tank buying steps

[Ullopincrate]

Definitely get a ph, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia test kit. If you can get them together get it as it will be cheaper that way. All are important.

 

[sutherland]

Also, it depends on what type of Cichlids you plan on stocking. There are different water parameters and characteristics between regions, that will play a factor into the substrate you plan on using.

 

[all_or_nothin]

I went to my lfs and the 125 ended up to be way more than expected and i would like to kno some web sites that sell fish tank stuff at a discount price

 

[all_or_nothin]

For the filtration i think im goin to use
2 aquaclear 110 69.99 500gph
1 fluval 4 Plus Internal 61.99 240gph
1 magnum 350 prosystem canistar 105.99 350gph
2 Undergravel 36" 19.99
What do you guys/gals think i wouldnt really need cause i dont want to pay 300.00+ for filters alone i dont think i really need the internal filter but what do you think

 

[LowCel]

I would stay away from the undergravel filter, not a big fan. I would go with two fx4's if it was my tank.

 

[Knowdafish]

Undergravel filters work great unless you want a planted tank or fish that dig.

 

[all_or_nothin]

what is the common name for "fx4's" jw so i can look it up

 

[wow_it_esploded]

There is no such filter as an fx4. Some people confuse the Rena Filstar XP4 with the Fluval FX5 and end up with weird model numbers.

No undergravel filters! There is no point in using them, especially with cichlids. Also, they are just going to trap waste into the gravel where you cannot get at it.

 

[wow_it_esploded]

Honestly I would go with (for filtration, but if I had the money):
1 Eheim 2250 or 2260
1 Aquaclear 70

But there are more practical approaches.

 

[all_or_nothin]

al right that takes $40 off of it now so have any of you used internal filters or have any input on previeus questions