Lots of questions

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fishmastermike

fishmastermike

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 23, 2008
436
5
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Barnegat, NJ
Okay so I inherited a tank from a relative recently and am not sure how many gallons it is. It's a bow front tank and the dimensions are 48.5" length, end width 12.5", depth 23" and center width (from back of tank to highest peak in bow) 18". I also got a fluval 304 canister filter with it and was told I had to clean it out. I opened the thing up and it was filled with water and was just a disgusting mess. I cleaned it out with fresh water and scrubbed it until it was spotless. I have never used a canister filter before so I'm not sure what I need to get the thing working again or if it will even work. The water was probably in there for about 2 years maybe a little less so my questions are
1. How many gallons is this tank?
2. Can I still use this filter and if so what do I need
And 3. If I can't use the canister what is my best option for filtration? I live in an apartment so i don't have access to a hose and have never used anything other than an HOB filter

Sorry for the post being so long but I appreciate any help you guys can give me. Thanks in advance

-Mike
 
I've calculated 60.5 gallons plus the bow which should maybe be a few more. If the canister works ,of course use it. Next maybe a python or Aqueon water changer,connects right to your faucet.You can empty and fill with this system.
 
Yeah I tried a few calculators and got between 60 and 80 gallons lol. That's a big difference. I'm thinking maybe talk to one of my math teachers to see if they know a formula to find just the bow. The Aqueon water changer is an amazing idea though. Exactly what I need. Thank you for showing me that
 
Yeah I'm definitely gonna talk to one of my teachers lol. I'm getting all sorts of results. Any advice on what to put for media in the canister?
 
I know the 304 uses side foam with 3 baskets. You could pretty much fill each basket with whatever you want. Use some bio media in the first 2 trays with some carbon or any other product you wish. I like large filters,so i stack mine with Foam pads for mechaninical ,either eheim substrat Pro or some Seachem Matrix for bio-filtration,then some polishing pads or carbon depending on the set up.
 
I've never used a canister before so I really don't know anything. I'll try what you said johnny. I don't know if this will help either but I'm planning on using this tank for North American natives. Not sure if that effects the filter setup. As for the tank size, thank you very much soupa. Ive been looking for a hood for it and that site has everything I'm gonna need
 
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