

[mentallylost]

You are a better person than I if you can have that tank in your possession and not set it up for a few months. I am weak. I have no will power.

(psst...lake tanganyika cichlids)

 

[Docker66]

You are a better person than I if you can have that tank in your possession and not set it up for a few months. I am weak. I have no will power.

Actually I am weak, I was trying to set it up today! My soon to be wife on the other hand...... Anyways, I would actually love to do a Cichlid tank. It is in heavy consideration as well. Right now I'm just leaning towards a community. Thanks for the comments!

 

[Jchillin]

Right now I'm just leaning towards a community.

That's the beauty of SA cichlids! You can build a great community with SA as opposed to say, African Rift Lakes.

 

[Docker66]

I was not aware of that... My fiancé really likes fancy guppies, would they be compatible with SA Cichlids? Thanks!!

 

[Jchillin]

Well, guppies are another thing altogether. That kinda makes the SA theme moot. I wouldn't mix cichlids with guppies. Maybe you can show your finance' pics of German Blue Rams, Angels, pleco's and cories? German Blues have some excellent colors and finnage.

 

[mentallylost]

Or show her some Calvus, Compressiceps, Leleupi, and Tretocephalus. But the guppies would not like them either.

 

[Docker66]

I think she might go for a SA theme, provided I keep my 10 gallon going so she can have guppies. I took her to the lfs and showed her some different Cichlids, she seemed to like them enough. Thanks for the advice!

 

[mentallylost]

Dang, sounds like my Africans are losing to Jchillin's South Americans.

 

[Jchillin]

Good choice Docker! Your finance' can watch guppies and be fascinated with the 55 gal as well.

If it's any consolation Mentallylost, the cichlids won...this is a victory for cichlid lover's everywhere..

 

[Docker66]

The tank came with UGF but I am not interested in using this. Rather, I would prefer a canister filter. What would be the best for me to use? Also, the canopy on the tank came with 5 48' light fixtures and a ton of 40watt bulbs. If I were to use all of these lights, I would need a CO2 injector for plants, correct? If so, any suggestions? I have a lot of time till I can set this up which means I have time to save some money, but still not a lot. TIA again!

 

[Jchillin]

Fluval is one of the best but I'm sure folks who use others would push theirs. Here's some pics of mine during it's initial set up and trial run:

Under the hood:

Tubing set up:

Primed and pumping:

Look at that flow:


In regard to lights, if you stay under 2wpg, CO2 will not be necessary. Once over it, it is a must. There are tons of DIY CO2 resources in the planted tank forum. Some are quite inexpensive.

My tank is low-light with some low-maintenance plants. Java Ferns, African ferns and a couple of crypts (I just added an amazon sword...just to see if I can grow it out).

HTH.

 

[Docker66]

What is everyone's take on diatom filters? I know they are a pain to maintain, but is it worth it? I like the fluval's too, as well as the eheim's. Decisions, decisions..

 

[Jchillin]

The diatom filters are great if you want polished water. Other than that, and if you're not interested in the expense, don't worry about it.

 

[Docker66]

Ok, thanks Jchillin, you've been a huge help!

 

[Jchillin]

Not a problem Docker, your only obligation is to show pics when you finally set it up.

 

[Docker66]

LOL, of course I will have pics up. Half the fun of having fish is showing them off!