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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/28/2011 6:05:59 AM
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| Hello from Illinois! Its been a few years since I have had an aquarium and I am getting back into it. I am looking to start a 55 gal. My questions are: 1) Are the pumps and filters that come with them good enough or should I go ahead and buy something better. I am going to use plastic plants. Are undergravel filters used any longer? 2) How long do you allow before you introduce fish into their new home? Also I should add I am doing a freshwater set up..Maybe down the road Ill venture into Saltwater but dont want to jump in over my head. Thanks in advance for any replies.
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Senior Member
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 7:09:46 PM
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Hi FindnNemo, We are glad to have you as a member of FishChannel forum.
[1) Are the pumps and filters that come with them good enough or should I go ahead and buy something better. I am going to use plastic plants. Are undergravel filters used any longer?]
It depends. Many locally owned pet shops sell complete outfits (tank, stand, light, heater, filter etc) and include high quality equipment. That is where I recommend you shop. They want to keep you as a long-term customer rather than make a quick discounted sale. Undergravel filters are still used by some. They are fine if installed correctly and properly maintained. Personally, I would use a canister filter for a 55-gallon tank. I would also get an iron or solid wood stand. Go with solid wood if you plan to switch to saltwater.
[2) How long do you allow before you introduce fish into their new home?]
Check out this link about cycling your tank http://www.fishchannel.com/fishkidz/beginner-fish/fishless-cycling.aspx
We are glad you are back in the hobby. Enjoy your fish! SGN
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/28/2011 6:05:59 AM
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| Thank you for your response it was great information...I am so looking forward to getting back into this!
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Fish Moderator
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 4/12/2013 3:59:54 PM
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Welcome to fishchannel forum. If you want a good filter. I would go with a aqauclear filter.
Mr. Miracle Grow” for aquarium plants Help those in our hobby to exceed beyond their expectations.  Logistical Aquatic Engineer
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Average Member
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Last Login: 4/11/2011 3:50:48 AM
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Welcome to the forum! I would have to agree with Findingjohn, go with an aquaclear filter.
Let's swim with the fishes! 
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Fish Moderator
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 5/3/2013 12:06:32 PM
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Welcome to the Forum.
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http://board.fishchannel.com/Topic208662-16-1.aspx
Fish keeping is not a hobby but a way of lifeBuilding a 135 gallon reef tankBarracuda 4300gph by sequence pumpBuilt an 8 bulb 55 watt 10,000 k light with 4.5 watt moon light30 gallon sump with a 30 gal. remote refugemini bubble king EV180 Protein skimmer 40 gallon Planted 4 Altum Flora Discus
11 plants ,4 Ghost shrimp,1 Clown & 1 Bristol nose Pleco1 Zebra Apple SnailEhiem 2213 canister filterHydor 425 powerheadEhiem Jager 200 watt heatert-5 compact 6500k lightNeptune Systems Aquacontroller jr
PLEASE PM ME IF YOU WISH
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 9/23/2012 5:18:30 PM
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Welcome! I strongly recommend that you uses at least some live plants. They make your tank look wonderful and there are alot of nice plants that don't need much care ( However I would not use them with an under gravel filter). As for the filter I would suggest a cannister filter, but I bought a set up from Petsmart with a TopFin waterfall filter that works just fine. Again welcome to the forum.
- 55 gallon: 6 Cherry Barbs, 5 Diamond Tetra, 1 Pearl Gourami, 1 Bristlenose Pleco, and 1 Upside-Down Catfish.
- Planning to add: 12 Cherry Barbs
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- 20 gallon: 7 Multi Shell Dwelling Cichlids
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- 10 gallon: 3 Celestial Pearls Danios (Soon To Be 12) and lots of Cherry Shrimp.
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- 2.5 gallon: 15-20 Yellow Cherry Shrimp and a variety of Snails.
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/27/2011 5:49:23 AM
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| I just got back into aquariums after a long time, I can't believe some of the new equipment out there, as for a filter I just bought 2, 3 stage canister filters on ebay....they are working beautifully, and I only paid 35.00 for each plus shipping. They are super quiet...and keeping my 55 and 30 gallon tanks very clean, and the water is right up where I want it to be as far as ph, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc ! I used to use the undergravel filter, but gave it up for the canister filters, also they make some incredible powerhead pumps for cycling your water, and for me, the water is where it's at....keep the way the fish like it...and never have unwanted death and so on.....I wish you good luck in your endeavors...fish communities are great, to work and watch.
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