Getting a 90 gallon, NEED HELP DECIDING PLEASE!

[lennon]

Hi Everyone. I am new here and decided to go with a FW tank instead of SW. I thought there would not be too many nice fish to pick from, but I was wrong. I went to LFS and saw some great fish. I love the Africans but will not be doing those since I want more of a community tank.

Anyway, it will be a 90 gallon tank and I will be doing a sand bottom due to the stingray I will be getting. It is very small and LFS said they can take him in once he gets bigger and trade him.

So now I am going to list the items they suggested. Please feel free to put your input so that I can figure if I am getting the right items.

Here's the list:

Coralife T-5 10,000k light. 2@ $65 each
Fluval 405 canister filter $245
Airmaster 3000 air pump $26
Stealth 150 heater 2@ $39
Python tube cleaner 50ft. $90
testers, conditioners,
Sand?? not sure how much to get


So feel free to put your 2 cents. It is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks so much!
Bella

[Jay]

Hi Bella.

Well here is my $.02

Go on-line and compare prices especially lights and filters. You will be surprised at the savings even with shipping.

Try looking here...these guys are very good.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/Shop.cfm?N=2004
http://www.bigalsonline.com/

You should not be paying more than about $170 for that filter.

T-5 lights are fine, I personally like the color of 10,000K light, but unless they are 96 watts each you will not be able to grow plants. You might want to rethink the fixture. Check them out on-line.

Personally I would not commit to a Substrate "the sand" based on one fish. You may limit yourself on future aquascaping and such.

The python is a great thing but you can get it at least $50 cheaper on line.

Good Luck
Hope this helps!

Jay

[lennon]

HI Jay. Thanks for the help.

I am a bargain shopper, so I have been checking online and the auction site for discounts.

As far as the lighting.. I read it as Coralife T-5 10,oook Daylight and 03 blue...

There are 2 bulbs on each one. He said I would need 2 of them. I like their sleek look. They are not high at all.

Are these wrong?

The sand is for the one fish, but mostly because I really dislike the gravel look. I forgot to mention that as of last week, I was doing a SW tank. I changed my mind due to the incredible amount of maintenance needed.
So the sand bottom on a fresh water tank sounded wonderful to me. That and some lace rock will give me the saltwater effect that I love.

I will be getting someone to come maintain the tank for a couple of months so I can learn myself. Then I will take on the task )

Thanks for the 2 cents..I appreciate all the help. Keep it coming!!

[Jay]

Swap out the "blue" if you go with that fixture. The "blue" is really a saltwater bulb not useful on a FW tank.

I have two Coralife Compact Fluorescent fixtures over my 75 FW. I really like the fixture, and keep all tubes at 10,000K. 6500K just does not do it for me.

Jay

[lennon]

Hey there. Ok, I'm curious, even though the blue light is for saltwater tanks, does it make the FW tank look nice at all?

I don't understand why LFS don't know some common sense stuff like you all do. If it is not useful, why do they not recommend what you said.

I hate when i just feel they are out to make $'s.

Thanks again for the suggestions

[lennon]

Originally Posted by Jay

Swap out the "blue" if you go with that fixture. The "blue" is really a saltwater bulb not useful on a FW tank.

I have two Coralife Compact Fluorescent fixtures over my 75 FW. I really like the fixture, and keep all tubes at 10,000K. 6500K just does not do it for me.

Jay

Forgot to ask if they make this light without the blue?

[Jay]

If it is not useful, why do they not recommend what you said.

I guess because they need to move inventory

The blue tube enhances the look of corals in a reef tank, it is lost on the earthtones and greens of a freshwater tank. Coralife makes a freshwater compact light fixture or the store should be willing to change the bulbs for you. If not, go online and get exactly what you want.

IMO the Coralife compact fluorescent are excellent fixtures for the price.

Look around on this site, they usually have the best prices on light fixtures...
http://www.hellolights.com/comfluorsys.html


Jay

[NortH]

I would also add to be wary about an aquarium store saying they will take back a fish when it gets to big... they want the sale, and the sale is the only thing they want right now... and will tell you what you want to hear to get the sale... it's all about the dollars.

that stingray can grow fairly quick, and they also are live fish eaters... so keep in mind that they will prey on smaller fishes in the tank... it is their nature - just some things to think about... I am not trying to convice you out of it... just want you to know what you are in for... make sure to read up on teh stingrays before getting one... there is tons of info on the net... just do a google search for freshwater stingrays - it is always best to know as much as you can about the livestock you plan on keeping, before getting them.

~NortH~

[lennon]

You are 100% right! I was planning on looking up all the fish I would like to keep and how to care for them. So stingrays only eat live food?? Unfortunately I have a soft heart and cannot see myself doing that. Is that 100%? Can someone get them to eat something else? Just curious since I had one picked out and LOVE him already.

Call me crazy but I would definitely get him if it weren't for the live eating thing.
I planned on getting the trade in from the LFS in writing. That way I am protected. The one guy that worked there has one and he is not too big. He's had him for over 1 1/2. He also said he would take mine in if he gets too big.
Is it true that fish grow according to their tank size? That is what they said about the stingray. I don't trust anyone though and would hate to learn the hard way. That is why I am here.

thanks for the help everyone!!

[Jay]

Is it true that fish grow according to their tank size? That is what they said about the stingray.

NO IT IS NOT TRUE! It will stunt the fishes growth and shorten its life span.

Local Fish Stores, LoL, gotta love um