[xavierj123]

I just set up an old 10 gallon aquarium for my grand daughter which revived my interest in aquariums. So I am getting out the old 55 gallon tank with thoughts about setting it up as a paludarium if I can figure out how to do it. I am not sure if that's really what I want to do or just stick to an aquarium with a nice substrate, external filter and lots of beautiful aquatic plants. So if you wouldn't mind just made it easy on this old man and tell me what external filter and lighting system I should buy. I will be eternally grateful if I don't have to make that decision. out:

 

[cah925]

I had a 50 gal tank, same floorplan just a few inches shorter. For lights I used the Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light-48" with great success. For a filter, I started with the Penguin 350, but it was too much flow on one side of the tank and not enough on the other. Another problem I had was that I couldn't get much to grow in front of it because of the strong downward flow it created. If you want a HOB filter, I would suggest two smaller units on each side of the tank. Try 2 of the Penguin 200B or something similar. I ended up getting a Fluval 305 canister filter instead. It enabled me to add DIY CO2 without too much outgasing from the HOB, and created a nice flow across the entire tank. If I had to do it again, I would go with an Ehiem or Filstar canister instead. Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

[JanS]

Welcome to APC!
I've visited your area a few times, and you have some great fish and plant stores down there.

I would ask your equipment questions in the equipment forum so more people see them.

 

[trenac]

Welcome to APC

These are my picks... Filter: Rena Filstar & Light fixture: Coralife

 

[The old man]

Just remember that despite what Petco might tell you Bluegrass doesn't grow well submerged. Welcome

 

[xavierj123]

A guy offered me Crabgrass and said it would grow anywhere. I oppted for some conventional aquatic plants and ordered an Ehiem 2213 for the 55 gallon tank. I am still debating on a lighting fixture.

 

[brentling]

Hey. Another old plant guy from Lex Vegas! I too am dusting off the old tank and starting again with plants. Look closely at this for lights, too: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ew~idProduct~CU01129~idCategory~FWLTFIT5.html

 

[skg22086]

Hi... welcome

 

[xavierj123]

This is a month later to the day--October 8, 2008. I have been gathering driftwood----roots of an old dead tree found in a dry creek bed. Have to boil the driftwood. I purchased a Eheim 2213 & Catalina Aquarium 4/54W florescent light fixture which is not set up yet. Neither is the Ehiem. Will probably purchase Geishmann bulbs later.