Getting into FW

[Stab_Master_Arson]

I have a 60 gal tank with stand and lights sitting in my garage and I am thinking about making it a FW tank.

I have to be honest, the only FW fish I have ever kept are feeder goldfish when I was 6.

I plan on doing some research via the net later but I thought I would seek some advice from FW fans right here first.

Stupid question #1

What do I use for filtration and nitrate control?

Stupid question #2

Do I skim?

Stupid question #3

Can I use my saltwater canister if I clean it out?

Any input for a beginner would be great.

[Farrmanchu]

Filtration is mechanical/biological ie. sponge, bioballs, ceramic rings. Nitrate control is not a focus in FW, as water changes are most effective, and in FW......very CHEAP.
No skimmiming, the bubbles can't be that small in FW, I've tried.
Canisters are great, usually sponge then ceramic rings, then carbon/other chem, then out to the tank.
The Nitrogen cycle still applies in FW, and flow is also a good thing in FW, allthough not as crucial as in SW.

You want lots of surface area for filtration, that's why FW employs bioballs, sponges, ect.

[Flusher]

If you go low-tech planted FW tank, I think you'll be happy. Plants suck up a lot of the extra nutrients and act as a natural filtration system.

Put a thin layer of gravel/substrate, add some larger rocks, and cover the bottom with Java moss and Java fern. These plants don't need much light. Throw in some floating plants to shade the tank from the lights. Dose lightly with iron-enriched plant fertilizer at water changes, and you're set.

Oh yeah, throw some snails in there to munch on the algae and detrius. They work great.

I'm planning to get a bigger FW tank at some point, maybe 40 gallons or so. I've got a Paradise Fish, so I don't need a heater. I skipped the mechanical filtration part, too.

Here's an older pic of my current 9 gallon tank:





There are two floating plants in the picture: Salvinia natans and Water Lettuce. I've since removed the Water Lettuce, as it grew in too much. The Java moss and fern at the bottom have grown in a lot since this picture was taken.

Like I said, I've got no heater or filter. There's just one 27W daylight spiral bulb. Very low-tech.

My 2 gallon Betta tank is quite similar, with only a 9W bulb lighting the tank:




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Nexium Classaction

[Livebearer]

Besides the good advice that you've already received, much of how you set it up will depend upon the intended occupants. By researching their needs, the tank will come together for you.

Snails are an excellent part of the naturally maintained aquarium, just make sure they're compatible with the tank occupants - some love escargot . I have every variety you can imagine if you decide you want them.

Nice system Flusher .

[Fugu]

If you really want to go big you could go with co2.But it is for super serious planted tanks.
You could use your SW filter,but what is in it?You may need to replace the sponges and the other media.
I SERIOUSLY DO NOT RECCOMEND SNAILS,well trapdoor snails.They breed too much.Unless you have a SW puffer tank.If then go for it
All I use for filtration in my planted tank is a co2 system.But I keep fish.If you want to go all plant with 3 or more medium fish then you don't need filtration.Plants,catfish,shrimp and snails are the best filters for a FW tank.

[Flusher]

Originally Posted by Fugu

I SERIOUSLY DO NOT RECCOMEND SNAILS,well trapdoor snails.They breed too much.

They only breed too much if the conditions are right, IME. My 9 gallon tank never has enough; I think the Paradise Fish might be eating them. I'm getting mild plant damage in my Betta tank, though. Since I have to pull out about half the Salvinia natans every week, this isn't a problem.

Too many snails can be a problem, especially since they poop heavily and eat some types of plants (usually only the decaying parts of the plants though, as far as I've read). If they get out of hand, all you need to do is drop a piece of lettuce in the tank, wait until the snails converge on it, then pull it out.
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JARAMA