New Equipment

Fyurae

Fyurae

AC Members
Nov 24, 2010
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Skagit Valley, WA
www.fyurae.com
I just got a smokin deal at a pawn shop on a full tank setup.

setup.jpg

For 25 bucks I got a 29 gallon kit from All-Glass Aquarium. It includes and Aquatech 20-40, a 100w heater, and a full hood with a 30" 120v 20w 60hz light. This is my first time having any of this kind of equipment (other than the HOB for my 10gal). Everything appears to work for the most part, and after a thorough scrubbing with some dawn to get the salt/nicotine (yuck!) smell off, looks brand new.

I have a lot of questions, though.

1. Not sure the heater works. The light comes on, but I left it heating the bathroom sink last night and no noticeable change. How long should I give it for a test?

heater.jpg

2. Does the 'fully submersible' heater go all the way in, or do I leave the knob out of the water?

3. I have seen people mention that the Aquatechs are kind of crappy, but I got it and the only other filter I have is a 10gal. I have yet to try it out, because I want to replace the filter media. God only knows what kind of yuck is in there. Is it possible to get replacement bio fiber? I know I can get the cartridges. But the biofiber looks pretty shot.

filter.jpg

4.I want to replace the bulb in the light. It's not very bright and I know they should be replaced every few months anyway. Can anyone point me to some suggested bulbs. I want this to be a planted tank, and the tank is 18ish inches tall. Again, the light is a 30" 120v 20w 60hz, according to the sticker on the hood. Here is a picture of the current bulb's label.

lamp.jpg

I have Lowes and Home Depot nearby for the light, and PetSmart and PetCo, or department stores (Wally World, Chez Target) for tank supplies.

setup.jpg lamp.jpg heater.jpg filter.jpg
 
CWO4GUNNER said:
Sounds good. But what is that big long blob of red silicone doing on the left end panel sealing up!
Click to expand...

That is actually a red leash that is attached to the cargo ring in the back of my car to keep my dog from jumping out the window when left unattended.
 
I would contact United Pet Group (the makers of aquatech filters) and ask about a replacement bio fiber. I have heard United Pet Group has excellent customer service but I have not needed to find out so don't have personal experience with their customer service.
 
I like that bulb you have. does it have a blueish tint to it? they are 8000k bulbs. i was running one on my 36g for a while but i got a new fixture. i would recommend getting a new fixture if you want to be able to grow plants. the 17w bulb will do better than mine did because you have less water but it still isnt very much.

I would recommend getting a new fixture if you want to be able to grow plants well. I have a 2-bulb Coralife fixture. its T5NO so its only 36w. over a 29g, you can do pretty good with that. plus, its only around $50 :)
 
As long as you rinse well, nothing wrong with Dawn soap at all.
 
The problem with the HOB filters such as the aquatec is when the the cartridge or biofiber become clogged the water just flows over the top without being filtered. where as in a canister filter everything is forced through. Aquatec is cheaply made but not hard to maintain. Regular filter changes and periodic rinsing out of the filter housing will do the trick.

But though they aren't the best on the market, as long as it does it's job you will be fine.
 
WeedCali said:
stuff about the light
Click to expand...

Yes, it is bluish. I don't have the money to buy a new fixture at the moment, I'll have to just make due with a new bulb. However, all of my plants are low-light. I am mostly interested in updating the bulb for visibility and picture-taking. This one seems to be worn out, but I thought I would look for the best option for the plants.

Rbishop said:
As long as you rinse well, nothing wrong with Dawn soap at all.
Click to expand...

I use it for everything except washing my car.

goldkeeper said:
The problem with the HOB filters such as the aquatec is when the the cartridge or biofiber become clogged the water just flows over the top without being filtered. where as in a canister filter everything is forced through. Aquatec is cheaply made but not hard to maintain. Regular filter changes and periodic rinsing out of the filter housing will do the trick.

But though they aren't the best on the market, as long as it does it's job you will be fine.
Click to expand...

I check my filters regularly, so it shouldn't be a problem then. I have a 10 gal HOB running now and I've never had that problem with it. But, we're talking a larger scale and a different kind of filter media here. I am limited to an HOB right now, I just don't have the resources or space for canisters and sumps, etc.

Thanks for the tips, all.
 
Nice that same tank sells for 130 bucks here and i have one bought it used , the filter is ok find all the HOB's like that style are the same , I have a aquatech,aquaclear and a whisper all the same mostly just people have different experiences with different filters. I would just boil the bio filter and if it survives that in one piece reuse it

Have fun and enjoy your tank and fish
 
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