Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

[Space_Cowboy]

Hi guys and gals, I'm new to the whole fish world. I'm looking on getting some recommendations on a freshwater setup for my 55GAL tank.
As far as fish, I was thinking about getting a Tiger Oscar and a algae eater. As of now I have the 55GAL Tank and the overhead fluorescent fixture.
Since this is my 1st fish tank, I am looking for low maintenance/easy care fish, as well what supplies/parts I would need to maintain my fish tank.

Thanks  

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Welcome to the Box!

Easy to care for is right but I don't know about low maintenance when it comes to a eat all Oscar!

[CichlidFan]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Again, Welcome to the HFB.

I'd say, get your tank set up, let it cycle, do some research on different fish and their needs. Take your time, and jump in after the tank has cycled a few weeks or more.

Maybe venture out to a few fish stores, and see what is available ...talk to the shop owers/workers.....find out about aggressive fish, shy fish.....easy fish, hard fish.....this is beginning to sound like work huh?

Nevermind.....

CF

[newb]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

welcome! oscars are fun fish to keep IMO. I have enjoyed mine. lots of filtration needed is the only thing I would complain about. but like CichlidFan said, do research about these fish before you jump in.

[Space_Cowboy]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

I'm thinking about getting a Marineland Penguin 350B Bio-Wheel. If I go with that filter, will I still need a under gravel filter??? Also are all tank heaters the same?

[newb]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

undergravel filters are garbage. I would put two of those filters on that tank. one on each side. no, all heaters are not the same. buy a jager(eheim) heater. they are a little bit more money, but way better quality. I think one 150Watt should be fine, but I would use two 100Watts (one at each end) if it were me.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!



With only a 55g, you should avoid fish that grow larger than 6".
Using houston tap water you should avoid rainforest fishes that like soft acid water.
With only a single tube flourescent light you should avoid all plants that require medium or high light.

You can never have too big a tank, too much light or too big a filter.  

[FrontosaurusRex]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

WELCOME TO THE BOX!!! EVERYONE HERE IS CRAZY  :crazy: J/K.  I AM NEW TO THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE ALSO, AND I HAVE FOUND THAT AFRICAN CICHLIDS ARE THE EASIEST TO MAINTAIN.  ON MY 55 GAL TANK, I USE TWO WHISPER 70'S AND THEY WORK JUST FINE.  AND IMO, USING POOL FILTERED SAND (LESLIE'S POOL SUPPLY) IS THE EASIEST TO MAINTIAN.  CHECK OUT THE PEACOCK CICHLIDS.  THEY ARE BEAUTFUL, COME IN MANY DIFFERENT COLORS AND USUALLY WONT GET TOO BIG.  IF YOU NEED ANY HELP, JUST ASK. PEACE

[Fire_chair]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Welcome

[Zulaab]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Welcome to the board !

[myjohnson]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

I'm thinking about getting a Marineland Penguin 350B Bio-Wheel. If I go with that filter, will I still need a under gravel filter??? Also are all tank heaters the same?

welcome to the box. I had that same filter on my 75g. It can handle a lot of fish.

[Nickintex]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Hello and welcome!

[spyke1969]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Hi!

[fishlady]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

welcome to the box

[morphlizard]

Re: Hola! I'm a fish Noob!

Welcome!  PhishPhreek has a great point about our tap water.  Harder water and the general availability of limestone and Texas Holey rock make cichlids and attractive choice in this area.  However, if you would like to have some low light live plants you will have to consider your fish selection a little more carefully (some types of cichlids still will work).  Another thing to consider is that a 55G will eventually be too small for an Oscar and even a common Pleco.  All in all there are way too many choices and factors to consider!  My advice is to find inspiration by looking at other 55G tank set-ups that have been easily maintained for years.  Patience is highly rewarded in this hobby so enjoy the research!

Regarding the heater I have always valued the 5 Watt per gallon rule, and to split that load among 2 redundant heaters.  newb's advice is similar, I would up it to 150w per heater if it does no cost too much extra, but 100s would work fine.

I like bio-wheels.  Life is easier when you double the recommended filtration for a given tank size, throw 2 of those 350s on there and you'll be laughing.... until they start making noise.. argg.  Find a good source of bulk filter cartridges for the 350s or make your own!  Again, way too many options, but the more filtration the better.

Stalk the fish market for some good deals on used equipment!