Verfication on setup, everything sounds about right?

CinBos

I have been doing alot of research on tank setups, fish, and what all is needed. Everything from cycling to cleaning. So here is what I got:

Things I Have:
125gal Aqaurium
Stand for tank
3 hang on filter that came with the tank
MarineLand 530gph canister
1 powerheads with 1050gph cycle

Things I Still Want/Need to Get:
Glass top for tank
Fluval Air pump for various Air Stones throughout the tank
2 75gal heaters, one on each side of tank
Chemical, Aquarium Salt, and Test Kit
Black gravel of some sort
Black Back Drop for Background
And Lighting of some sort
Rocks, Plant, and other Decor

Just wanted to see if I am on the right track? I know there are still alot of things I need and want. Tank is not setup just yet, due to the fact I will be moving in the next month, so no need to set it up.

So does everything sound good? And/or is there anything you all would recommend I should do or get?

Appreciate any advice and/or direction.

Inga

I am not sure how other think of this but if I had the 125 I would have 2 125 heaters, not 2 75 gallon heaters.

Also, If I were doing a new tank, I would paint the back side of the tank and not worry about a background that will likely shift or wrinkle in time. Once the tank is full, fixing things like that are more difficult.

Before buying any other supplies, wait until you are moved in. Then test the source water to find out what your water parameters are. You will then be able to decide what supplies you need based on the fish that will fit the parameters of your source water.

the 125 is a nice size and you should have a lot of fun setting it up. I hope you will share your fun by posting photos and updates.

CinBos

Yeah I was thinking the same thing about the heaters too. Just heard that from a local fish store clerk. But as for the filtration, everything sounds good?

rjwwrx

As far as filtration it sounds like you plan on having 3 HOB filters, and a canister? This seems like too much to me. I would go with the canister filter first, and if it is not doing a good enough job for you add one of the HOB filters.
All of this depends greatly on the fish you plan on keeping and whether or not you plan on planting your tank as well. More fish will require more filtration. Planting your tank will allow you to get by with less filtration. What are the actual models of the HOB and canister filters you have?

Also, unless you personally like the look of them, in most cases airstones are not needed. Simple surface agitation by a HOB filter or directing the flow of your canister slightly towards the surface will be enough.

CinBos

HOBS i dont know right this second. But the canister is a MarineLand C-530

rjwwrx

A quick google shows the marineland c-530 is rated for a 150 gallon tank. I think you would be fine to go with just this. Others may chime in that have more experience with canister filters though.

Tazman

Filtration would be based on what fish you intend on stocking.

3x HOB's and a Canister will be an awful lot of water movement. I would not get the powerhead until you know what you want to stock and exactly what the HOB's are.

Agree on 2 x 125 heaters, and not needing the air stones if you are using the HOB's.

Aquarium salt - not necessary to have but useful if you are using a Quarantine tank.
Test Kit - Look at the API Master Freshwater and GH/KH test kit as well.

Gravel - again depends on what fish you want to stock, some will prefer a sand substrate.

CinBos

Like I said, not too sure what brand the HOBs are. Will the canister create enough water movement? Also I already have the Hydor Powerhead, got it real cheap from a fish store that was closing in town.

Tazman

It really depends on what fish you want to stock.

Some require fast water movement, some require almost non existent flow.

Post a list of what fish you intend on stocking and this will make answering your question easier.

Inga

I agree that you have a HUGE amount of filtering there and before deciding what is needed you need to test your source water then think about which fish will fit into those ranges and your taste and move on from there. Each fish has different requirements for water movement etc..