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Wiggles tank

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 15:47 pm
by Wiggles
So starting a thread here to post my progress.

Currently 2 days old so still in first cycle from bottled bacteria.

Bought 2nd hand came as cabinet, tank (3ft around 110-120L), in tank filter and heater.

So far I replaced the heater for a 200W and the in tank filter for a fluval 207 external.

All fake plants currently and some sand for the substrate (might need a bit more?)

Unsure on exactly what fish will end up in there as currently still doing my research

Image

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:34 am
by Ric
Exciting times.

The tank looks quite a bit bigger than a 3-footer in the pic.  :)

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:43 am
by plankton
Nice, the sand looks like there's enough from the pic, I never have it very deep, certainly never more than 2". :)
If you're using the "bacteria-in-a-bottle", then you either need fish in there at some point (as per instructions) or use no more than 1ppm of ammonia. Otherwise, it's a waste of time (and money). ;)

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 17:29 pm
by Wiggles
Thanks the space between the chimney and the wall is exactly 1M so 3ft (91cm) is about a perfect fit.

Unfortunately the filter isn't... I tested that it would fit in the cabinet before setting the hoses up etc then realised once the valve was clipped into the top it was too tall so ended up moving the whole thing (not ideal when it's full!) Away from the wall so the filter is on the floor behind the cabinet and I can access it though the back of the cabinet.

Currently looking for some amonia to gets things started

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 17:37 pm
by Annie
Looks great, what are your plans for fish stocking once it’s ready ? Exciting times :)

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 18:18 pm
by Wiggles
Not decided yet as still lots to learn and plenty of things I have wanted aren't suitable etc.

Looking at something along the lines of a few Rams or small cichlids, maybe some honey grourami and then some smaller fish to go with them and also some kind of catfish for the bottom.

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 23:24 pm
by Stephen
Looking good so far :)

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 0:13 am
by audigex
Wiggles wrote: Not decided yet as still lots to learn and plenty of things I have wanted aren't suitable etc.

Looking at something along the lines of a few Rams or small cichlids, maybe some honey grourami and then some smaller fish to go with them and also some kind of catfish for the bottom.
 
Be aware that if you have a pair of Kribs or Apistogramma then Corydoras and other bottom dwelling catfish can be a bad idea - they’re too stupid to stay out of the way of the breeding pair and can get injured. Rams tend to be better, but I’d still avoid a pair with catfish

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 19:14 pm
by Wiggles
Ordered some amonia solution and the API master test kit last night so ready to start the cycle properly once they get here.

Water is now nice and clear (was a bit cloudy for the first few days with the new filter)

I'm looking at changing the top layer of the filter as the fluval came with carbon which I believe is good for removing impurities but is fairly short lived? So I guess it will have helped absorbing anything from the sand and plastic plants so I can replace it with something better at holding bacteria growth now.

RE: Wiggles tank

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 19:55 pm
by Gingerlove05
Yeah carbon is mostly useful for removing meds and tannins. It only lasts about 6 weeks. I’ve not used it in my filters for years :D