First Aquarium, need help with check list

[swimfin27]

    First off let me start by saying that I appreciate all the hard work that goes into these forums and AAP. If it wasn't for the people who make these sites possible I'd be severely lost.

    My intent of this forum thread is to run down through the list of neccesities I have decided would be good for my 25 Gallon Tank (20X12X24(HXWXL)).
I have designed this tank to run high on the turn over rate for redundancy and for future upgrade. Ultimately I am open to suggestions and need experienced feedback in case I have missed a vital supply.

1- Rena SmartFilter 20   
1- Rena SmartFilter replacement 4-pack
1- Aquarium Filter kit #3A
1- Submersible Internal UV-C Pump 9W CUP-609   
3- Compact UV replacement Bulbs
1- API Freshwater Master Test Kit
2- #302 13W 6400K T-2 Fixture w/lamp   
1- Via Aqua Quartz Heater 50W
1- Fusion Magnetic Thermometer
1- API Tap Water Conditioner 16 oz
1- API Stress-Zyme 16 oz
1- API Stress Coat Water Conditioner 16 oz

Again, my intentions are to not miss any vital start up neccesities. I do have a few questions about the UV filter and mounting options, so if any body owns/educated on the CUP-609, I would like to pick your brain!

Thank you for your time,

Zack

[swimfin27]

    I posted this thread else where on the forum and wasn't sure it was in the right place. So I will post it here(Moderators feel free to remove one that is in the incorrect location).

First off let me start by saying that I appreciate all the hard work that goes into these forums and AAP. If it wasn't for the people who make these sites possible I'd be severely lost.

My intent of this forum thread is to run down through the list of neccesities I have decided would be good for my 25 Gallon Tank (20X12X24(HXWXL)).
I have designed this tank to run high on the turn over rate for redundancy and for future upgrade. Ultimately I am open to suggestions and need experienced feedback in case I have missed a vital supply.

1- Rena SmartFilter 20
1- Rena SmartFilter replacement 4-pack
1- Aquarium Filter kit #3A
1- Submersible Internal UV-C Pump 9W CUP-609
3- Compact UV replacement Bulbs
1- API Freshwater Master Test Kit
2- #302 13W 6400K T-2 Fixture w/lamp
1- Via Aqua Quartz Heater 50W
1- Fusion Magnetic Thermometer
1- API Tap Water Conditioner 16 oz
1- API Stress-Zyme 16 oz
1- API Stress Coat Water Conditioner 16 oz

Again, my intentions are to not miss any vital start up neccesities. I do have a few questions about the UV filter and mounting options, so if any body owns/educated on the CUP-609, I would like to pick your brain!

Thank you for your time,

Zack

[parker002]

Personally, I would replace the 3 API water treatments with a bottle of Seachem Prime. You might also add Weco Wonder Shells. Those two are really the only water conditioners you need, depending on what kind of fish you intend to keep.

[swimfin27]

Thank you parker002 for the reply. I intended to get a school of skunk corys(4 juvenile), Gold Dojo Loach(2 juvenile) and a 1:2(1m:2f) ratio of Dalmation Molly to start and maybe some zebra danio(5). Waiting for a doller per gallon sale to get a bigger tank for the loaches as they grow.

Will the SeaChem Prime replace the tap water conditioner?

EDIT: I looked it up and it will replace the tap water conditioner. Appears to be very beneficial. THANKS!

[parker002]

Yes, it removes chlorine and chloramines as well as neutralizes ammonia. According to Seachem, it also detoxifies heavy metals and aids in the regeneration of a fish' slime coat.

I've used Prime and Wonder Shells for a few years now and have very healthy fish. I wouldn't bother with Stress Coat and Stress Zyme in addition to the water conditioners, just get some Prime.

[devonjohnsgard]

Jan 20, 2015 9:09:15 GMT -5 swimfin27 said:

    I posted this thread else where on the forum and wasn't sure it was in the right place. So I will post it here(Moderators feel free to remove one that is in the incorrect location).

First off let me start by saying that I appreciate all the hard work that goes into these forums and AAP. If it wasn't for the people who make these sites possible I'd be severely lost.

My intent of this forum thread is to run down through the list of neccesities I have decided would be good for my 25 Gallon Tank (20X12X24(HXWXL)).
I have designed this tank to run high on the turn over rate for redundancy and for future upgrade. Ultimately I am open to suggestions and need experienced feedback in case I have missed a vital supply.

1- Rena SmartFilter 20
1- Rena SmartFilter replacement 4-pack
1- Aquarium Filter kit #3A
1- Submersible Internal UV-C Pump 9W CUP-609
3- Compact UV replacement Bulbs
1- API Freshwater Master Test Kit
2- #302 13W 6400K T-2 Fixture w/lamp
1- Via Aqua Quartz Heater 50W
1- Fusion Magnetic Thermometer
1- API Tap Water Conditioner 16 oz
1- API Stress-Zyme 16 oz
1- API Stress Coat Water Conditioner 16 oz

Again, my intentions are to not miss any vital start up neccesities. I do have a few questions about the UV filter and mounting options, so if any body owns/educated on the CUP-609, I would like to pick your brain!

Thank you for your time,

Zack

welcome to the forum Zach! Nice to have you join the group. Nice words about AAP too.

with what you have listed above, you will have a good amount of filtration for the 25 gal, and some clarification/some sterilization with the sunsun.

you will have 3 forms of filtration, plus the sterilizer. Nice. It will be good for an upgrade too.

parker made some great suggestions.

what would you like to know about the filter/sterilizer pump?

here's some resources to help too:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/InternalUVSterilizer.html

www.americanaquariumproducts.com/ClearPond.html#filration

looking forward to getting to know your tank more.

Devon

[swimfin27]

Thank you Devon for the reply.

I would like to place my UV in a horizontal position covered with volcanic rock(like the article showed for ponds). I want to know if this setup would be okay for aquarium application. I am trying to design this tank with minimal exposed instruments(Heater and thermostat will hopefully be all that is exposed).

I am looking forward to getting to know my tank also! After collecting all the necessary "ingredients" I am still about 2 months away from addition of fish. Trying to be very thorough and take this seriously. Taking parameter measurements, nitrogen cycles and testing will be a breeze because my occupation is to take human waste and return the water to our waterways while protecting them.

AAP was one of the first sites I found with thorough and accurate information that I have hardly looked else where.

Zack

[Carl]

Thanks for the compliments and WELCOME!


As for the list, I would recommend a separate Ammonia kit and then the 5 in 1 test strips for simplicity, partly because these master kits exclude GH and KH and these are important barometers of trending aquarium conditions (this is also why AAP does NOT sell master test kits)

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/02/aquarium-test-kits.html

Product Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquariumtestkit.html

I would also strongly recommend SeaChem Stability over Stress-Zyme as some ongoing tests are revealing its superiority over all other Aquarium Cycling Aids:

References:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Nitrogen_Cycle.html
www.fishbeginner.info/home/nitrogen-cycle/

Product Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Seachem.html#stability

Ditto the use of Stress Coat and Tap Water Conditioner
My suggestion would be the use of SeaChem Prime along with SeaChem StressGuard

Further References:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/04/aquarium-water-conditioners.html


Product Resources:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Seachem.html#prime
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Seachem.html#stressguard

Carl

[Carl]

Here is my answer to this question in the duplicate thread

Thanks for the compliments and WELCOME!


As for the list, I would recommend a separate Ammonia kit and then the 5 in 1 test strips for simplicity, partly because these master kits exclude GH and KH and these are important barometers of trending aquarium conditions (this is also why AAP does NOT sell master test kits)

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/02/aquarium-test-kits.html

Product Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquariumtestkit.html

I would also strongly recommend SeaChem Stability over Stress-Zyme as some ongoing tests are revealing its superiority over all other Aquarium Cycling Aids:

References:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Nitrogen_Cycle.html
www.fishbeginner.info/home/nitrogen-cycle/

Product Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Seachem.html#stability

Ditto the use of Stress Coat and Tap Water Conditioner
My suggestion would be the use of SeaChem Prime along with SeaChem StressGuard

Further References:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/04/aquarium-water-conditioners.html


Product Resources:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Seachem.html#prime
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Seachem.html#stressguard

PS
I also agree with Parker about adding some Regular Wonders Shells too

Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/MedicatedWonderShell.html


Carl

[swimfin27]

Jan 20, 2015 11:04:54 GMT -5 swimfin27 said:

Thank you Devon for the reply.

I would like to place my UV in a horizontal position covered with volcanic rock(like the article showed for ponds). I want to know if this setup would be okay for aquarium application. I am trying to design this tank with minimal exposed instruments(Heater and thermostat will hopefully be all that is exposed).

Thank you, Carl for the reply and for the numerous studies and information you have shared with us.
  Would you be able to put to rest any concerns I have about the UV sterilizer? (Highlighted in RED)

[parker002]

The only reason I didn't recommend Stability is because it much better as a "band aid" for an established aquarium vs. a true "tank starter" (the same is true of Stress Zyme). I didn't want him to think I was recommending it as a cycling aid when it's probably better to just be patient and let the tank cycle on it's own, using Prime in the interim to control ammonia toxicity.

[parker002]

Guys, I went ahead and merged the two threads to prevent any confusion. All of the discussion is now in one place.

[Carl]

Jan 20, 2015 12:43:49 GMT -5 parker002 said:

Guys, I went ahead and merged the two threads to prevent any confusion. All of the discussion is now in one place.

Thanks!

The only reason I didn't recommend Stability is because it much better as a "band aid" for an established aquarium vs. a true "tank starter" (the same is true of Stress Zyme). I didn't want him to think I was recommending it as a cycling aid when it's probably better to just be patient and let the tank cycle on it's own, using Prime in the interim to control ammonia toxicity.

I certainly understand!
I am currently observing an as of yet un-published study involving Stability, Fritzyme and a control groups and I am somewhat surprises that the aquarium with the Stability is outperforming the Fritz in cycling, which is not really how I have recommended this product

Carl

[Carl]

Jan 20, 2015 12:13:24 GMT -5 swimfin27 said:

Jan 20, 2015 11:04:54 GMT -5 swimfin27 said:

Thank you Devon for the reply.

I would like to place my UV in a horizontal position covered with volcanic rock(like the article showed for ponds). I want to know if this setup would be okay for aquarium application. I am trying to design this tank with minimal exposed instruments(Heater and thermostat will hopefully be all that is exposed).

Thank you, Carl for the reply and for the numerous studies and information you have shared with us.
  Would you be able to put to rest any concerns I have about the UV sterilizer? (Highlighted in RED)

Most definitely yes!

Carl

[parker002]

Jan 20, 2015 16:16:27 GMT -5 Carl said:

I am currently observing an as of yet un-published study involving Stability, Fritzyme and a control groups and I am somewhat surprises that the aquarium with the Stability is outperforming the Fritz in cycling, which is not really how I have recommended this product

I'll be interested to see the results.  Just based on what you and your articles have taught me, I would expect the Stability to outperform some like Fritz Turbo Start for a short period of time.

I'd really be interested to see the results of a study that observed the first few weeks AFTER a tank was fully cycled with them.  I would expect the Stability-cycled tank to have a dropoff at some point after administration of Stability stopped, due to the differences between heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria.

[swimfin27]

A huge thanks to everyone who gave me input and feedback! I think I have all the theory down now I have to apply it. I will be making 90% of my tank need purchases from AAP due to the high quality of time and effort that went in to the research all the way to the well written articles and forum discussions. I look forward to sharing my first setup and many more with the population of this forum.

Thank you all immensely
Zack

[parker002]

I look forward to seeing pictures of your setup!

[devonjohnsgard]

Jan 20, 2015 16:24:07 GMT -5 parker002 said:

Jan 20, 2015 16:16:27 GMT -5 Carl said:

I am currently observing an as of yet un-published study involving Stability, Fritzyme and a control groups and I am somewhat surprises that the aquarium with the Stability is outperforming the Fritz in cycling, which is not really how I have recommended this product

I'll be interested to see the results.  Just based on what you and your articles have taught me, I would expect the Stability to outperform some like Fritz Turbo Start for a short period of time.

I'd really be interested to see the results of a study that observed the first few weeks AFTER a tank was fully cycled with them.  I would expect the Stability-cycled tank to have a dropoff at some point after administration of Stability stopped, due to the differences between heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria.

This will be released in the next month or so (less).

[devonjohnsgard]

Jan 20, 2015 12:13:24 GMT -5 swimfin27 said:

Jan 20, 2015 11:04:54 GMT -5 swimfin27 said:

Thank you Devon for the reply.

I would like to place my UV in a horizontal position covered with volcanic rock(like the article showed for ponds). I want to know if this setup would be okay for aquarium application. I am trying to design this tank with minimal exposed instruments(Heater and thermostat will hopefully be all that is exposed).

This would be fine. This would give you a 4th form a filtration. It will be one clear filtered tank

[Carl]

Jan 20, 2015 16:24:07 GMT -5 parker002 said:

I'd really be interested to see the results of a study that observed the first few weeks AFTER a tank was fully cycled with them.  I would expect the Stability-cycled tank to have a dropoff at some point after administration of Stability stopped, due to the differences between heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria.

We are just entering this phase of the test, so we will see how this goes.
The Fritz allowed for some off the chart nitrite levels during about 10 days in.

Carl