ok I did it now a few questions

[Frog]

I set up a 55 gal tank with sand , have water in it with a underwater filter . Now I won't mention the name of this filter , because I don't think I'm suppose to but I have a few questions :
1. It came with foam pads are these okay or should I get and add either polyester filter pads or carbon filter pads ?
2. Should I center it along the back wall or should I put it on one end or the other ??
3. I can either have air in with the water flow or not , which would be better ???
I would really appreciate any help I tryed to research different filters I got this one because I can increase or decrease the flow output which I thought would be a good thing . I realize my next step once I all the fake plants and hiding places in it is to wait . Will get some fish , not sure what kind yet to put in it next week and wait some more . So any ideas on what kind of fish would be good too . Please don't say gold fish , have some out in my pond and I suppose I could snag a couple but would rather not . Was thinking about a couple dozen feeder guppies ? When all is okay I plan on putting my 6 young axolotls in it at least till I can tell if they are female or male then I will seperate them . Thanks so much for any help .

 

[kclinton]

Fluval 2 plus filter maybe. I put mine at one end of the tank tunr the flow all the way down I added the carbon to mine. I really like this filter. Guppies are fine, Really any fish you put in can cycle the tank. Don't leave them in with the axies they will eat their gill and cause them stress.

 

[Jennewt]

1. I think the foam pads should be OK. When you rinse and reuse them, use dechlorinated water so you don't kill the good bacteria.
2. Probably doesn't matter. Experiment, and pick the spot that creates the least current.
3. I wouldn't recommend the air flow thru the filter, as you may over-aerate the water. But it would be a good idea to have the water flow going upward to agitate the surface.

I think using one of your own goldfish would be safer. They are more likely to be disease-free, and you've got a place for the fish to go back to after the cycling period. It would be better not to have guppies in with the axolotls so that you can drop their temperature during winter.

 

[kclinton]

You know, Jennewt is right use one of your fish would be better less chance of disease. Sorry I didn't think of that.

 

[Frog]

Thanks and another question

Thank you Karrie and Jennewt , When should I put the gold fish in now or should I wait a few days ??? Good guess Karrie it's a plus 4 will get carbon for it when I make another trip to the pet shop ... Live in a little town have to travel 1 hr plus to get to any where that has any thing ... Also will turn the flow down when it's safe for my babies . Have the air flow thing shut off so will leave it that way . Thanks again for any help .

 

[Jennewt]

I think you can put in the goldfish once the tank has been set up for a day or two. Also, I'd recommend using some kind of ammonia test or ammonia monitor device.

I also live an hour away from a petshop, so I order most of my aquarium supplies online. Even with shipping charges, it ends up being the same price, sometimes less.

 

[cheddarsox]

You could add some pond water/gunk first to get the tank cycling, then add the goldfish in a few days. I've done that before with good result.

Linette