New member from MEL

[jimstreet]

Hi all, Mavzta suggested I join and have a look around as I am considering setting up a Discus tank.

A bit about me - my first casual job was in an aquarium where I learnt a lot and had a 2 foot tropical tank. Fast forward 30 years and I recently purchased an all-in-one 40L tank with some goldfish for my 3yo son. This has got me re-interested in fish keeping and as I always wanted a Discus tank I am thinking why not.

I am considering a 4 foot tank but can't decide on 4 foot x 14 or 4 foot x 14, both 20 high.

Any and all tips gratefully accepted.

[yanke]

hi
ill go with the bigger tank it will be better for the fish that way
and like u need 40-50 litres per.discus
and the 4x14x20 is only about 210L.
the 4x18x20 is about 300L.
or u can go with a 4x2x2 that's about 450L.
I myself would go with the 4x2x2 u can have more in it
or u can go with a 6ft also
yanke

[Mavzta]

Good to see you on here Jimstreet.
I think a 4x2x2 is a good size also. You'll be grateful later I think.

[jimstreet]

Thanks for the welcome. I know a bigger thank is better but I am trying to do this on the cheap, I have lots of other expensive hobbies such as a 4wd/camper/3yo son, hence I need to keep the financial controller (wife) happy. I have found a reasonably priced 2nd hand 4 x 14 x 20 setup that I will get a new filter/heater/pump etc. I can also manage the 210L easier for water changes etc. It's a tough decision as I really want the 4x2x2.

[Mavzta]

Thanks for the welcome. I know a bigger thank is better but I am trying to do this on the cheap, I have lots of other expensive hobbies such as a 4wd/camper/3yo son, hence I need to keep the financial controller (wife) happy. I have found a reasonably priced 2nd hand 4 x 14 x 20 setup that I will get a new filter/heater/pump etc. I can also manage the 210L easier for water changes etc. It's a tough decision as I really want the 4x2x2.
I hear ya brother!

[Ghoti]

I need to keep the financial controller (wife) happy.....It's a tough decision as I really want the 4x2x2.
Seriously, the 4x2x2 will work out cheaper in the long run. Why?
Its what you want, so wait a little longer and get it. Cheaper than buying a smaller tank now and upgrading later;
It carries more water, so will be more stable needing less mucking around and less chance of losing expensive livestock, also less susceptible to temperature changes putting less load on the heater;
If you stock it at a similar level to the 210l, you will do the same amount of water change (litres) but a smaller percentage therefore less stressful for the fish;
Perhaps purchasing used (but recognised brand name) filters, heaters and lights you may be able to afford a new 4x2x2 tank in your budget.

Anyway, with patience I'm sure an equally well priced 4x2x2 will come up.

Cheers,
Scott

[jimstreet]

eBay is annoying me at the moment, I have found a 4x2x2 setup but the stand is too low, I have found another setup with the stand I like but the tank is too small...

[Mavzta]

eBay is annoying me at the moment, I have found a 4x2x2 setup but the stand is too low, I have found another setup with the stand I like but the tank is too small...

Are you handy at building at all? Or even have a mate that is? I built my stand and cabinet with my father in law.
Pretty happy with it. Maybe think about it as an option.

[jimstreet]

That's not a silly idea at all :)

[Ghoti]

I built my stand and cabinet with my father in law. Pretty happy with it. Maybe think about it as an option.

I was really happy with the third stand I built :D

[Ghoti]

...meant to mention as well as eBay there is gumtree, and occaisionally really good bargains appear at Boronia Aquarium Classifieds http://boroniaaquariuminteractivepages.yuku.com/forums/69#.U9ebSvmSySo

[jimstreet]

I know it is a compromise but I am seriously considering this setup.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cranbourne-east/fish/4-ft-aquarium-48x14x20-complete-set-up-eheim-cabinet/1053785220

New prices below from LFS, for $300, if in good condition, it is good value.
Standard Size Glass Aquariums 4ftx14x20 $110.00
Aquarium Pine Cabinets 4ft x 14 $240.00
Pine Aquarium Hoods 4ft x 14 $120.00
Eheim Classic 2217 External Canister Filter $300.00
Total $770.00

[jimstreet]

Well I bought the tank above on gumtree and managed to get it home in one piece in the trailer.

4x14x20 tank, stand, hood, light, 2217, air pump, 300W heater, all plants and driftwood, I bargained him down to $250, which I think is a ripper price.

I won't be setting it up for a while as I plan to stain the hood & stand and give the tank a good clean. Do I need to do anything to the 2217? I assume all the bacteria will die and I will need to cycle it again?

http://blkmav.com/fish/4tank1.jpg
http://blkmav.com/fish/4tank2.jpg
http://blkmav.com/fish/4tank3.jpg