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3. The Ultimate 50-70 Gallon Freshwater Tank

This solution recommends the best filtration equipment for setting up the ultimate 50-70 gallon freshwater fish tank. As with any size system, filtration is the most critical component and our ultimate systems include trickle filters to ensure the best water quality for a healthy, thriving environment. Other important information and equipment is provided.

Filtration

Why a trickle filter?
Adequate filtration means the difference between a healthy, thriving system and complete system failure fraught with frustration and disappointment. Good mechanical and biological filtration maintains good oxygen levels and keeps harmful fish waste and other decaying debris from polluting the water and killing fish. Because of their size and expanded biological surface area, trickle filters perform these tasks better than any other form of filtration and should always be considered the first choice. Trickle filters are more reliable and easier to maintain. Since there are no costly cartridges to replace, trickle filters are also more cost effective to operate.

P1000 Package #1
This great package includes pump, plumbing, siphon box and everything you need to hook up a P1000 Trickle Filter for the Ultimate 50-70 gallon freshwater aquarium without making modifications to the aquarium.
6' - 9/16" tubing
1 - #5126 - 3/4" Plastic Hose Clamp
1 - #DA3851 - Mag Drive 5 Pump, 500gph
1 - #5094 - 1/2" Combo 90, Insert x Mipt
#AL2901

For drilled aquariums:
P1000RR Trickle Filter
All 'RR' filters include:
6' - 3/4" tubing & no return and the following items required for hookup
1 -
#5068 - 1/2" Female Adapter, Insert x Fipt
1 -
#DA3851 - Mag Drive 5 Pump, 500gph
1 -
#5094 - 1/2" Combo 90, Insert x Mipt
 

Other important equipment, conditioners and information to maintain the ultimate tank
• Always add a high quality dechlorinator anytime tap water is added to the tank. AquaLife Complete is an excellent product that not only dechlorinates but adds important elements to maintain slime coat integrity and reduce stress.
AquaLifeComplete
 
• Keep the aquarium between 76-78°F. Goldfish do not need a heater. The best fully submersible heater is the Hydor 150watt Submersible Heater.  
• The pH varies for different systems. African Cichlids require hard, alkaline water, South American Cichlids less hard, less alkaline water. Most other community fish do well at a pH between 7.0 and 7.4. Further information is available on water parameters in the Log Sheet section.

• Add bacteria cultures, Activate Freshwater to the aquarium for the first 8 days after adding fish. Continue adding cultures with Activate Freshwater weekly for the life of the aquarium to reduce algae growth and sludge build up in the gravel.
Add
Immune Plus as directed and when adding new fish for disease prevention. A good knowledge of the Nitrogen Cycle will help you understand the activity between the fish, the filter and the water and help you avoid many, many problems.


 
• Leave the lights on 8 hours a day. Do not place tank near windows. It will cause excess algae growth.

• Do not overfeed the fish. Feed fish only what they will eat in two to three minutes 1-2 times per day. Vary the diet. Different types of flake foods like, freeze dried foods, live black worms, and frozen food will ensure the health, longevity and color of your fish. It is important to try and duplicate the foods eaten in the wild.

• Never underestimate the importance of water testing. Fish trapped in water with even small amounts of ammonia and nitrite can die within hours. Water test on a regular basis and be prepared to act quickly if something goes wrong. The Freshwater Test Kit contains accurate testing supplies for pH, ammonia and nitrite.

• Do a 25% water change monthly or a 10% water change twice a month. Remember to dechlorinate the water and adjust it to the same temperature as the aquarium water.

 

Further Reading
Solution 4 - Setting Up - 16 Basic Steps
Solution 5 - Foods & Feeding
Solution 6 - Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle
Solution 7 - Choosing the Right Filter
Solution 9 - Fish Stress
Solution 12 - Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance

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