45 Gallon Tank

[Gasleak]

I just recently purchased a stand and a 45 gallon acrylic tank for 25 dollars. I plan on putting freshwater fish, and would like them all to be colorful.

My questions are should I use sand or gravel?

How much heat do I need? I picked this one out, but would it be enough? EBO JAGER Automatic Submersible Aquarium Heater 150w

Also would this filter be enough to keep the water crystal clear? http://www.amazon.com/PENN-PLAX-AQU...2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1277784167&sr=1-2
What filters, media would be best to put in it?

Also I have no prior experience, so extacly what items do I need to keep the fish happy and water clear?

Thanks,
Edvin

 

[importracer]

$109.00!?!?!!?Purchase an Aquaclear 100-->get this for $59-70...Or buy two AqauCler70's for just under $100 total...........

Edit::::::Maintain 50% water changes every week..............

 

[Gasleak]

I need a canister filter, because no other filter fits due to how the top acrylic is cut out. And why is 100 dollars to much for it? It seems like a good deal.

 

[Gasleak]

bump

 

[Valous]

gasleak if you need a canister look on ebay. there are some that push the same amount of water but half price. I do like canisters for rooms were i will be entertaining, aka living room. But with that said, you need to read up on nitrogen cycle. thats the process a tank will go through before you should add any fish to your tank. But welcome to the addicting hobby.

Look in the setup filtrations section for a lot of good info on filter media.

 

[Gasleak]

Would the filter that I picked do a good job of filtrating a 45 gallon tank? Also I am getting it cause it has so many added features.

 

[Valous]

it will filter the tank. but here is one that is half the price and just as affective. and there is more if you want to pay a little extra money.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160404927985&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[Gasleak]

Thanks, This one looks great.

 

[SharonW]

I have that exact same filter on my 55 gallon and it works well. It's only downside is that it doesn't have filter taps to turn water off which makes it awkward to clean! But a good filter, only comes with basic media so I added some more of my own.

 

[Gasleak]

Okay, so it makes it crystal clear water? If so then great.