Need advise on setting up my puffer tank

[Terrance]

I don't think you will generate sufficient flow throughout the tank. You'll end up with dead spots with only 315gph. I would consider getting a powerhead with sponge attached if you get dead spots.

[boosted23]

I don't think you will generate sufficient flow throughout the tank. You'll end up with dead spots with only 315gph. I would consider getting a powerhead with sponge attached if you get dead spots.

so you think the filter can handle the bioload but need more flow with powerhead? or would it be smarter to go with another filter, one spraying on each side? i found some canisters from sunsun that are rated a 370 to 525gph for a decent price.

3x AC 110s & an Eheim 2217. 75% weekly WC.

I was told with my height and size of tank, hi tech setup would be the only way that my liveplants would have any hope of flourishing. with having to use co2 for hi tech, that eliminates the use of hob filters....

[Terrance]

IMO get a powerhead with sponge rather than another canister. It saves more time during maintenance since its easier to clean. I dont like the amount of time it takes to clean canisters.

Thorough siphoning is important here to remove the big chunks of waste.

[boosted23]

well i found another canister, a sunsun 525gph with uv sterilizer used for $50. i am gonna pick that up and a powerhead. with those 2 filters and a powerhead i should not have a flow problem....

[boosted23]

subandheater by boosted23, on Flickr

also the rest of my substrate and heaters showed up. waiting on the light now.

[defool89]

Damn dude props is all I have to say. By the book.

[boosted23]

Damn dude props is all I have to say. By the book.

thanks alot man. i really appreciate it. Good thing about this is my girlfriend is a vet tech, so she understands and doesnt have a problem with me buying this equipment for this tank. lol we feel if your gonna own an animal, you should provide it with what it needs, if you cant then why own it. Thanks to you all on this forum, you have provided me with the knowledge to properly start a great puffer tank. thank you for your input and answering my redundant noob questions. lol

[defool89]

Whenever you get the water flowing yoy will have a ton more questions down the line. Some relative, some of curiosity its not just dropping the water now. I'm sure youve looked into fishless cycling? If not look through the library. ..and np were all fond of the art.

[boosted23]

oh im sure i will have alot more questions. lol yes i checked the fishless cycling. i also read that by adding plants in the beginning when i am filling the tank help aid the cycling process also. that is what i am gonna shoot for. once all the equipment, water, water temp, co2, etc is stabilized and working properly, i will then order my fahaka puffer.

[boosted23]

t5 h.o. light by boosted23, on Flickr

got my light in today. ordered a cobalt mj1200 powerhead also. should be here soon. after my girlfriend' s son birthday party on sunday,we should hopefully have time to go and pickup some plants to get the tank started.

[bertie 83]

I would cycle the tank first and only add plants after the massive waterchange at the end of the cycling process. That's just me though

[defool89]

If I'm not mistaken, boosted did you say you wanted the plants to help cycle the tank? Idk if that works but I guess it doesn't matter the order you do it in from what berts saying

[boosted23]

yes, that is correct defool. my l.f.s. told me that i can add the plants from the start and they would aid in the cycling process. they wouldnt aid in the bacteria department but they would keep the ammonia and nitrates, nitrites and other harmful levels down to allow fish to be entered into the tank and allowing them to add the waste that is needed for the beneficial bacteria.

[bertie 83]

That is one of the worst statements I have ever heard come from a Lfs. Do not trust this, plants do nothing to ammonia or nitrites. Do not add livestock until the cycle is complete as this is cruel. Take everything you are told by a Lfs with a pinch of salt. I imagine the ammonia would damage the plants also

[boosted23]

thanks bertie, i wasnt gonna add fish to the tank as the only one going in here is the puffer. my others are staying in the 36 gallon and we will be setting up our unused 55 gallon for them later cause my girls son' s bearded dragon came with an aquarium when she bought him. So i have a brand new 55 gal. for them and we will use the 36 gal for the snails, crabs and other crustations for the puffer' s food.

I am gonna fill it, put a few plants in to see how they do and just let it cycle completely. i hate getting mixed matched advice and will just stick to what y' all share with me cause y' all have established aquariums running now and obviously know how to keep them going. lol