New Fluval Tank Setup - Next Stage

jmurphy1919 · Jan 30, 2022

Hi

So ive now setup my fluval and added a few upgrades. Just ready for some advice on the next step.

Tank built,
pump upgraded to Ehiem CompactON 1000. (cant get it to secure down with the suction cups. will this cause a rattle noise?
2 Intank media baskets. Basket 1 Filter Floss/ Basket 2 Carbon on top, Biohome Ultimate in the 2 bottom chambers
75w Water Heater (does needs to be fully submerged in chamber 3?)

Local aquarium wanted to sell me this to get started however i wasnt sure if its what i wanted.

TMC Ecosand Fine (wouldnt live sand be a better option?) I
Marco rock (this was white and im guessing it will take a while to get some colour in it.) any other rock can anyone recommend?

Have the water ready but waiting to get the sand and rock in first

thanks

Nanojoe · Jan 30, 2022

Hey congrats on the new tank!
Which fluval is it?

You may get some rattle noise if the pump is touching the sides of the tanks glass. You could nullify some noise with maybe a filter pad or try new suction cups.

Depending on the heater it may not have to be fully submerged, but most heaters on the market are fully submergible and should be. Take the eheims for example, their thermostat needs to be submerged in order for the heater to accurately measure temp. to turn on/off.

Unsure of TMC sand, live sand would help. In all honesty, I've always rinsed my sand. I don't like to deal with the cloudy tank. Never had an issue with the initial cycle. Just have some bottled bacteria and ammonium chloride on hand to get a solid cycle going. I recommend the brightwells StartXLM bacteria or Dr. Tims one and only bacteria to start.

Marco rock is fine. Yes, it will take some time to get the nice purple coralline algae to grow. Expect an ugly stage, nearly every tank goes through this. There is some ways to make it less painful initially but, this involves lower light settings or keeping lights off for the first 3 months. If you want lights, say you have some corals, try running all blues. Assuming you are using LEDs. Algae has a harder time growing in blue light but also slows the growth of coral. Just some tips to help out.

Get your sand and rock in first so you can easily build your aquascape to your liking before water. Either way water could go in first if it will be awhile before sand and rock.

Good luck! Start a build thread!