Just got my first tank, where do I go from here?

[Paperlantern4]

I disappeared from the forums for awhile because things got quite hectic with work and school. I FINALLY got my first tank. It's a 55 gallon and came with hood, stand, lights, and an aquaclear filter. My ultimate plan is to get it set up, running, and add one elephant nose mormyrid. Mormyrids are pretty much my dream fish. I might consider adding another fish or two in the future but for now I just want to concentrate on the one. I've never properly set up a tank before so I need someone to walk me through it.

I'm planning on getting a soft white sand substrate, and maybe adding a few live plants. Here are some questions I need answered.

1) Is the aquaclear filter sufficient? Or should I look into something different?
2) What brand of heater is good and reliable?
3) Can I fill the tank with tap water or do I need to use spring water or purified water?
4) How do I do a fish-less cycle? It seems complicated. Explain it to me like I'm a not-too-bright 8 year old. How long will it take to properly cycle the water?
5) What brand of test strips should I purchase?
6) How often should I do water changes with one elephant nose? What percentage of water do I change?
7) What are some plants that would be good for a beginner, dim lighting, and sand substrate?
8) I know the elephant nose can't tolerate any fish medicines with copper. Are there brands that are ok for them? I want to know in case.
9) Do I need to add stuff like de-chlorinators and other chemicals to the water? Are these tolerated by elephant nose fish?

Sorry for the barage of questions. Feel free to answer as little or as much as you want! Thank you!

 

[TheBroc]

welcome, you have came to the right place for answers.

1)depends on which aquaclear you have
2)depends on your price range- cheap, mid, expensive
3)tap water yes, you do need a tap water conditioner. there are many out there, I prefer seachem prime.
4)there is a sticky forum for fishless cycles. well explained. im sure someone can post you the link.
5)API master test kit
6)depends on filtration, how much you feed, etc. but usually once a week 25% or so. but again this varies on a number of things.
7)not sure, but I know I have anubis and they require low light, low maintenance. but im a novice at live plants myself. so maybe someone else can help here.
8)id just wait and only use meds on case by case basis
9)yes see #3

Hope this helps a little.

 

[DDK]

Well TheBroc has correctly answered all of your questions of and ill input on question 7! Most floating and non root plants are very hardy and thrive in low light and can fully take over a tank with an abundant amount of light. If you youtube dustins fish tanks he is basically a plant guru and after watching a couple of his videos you can decide what plants you want! Heres his web site btw
http://dustinsfishtanks.com/aquarium-plants/hardy-aquarium-plants/
I personally like the look of java fern and they do very well in tanks with low lights and they are pretty hard to kill.

 

[Paperlantern4]

Oh wow, I just took a look at that website. Thank you, I think I'll go with java moss and java fern.

TheBroc, thank you very much for your input as well. I'll go look for that sticky!