Marphie's Tank Log

[Marphie]

There are two threads running on the same subject,here in newbies and in general aquaria.Can we stick to one or the other please

Yes I know, sorry!
They started off different and have now ended up the same.

[TropicalFishForums]

[Stephen]

So basically before I start, this is now my understanding.

Set up stand.
Clean tank
Wash gravel and ornaments-       just in tap water?
Add plant substrate-     does it matter what kind?
Add gravel, have gravel higher at the back-            is sand and fine gravel better?
Add water
Add dechlorinator-       will it tell me how much on the bottle?
Add ornaments, plants
Attach filter
Attach heater
Put the thermostat on-       should I purchase a better one or will the one with tank be ok?
Put on the hood and lighting.

Should that be my set up before starting the fishless cycle?
Have I missed anything out?

Rinse the inside of the tank in warm tap water, maybe use a clean sponge.
(Keep a bucket, sponge etc.. purely for fish use, never use detergents or anti-bacterials).

Position tank in final position, preferably away from direct light, such as windows.
Make sure there is a power point nearby.
Buy a 4 way switched extension lead. Maybe buy a timer socket (for the lights).

If deciding on having live plants then either just sand or a plant substrate topped with fine gravel; depends on the look you want as fine gravels come in several colours, black, brown, sandy and multi colour.
Personally I like plant substrate topped with fine gravel but that's me, others prefer sand.
Rinse sand or gravel in tap water, keep rinsing until water goes clear.
Place sand (or gravel) in a new bucket, add water, swish around with hand, drain off. Repeat until water goes clear. May take 3 or 4 rinses until clear.

If using just sand then place in bottom of tank with a slope towards the back (higher at back).
If using plant substrate topped with gravel then place plant substrate evenly across the bottom of tank, remove about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from front (or front and sides) as this helps to reduce algae. We all get some algae. Then top up with twice the depth of fine gravel, adding more at the back of the tank.

Rinse ornaments, rocks, wood in tap water and place where needed (generally middle to back of tank).
Try using the thirds (imagine the width of tank in 3 sections. where they meet are the thirds) and place centre of larger décor on thirds for best effect.

Add water using a hose (or something); place a plate on the sand/gravel to prevent plashing and prevent substrate displacement.
If adding live plants then only fill to just under halfway as this makes it easier for planting.
Add plants.
Position the heater and filter but do not plug in or turn on.
Top up the water and add dechlorinator as per bottle instructions.
Stand back and take a look as now is the time to move any ornaments or plants.
Plug in lights, do not switch on (use a timer).
Switch lights on, stand back and have another look (move any ornaments or plants).
Switch on heater and filter.

You should be ready to start your fish-less cycle.
Any cloudiness should disappear within 24 hours.

Hope it helps

[mpope1981]

I want to state this is my personal opinion well apart from it being better for bottom dwellers.
1: I find it easier for planting
2: it looks more natural and I think it may work well in making the fish stand out.
3. I like sand for decorative reasons, pushing decor in etc.
4. It's easier to clean ( after a little practice ) waste just tends to sit on top ready to be hoovered up. It's all personal preference though and you have to go with what you like or you'll just be changing it later down the line


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[Marphie]

Stephen thank you so much! That really helps and I will keep that to hand.

mpope-
I think I will go for sand, how do I hoover it?

any thoughts on the background ideas posted above?

[mpope1981]

Well I use a gravel cleaner but take the wide end off if I hadn't already had it for cleaning gravel I would have just cut a section of hose syphon out and hover the end above the sand it's easier and you Lose less sand if you swirl it around above any debris there is a slight knack to it and you will usually lose a small amount of sand but nothing noticable


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[mpope1981]

I got the play sand from Argos it was about £3 for 15 kg I think I used 2 bags for my tank which is just under 140ltr it does need a good cleaning before you put it in though


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[Noller]

Follow Stephens list then when your tank is set up come back on the forum and we will help you fishless cycle your tank.If you get stuck with anything just shout out and don't panic,it gets easier!! 

[mpope1981]

Yep Stephens list looks good wish I had that when I started


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[Stephen]

See your other post Here:
https://www.tropicalfishforums.co.uk/index.php?topic=115353.0

Maybe a mod can combine the posts.

[Zebra Fish]

So basically before I start, this is now my understanding.

Set up stand.
Clean tank
Wash gravel and ornaments-       just in tap water?
Add plant substrate-     does it matter what kind?
Add gravel, have gravel higher at the back-            any idea how much gravel i will need?
Add water
Add dechlorinator-       will it tell me how much on the bottle?
Add ornaments, plants
Attach filter
Attach heater
Put the thermostat on-       should I purchase a better one or will the one with tank be ok?
Put on the hood and lighting.

Should that be my set up before starting the fishless cycle?
Have I missed anything out?

that sounds about right, personally if your going to keep plants in a low tech set up which unless you've mentioned getting lights other than the colour changing ones you wouldn't need the plant substrate. many easy basic plants such as jungle vallis, amazon sword, anubias, java fern and moss, moss balls all are either non substrate based plants like the last 4 or are low demand plants and can generally manage without if fertiliser and liquid co2 is dosed

also whatever the substrate it needs a rinse out

also plants (live ones) get killed off by chlorine so dechlorinator needs adding to the water before you think of putting plants in (in case you put the plants in the water first then the dechlorinator when you set up)

personally i've never noticed a difference by making the gravel steeper at the back of the tank dont know about anyone else experiances best thermostat you can get is the old fashioned ones that suction cup on to the inside of your tank with the red liquid that raises and falls to the temperature that you have. electric ones tend to fail and the ones that change colour to your temprature that stick on the outside of your glass aren't accurate due to them being affected by room tempratures

[Marphie]

I have ended up with 2 similar threads.

I will only update the other one from now which can be found here-

https://www.tropicalfishforums.co.uk/index.php?topic=115353.15

[Marphie]

Thank you so much for everyones help tonight!
I have just spent an absolute fortune...
Sand/gravel
Backround
Ornaments
Some artificial plants
Hidey holes
Test kit
Ammonia
Gravel Washer
All purchased.
I am so grateful for all of the help I have received so far.
I am really excited to get everything set up now and show you all!
Only a few more things to pick up but can do that at supermarket and pets at home/local aquarium.
Then will start thinking about fish and food and things.
I'm so excited!
My little girl is going to love it!
I will keep this thread going as a log as I set up and can hopefully get some advice and feedback as I go.
Thank you so so much!

[Marphie]

One last question before I go and collapse in a heap!

This is the sand/ gravel i bought.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181450255466?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&var=480512152113&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The advert says sand and gravel at different points. If it is gravel then it is very fine.
For live plants, could I plant them straight into this or would I need plant substrate under it?

Just so that I know if I need to buy that or not.

Thanks 

[Stephen]

Thank you so much for everyones help tonight!


My little girl is going to love it!

That's the idea, after all it is for your daughter.
Getting it right is so much more important.
The good members here will always give good, honest and friendly advise.

As an added sensory, maybe an air pump might be good; it's not necessary but might be an added sensory for your little girl.
Just an afterthought ...
I believe you can also get air stones/rings with lights that change colour.
Something like this video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7bQoGWxgBg
or this round one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLV6wEStiRk (available on eBay for £11.00 LINK)
As I said; just an after thought ...

[Marphie]

Thanks Stephen.
I had a little look at the air pumps earlier but was already stressing over everything haha.
Everything else is ordered so will look into that tomorrow now I can focus on that.
Thank you for taking her needs into account, I appreciate it