[Andrewknut77]

Hello, I just bought a 150 gallon tank. I have never gone this big I bought the tank and stand for 300 bucks well everything it came with doesn't work so I have to buy all new things I want to do a planted tank with a pretty good size community of tiger barbs. and rainbow sharks I also have one Oscar I would like to add to this tank being my 55 gal is becoming to small for her plz help with what kind of filter and light set up also heater would be best just need some ideas

 

[SeaHorse]

My suggestion is 2 heaters... depending on where you live... Mine always seem to fail on a Sunday night. So I've changed to 2 not as big ones.

 

[Andrewknut77]

thank you I live in northern Florida was thinking 2 300w

 

[jeaninel]

The Oscar will shred any plants and will probably go after the tiger barbs but should definitely go into the 150. Maybe leave the barbs in the 55 and plant that tank.

I have 2 300 watt heaters on my 135g and the temp stays stable at 80 degrees no problem. Since your in Florida you should have no problem.

Oscars are very messy fish with a big bioload so you'll need heavy filtration...at least 10x turnover. A large canister filter such as the fx6 plus maybe an hob such as the Aquaclear 110 for surface agitation.

I use just a standard. 4Ft double fluorescent light fixture on my 135g since I have central American cichlids in there and can't keep any plants.
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[Andrewknut77]

The Oscar doesn't really seem to bother the barbs being they are schooled pretty big does it matter if the school is bigger or will they just eat them anyways

 

[SeaHorse]

The Oscar will continue to grow given the extra space to dinner plate size... As long as the TB's are smaller than snack size...

 

[Andrewknut77]

thank you!! im hoping to get this thing going soon can I go with a cheaper filter I looked that up and saw that the filter was 339 any cheaper ideas that are worth it??

 

[SeaHorse]

A couple of used cheaper ones? Garage sales, Kijiji, Craig's list... look for models of the same kind, (if you are familiar with one type and you buy up a couple to keep for parts.) I bought 2 Fluvals for $30 each and the only thing they were missing was the rubber O ring. But I have lots of parts from the one that died and took everything the seller had. Both actually work stronger than the one I broke. LOL
You can also make your own filter for the 55 gallon and move it's filter over to the big tank for now. I made my own so if I can do it you can too! A water bottle, sponge, air hose and a pump strong enough to reach the depth of your 55. Use the media from your filter and fill it, burn/melt/cut a hole in the neck of the bottle and a bunch in the bottom. Invert it with the air hose in the hole in the neck and seat it in the back of your tank in/on the sponge. Plug it in and Voila... filter. This will bide you time as you find parts for the big tank.
If you are prepared to spend the money... Eheim is a "work horse" filter. Will last for years and years. I have one of those too. I can't advise on the newer brands out there tho.

 

[Andrewknut77]

I think ill just get the fx6 a leased they have a lot of good reviews

what kind of eheim?

 

[SeaHorse]

I just pulled up this page... not sure what size you will need to go with... there is the 2213, 2215 and on up... Mine is really old but still works... it's got to be over 15 years old now.

Aquarium Filters: Eheim Classic Canister Series 2213, 2215, and 2217

 

[jeaninel]

Get the largest one you can afford, preferably the 2217 as that one is rated for 159 gallon. But the 2215 may suffice if you have other filters on the tank.
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