Need Help ASAP with 55 gal Freshwater

autumn1123

Hello all! I have a few questions. I recently purchased a new 55 gal. (my first one) and I am not sure how to set it up with the right equipment. I have the Premium Undergravel Filter system (3 squares) and 2 power heads. On top of that I have the large Penguin Bio Wheel 300 cartrige filter to hang on the back. My first question is do I need all of this? Question number 2, if so, how do I connect the power heads and the undergravel filter? I want to get this set up and cycled SOON so that I can get my babies in the larger tank and out of the 10 gal. they reside in now!

Reefing Madness

My thoughts, ditch the undergravel filter, junk. Powerheads can be used to break up the water surface. Penguin is a good buy.

redchigh

The biowheel is plenty. Since you're movin everything over from a 10, I would set up the large tank with dechlorinated water, heater, etc. get the temperature the same, and all the equipment running.
After a day or two, move the filtration and gravel from the 10 to the new tank, along with the fish. Run both the filters on the tank for a while (3 months maybe less), then remove the smaller one back to the 10 with fresh gravel and it will be instantly cycled too.

Freshcatch

I agree... ditch the under gravel filter and stick with the HOB.

autumn1123

Hello guys! Thank you for the advice. I wanted to show you a few pictures of the new tank. It is not finished and I am still working on it. Now I am researching plants to go in the back to hide all of the tubes and such in the back of the tank. As of right now I have the water at 82 F and I have some extra bacteria start up in the tank. I will let it run for a few more days and then I will add the substrate and filter from the 10 gal and finish with my fish.

Here are a few pictures, feel free to let me know what you think or any advice!

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AbbeysDad

I also agree with ditching the UGF! Also, there is no cycle without a constant source of ammonia so yank that UGF and move the fish.

autumn1123

Instead of getting rid of it, can it be used with reversible powerheads so that it is one large bubble mat?