Setting Up a 20- 55 gallon Freshwater Aquarium – The Shopping List and Basics.
Setting Up An Aquarium – 16 Basic Steps4. Setting Up The Ultimate 50-125 Gallon Freshwater Aquarium
This solution recommends the best filtration equipment for setting up the ultimate 50-70 gallon freshwater fish tank. The equipment we recommend for a larger tank to 125 gallons is the same but larger sizes of equipment shown will need to be selected.
As with any size system, filtration is the most critical component and our ultimate systems include trickle filters or sump style to ensure the best water quality for a healthy, thriving environment. Other important information and equipment is provided. This type of filtration will simply out perform any other system and be less work for you. It is perfect for larger tanks or heavily loaded cichlid or community style aquariums. Can you setup a freshwater aquarium of this size with other forms of filtration? Sure you can but this is the ultimate guide.
Filtration
Adequate filtration makes the difference between a healthy, thriving system and complete system failure fraught with frustration and disappointment. Good mechanical and biological filtration maintains good oxygen levels and keeps harmful fish waste and other decaying debris from polluting the water and killing fish. Because of their size and expanded biological surface area, trickle type filters perform these tasks better than any other form of filtration and should always be considered the first choice. Trickle type filters are installed below the aquarium making them easier to maintain. Since there are no costly cartridges to replace, trickle filters are also more cost effective to operate.
Biological Filter
ESHOPPS Fusion Flow 75 4th Gen Biological Filter has combined traditional wet & dry filtration with the efficiency of ESHOPPS Bio-Lux Ultra Porous Ceramic Bio Media to create the best biological filter sump for Fresh & Saltwater alike.
FUSION FLOW comes equipped with a slide out drip tray drawer that makes changing out your filter pad along with an easy access removable lid allowing the hobbyist to easily service the Bio-Lux chamber. FUSION FLOW was designed with ESHOPPS high flow overflow chamber and large return pump compartment with large foam sponge bubble trap which provides ample space for adding accessories and accommodating today’s larger DC pumps. ESHOPPS FUSION FLOW allows hobbyist to incorporate efficient natural biological filtration, versatility and service accessibility in one. Available in (4) sizes.
Pump
The Platinum Blue Variable Frequency pump is a controllable pump with sine wave technology that is super quiet! It packs a big punch with its high performance in a compact size.
Includes:
• Slip Adapter 1” – 1
• 4” 1” PVC – 2
• Plastic Hose Clamp 1” –
• 1” Tubing per Foot – 3
• Platinum SC ZK100 Controllable 800 GPH Pump -1
• 3/4” Tubing per Foot -4
• Plastic Hose Clamp 3/4” -2
• AL4858 Advanced 3/4” Locline Tank Return
(needed if the tank is not reef ready or drilled for a return)
Overflow Box
An overflow box is required to move water from the aquarium to the filter if the aquarium is not pre-drilled for a direct hook up to the filter. Eshopps quality overflow boxes feature bulkhead fittings for secure and convenient installation. Use these easy-to-install overflow boxes to transport aquarium water to under cabinet sumps, refugiums, or wet/dry filters. The gravity-fed system eliminates the need for complicated drilling or aquarium modifications. This unit only requires 3″ of space between the tank and the wall.
The PF-300 Siphon Overflow Box for 30-75 Gallons Single Intake (Needed if the tank is not desired to be drilled or cannot be drilled)
• 6″ x 3″ x 10″
• Up to 75 gallons
• Single
• Flow rates up to 300gph
• Premium overflow box for wet/dry aquarium filters
• Effectively transports aquarium water to under cabinet sumps
• Bulkhead fittings allow convenient and secure aquarium plumbing
Includes: U-tube, cylinder foam, nylon screw and wing nuts, pre-filter box, and 1″ bulkhead.
To use siphon box with flexible tubing, purchase the following parts:
5067 IPS x Insert Slip Adapter 1” x1
5127 Plastic Hose Clamp 1” x1
18 4” 1” PVC x1
EP204 Prodigy M Slim Overflow Box 20 – 70 Gallons
The Prodigy by ESHOPPS is a new addition to the Color Series that combines Innovation and Creativity at its core. It was created for advanced aquarists with efficiency and beauty in mind. The Prodigy is the slimmest overflow ever created, elegantly built rear external box that notably saves space within the tank. It includes everything you need for an easy “plug and play” installation.
Advanced 1/2″ Locline Tank Return
Advanced 3/4″ Locline Tank Return
Other Essentials for The Ultimate 50-125 Gallon Freshwater Tank
Water Conditioner
AquaLife Complete
AquaLife Complete is an excellent product that not only dechlorinates but adds important elements to maintain slime coat integrity and reduce stress. Always add a high quality dechlorinator anytime tap water is added to the tank.
AL101 AquaLife Complete Water Conditioner 4oz
AL102 AquaLife Complete Water Conditioner 16oz
AL103 AquaLife Complete Water Conditioner 1 gallon
AL104 AquaLife Complete Water Conditioner 5 gallons
Heater
• Keep the aquarium between 76-78°F. (Goldfish do not need a heater.) The OASE HeatUp line of aquarium heaters are designed for marine and freshwater tanks. For optimal heating, utilize the HeatUp 200 to create uniform temperature levels for your aquarium environment. The control system on the heater allows accurate readjustment of the temperature (+/- 6°F) and can be adjusted using the included post calibration tool. The temperature scale can be adjusted between 66°F – 90°F. The HeatUp is perfect for submerged use and includes a thermal shutoff switch for added protection. The heating function is displayed via the activated control light. Temperature levels are monitored and controlled by bi-metal technology for automated heating. The quartz glass tube provides additional safety for aquarium use. use 150-300 watt heaters depending on the size of aquarium. Many models will fit in the sump or trickle filter below the aquarium.
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Bacteria Culture and Aquarium Starter
AquaLife ACTIVATE is a natural organic formulation designed to accelerate biological filtration, cycle new aquariums, improve water quality, and reduce maintenance.
• Reduces ammonia, nitrite, and fish loss. • Add Activate Freshwater to the aquarium for the first 8 days after adding fish. Continue adding cultures with Activate Freshwater weekly for the life of the aquarium to reduce algae growth and sludge build up in the gravel.
• With regular use, the blend of synergistic bacteria reduces sludge and phosphate
• Keeps aquariums clear
• Safe for all aquatic animals and plants
• 16 oz treats up to 960 gallons
Activate Freshwater
“Fishless” Cycling
AquaLife AMMO This solution eliminates the need to add fish or other animal life in order to establish an effective biological filter. AMMO is the perfect solution for stimulating the growth of nitrifying bacteria. Use it when there are no organisms in the water. Follow with ACTIVATE bacteria supplement for the fastest establishment of functioning biological systems. For more on cycling see this video.
Fish Foods
Different types of foods, like CSPro Flake and CSPro Stick foods, frozen food, live black worms, and packaged foods will ensure the health, longevity and color of your fish. It is important to try and duplicate the foods eaten in the wild.
AquaLife CS Pro Calanus and Spirulina Large Sinking Sticks offers complete nutrition, omega-3s, probiotics, and vitamins, and is rich in color-enhancing astaxanthin. It is highly digestible and will not cloud the water.
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Water Testing
Never underestimate the importance of water testing. Fish trapped in an aquarium with even small amounts of ammonia and nitrite can die within hours. Water test on a regular basis, more frequently during the establishment phase, and be prepared to act quickly if something goes wrong. The Freshwater Master Kit includes: Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, and High range pH.
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