Help getting an aquarium established?

Question by Tobasco: Help getting an aquarium established?
I’m starting off on the great adventure of having a fish aquarium. And I definitely need help.

I have an old 10-gallon aquarium. Once I clean it out and replace the substrate, I plan on starting a fishless cycle to make my water safe for fish (no ammonia, no nitrites, low nitrates). I will be having tropical fish, so I will keep the aquarium at about 78°F-80°F. I will be using those glass beads as substrate because I do not want the Java Moss I’m planning on putting in to attach to the substrate. Instead, I want it to attach to some driftwood or some such unit that is easier to maintain. Our tap water comes from wells, and the water softener that it runs through adds non-iodized salt to the water (which starts at about 15 grains hard) at slightly less than 1 teaspoon every two gallons. So I shouldn’t have to worry about Chlorine or Chloramine, and the water conditions should be excellent.

Once my water has cycled, I plan on adding one Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta), and two Glass Catfish to start. Maybe more compatible fish later on, though not exceeding 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water in the tank.

So if there’s anything wrong with that plan, will somebody please point it out to me?

A few questions now:

-What is a suitable heating unit to keep in the tank? It would be nice if the heat output could be controlled, as the temperatures here fluctuate pretty regularly.
-What is a good filter to put into the tank? I’m on a budget, so less expensive is better. Also, from what I understand, a sponge filter is preferable, as it really helps establish and maintain a good bio-filtration system because it provides a good place for the bacteria to live.
-What kind of airflow do I need to worry about for oxygen purposes? Will a filter take care of that for me?
-What device or kit can I buy that will test the Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels (and maybe pH) of the water? I would prefer one that does not rely on disposable chemicals, because I want to keep very careful track of my water conditions. So an electronic one with theoretically infinite uses would be best. Although, again, I’m on a fairly strict budget.

I think that’s all. Congratulations if you made it all the way through reading that. Best answer will get 10 points, I wish I could award more.

Best answer:

Answer by grenouillemb
One inch of fish per gallon, is not correct.
What I do when finding and setting up tanks, is find the amount of space each fish needs and then basically add it together.
Or go on aqadvisor, they have a fish calculator which calculates how many fish, and what tank size you need.

If you get a sponge filter, you don’t need a second air output.
Sponge filters are cheap, and easily cleaned and maintained.
All you do is hook it up to an airpump, air runs through, and out creating bubbles from a tube in the top.
It doesn’t pull in too much gunk though, but it is good for maintaining good bacteria.

You can also make your own filter, just look it up on youtube, all you need is a few things, and a air pump.

API test kits are good, but it is up to you.

Most heaters will have a changable heat temp, just place it near your filter and it should get good even heat throughout the tank.

Good luck!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!