I'm a newbie to Monster fish keeping help me!

[shawneedaniel]

So right now I have a ten gallon and a 37 gallon and I thought that was big! Until I joined this site, I keep reading didn't forums and about different people's tanks, but I really don't know how to accomplish that monster fish tank. I've read about a drip system and wet/dry. I don't even know what wet/dry is let alone how to do it. I was raised to put a filter and a heater in a tank with some random fish not checking levels or planting or doing anything, so I know I am already a step ahead of my parents, but systems are different when you move to a larger scale.

I am admitting I am a noob, so can someone be nice and tell me how to set up an effective, 100 gallon is my next project, so let's say that. How can you set up a good well ran mostly self sufficient 100 gallon tank, in lame man's terms?

I realize that people have different opinions about what is right, that's fine, I would like a collaboration.

I also know that there are many threads, but those are experienced people to experienced people. Please help someone completely new to keeping monsters out here.

Maybe this will help out some other new people too.

 

[MonsterMinis]

If you are looking into larger tanks I would suggest a 75 or standard 125.. personally I like a 120W as a footprint. But I think you can do alot with a 75 or even as small as a 40Breeder. Monster fishkeeping isn't about the tank size or fish size.. but the passion....

What fish do you want? Thats always the best question imo to ask yourself before going big. What do you hope to acheive with the tank? Because set-ups will vary from species not just from hobbyist. Figure out what fish you want to keep. and Tailor your equipment around it.

 

[bomber]

Drips systems are the way to go. PM'd ya.

 

[shawneedaniel]

I want cichlids, plecos, and a black ghost knife fish.

Maybe my initially question wasn't too clear. When I look at and read about tank designs there is always a big system underneath with a lot of canister cords and tubing, what is all of it and what is it for. How do you build it?

 

[MonsterMinis]

I'de start in the DIY or Set-up sections.. and learn the difference between a canister, Hang on back or HOB, and a wet/dry.

IMO it's not the type of filtration.. but how it works that you need to learn most. Understanding the nitrogen cycle. And how filters Should work will help you figure out what filter type is best for you.

Every type of filter has it's Ups and Downs.... If there was 1 perfect type of filter or filtration set-up everyone would be useing it.

As for stocking, after reading your other thread I would focus on the BGK or Black ghost knife as this seems to be your primary fish of interest. adults get in the 12-18" range respectively if not larger. I would suggest researching this fish more thoroughly and finding out it's compatability with other species you want to keep with it.

This website has alot of great info. It's just a matter of digging threw it. THe more specific your questions are often times the more specific your answers will be from others.

 

[GolemGolem]

^^ x2
And don't overlook simple and old ways of doing things, I'm loving my cheap sponge filters. I'm mechanically dumb, and I don't have a lot of mechanically smart friends that are local. So I like using things that won't break and if they do, I can fix them easily.
If I was an engineer I would do things quite differently.
But, still my water stays healthy, and I spend a healthy amount of time making it so.

 

[GolemGolem]

So If I was going to do a 100gallon tank based on a BGK I would get a couple big hydroclear sponge filters and a couple big cheap HOBs. Nothing under the tank but my buckets and my cheap arse grav-vac. I would be thinking sand substrate with lots of big hiding places, maybe bristlenose plecos or smaller plecos anywho, maybe some smaller earth eater chiclids because they are neat and you would already rocking the sand...or a couple fire mouths or angels...
My way involves squishing sponges coated in fish poop a few times a week and lots and lots of buckets but it would work for me.
Your way might be different.
The important thing is keeping everyone healthy and happy.

 

[Igneel]

just get yourself a standard 125g, hook up with with x2 ac110 and one wet/dry filter or even an FX5 then pour in some Nutrafin Cycle bacteria...but honestly there is no such thing as "self sufficient" if you want your fish to be in good health you have to do water changes

 

[shawneedaniel]

I'de start in the DIY or Set-up sections.. and learn the difference between a canister, Hang on back or HOB, and a wet/dry.

IMO it's not the type of filtration.. but how it works that you need to learn most. Understanding the nitrogen cycle. And how filters Should work will help you figure out what filter type is best for you.

Every type of filter has it's Ups and Downs.... If there was 1 perfect type of filter or filtration set-up everyone would be useing it.

As for stocking, after reading your other thread I would focus on the BGK or Black ghost knife as this seems to be your primary fish of interest. adults get in the 12-18" range respectively if not larger. I would suggest researching this fish more thoroughly and finding out it's compatability with other species you want to keep with it.

This website has alot of great info. It's just a matter of digging threw it. THe more specific your questions are often times the more specific your answers will be from others.

My main fish of interest is actually the blue gold JD cichlid. I know about the nitrogen cycle and hang on back/ canister filters. I do not know the wet/dry one though.

 

[shawneedaniel]

So If I was going to do a 100gallon tank based on a BGK I would get a couple big hydroclear sponge filters and a couple big cheap HOBs. Nothing under the tank but my buckets and my cheap arse grav-vac. I would be thinking sand substrate with lots of big hiding places, maybe bristlenose plecos or smaller plecos anywho, maybe some smaller earth eater chiclids because they are neat and you would already rocking the sand...or a couple fire mouths or angels...
My way involves squishing sponges coated in fish poop a few times a week and lots and lots of buckets but it would work for me.
Your way might be different.
The important thing is keeping everyone healthy and happy.

My local fish rescue told me that he swears by sponge filters as well. I am starting to think about them more and more.

What is a wet/dry though? how is it set up?