Setting up a new tank

[calikas]

i see some people use more than one,theres also diffrent kinds of filters.theres there a good system to go by when it comes to filtering and water motion?

[Jeff in Chicago]

As far as filtering options are concerned...any guidance you can offer?

Specifically, I'm considering a planted 30 gallon tank, and was leaning towards a canister filter like the Eheim ECCO.

Now, feel free to talk me out of it

[jefftaylor]

Wow that was a good read

[TX8balls]

I applaud this guide...It's....just-so...good

[anshuman]

i am horrified after reading the cycling part, i just filled the tank, dropped some bottle of water (called cureme) in the filled tank , ran the filter/pump for full night, after i think 15-18 hours, i added the fish.

Should i now approach for cycling this ammonia/nitrate thing with fish in there? or should i use the spare quarantine tank to place them back and do this cycling again.

Damn i am so scared now. the fish are swiming fast and looking v playful I hope they dont suddenly die. I am going to add large stones soon. I know i should had done this already but..well. time to find that testing kit and stuff. i dont know if i will get it here or not.

[FroggyFox]

You ought to get an ammonia, a nitrite and a nitrate test kit so that you can monitor your tank as the cycle progresses. Whenever you see a spike of ammonia over about 1 or 2 ppm you need to do a big water change. Then whenever you see any nitrite over about 1ppm, do another. You can also look for a product called Stability that may help with a fish-in cycle...some have had good results with it. Don't worry Your fish won't all "die instantly"...