Hi there,

This is my first post at ofl, but I have been reading the forums intensively for some time now.


I just got a 60 gallon tank and a new Fluval 405 filter. I am heading to the major fish outlet store in my area soon, however i would like to know what I should buy in terms of chemicals and other handy items i should have. I was also wondering if anyone has ever bought the python gravel cleaner/tank filler, and what they think about it.

Thanks,
Chris

well firstly you should buy yourself a test kit, make sure you get one that has ammonia, nirite, nitrate and a oph tester and make sure u get a liquid test kit not the strips, and you will also need some neutraliser to get rid of the chlorine out of your tap water, as for the gravel cleaner i am not sure but i am sure someone else will know about it...

Dexter gave you great advice, But I can tell you Pythons are GREAT!!! I own two! I would be lost without them!

both dexter and nicki have given you good ideas. might i suggest the american pharmaceutical master test kit for your water test kit(quite accurate and easy to use) and prime as your water declhorinator.i would also recommend to have a bottle of melafix(in case of injury) and ammolock(in case of a minicycle in your tank) on hand as well.

i wish i could get a python gravel cleaner in aus anyone know if i can get one here? they are almost $100 direct from python...

there is is for $28 US dollars on ebay. + shipping.

Thanks for the input. Will be heading to fish store monday. Let you guys now how the tank works out.

have you cycled your tank yet? i know it's tempting to set up the tank and drop some fish in it, but waiting is worth it. this coming from someone who did it. ammonia can be killer... i lost 3 common plecos in the first month

Ouch. No, I have not yet even filled my tank. I am in no rush so i wanna do it right. I still got to build a canopy, but i think i can start cycling without a canopy? I want to start cycling next week.

remember it takes 40-45 days to fully cycle a tank. so you should plan accordingly. heres a link that you might find usefull.


www.oscarfishlover.com/how-to-cycle-a-tank

Hi Dexter...Paul has a great idea on making your own, I've been looking for the thread but there's no telling where it was...I could be wrong but I think he said a old garden hose with a 2 liter coke bottle taped to the end of it....if you see this Paul will you tell him if I'm right or not please?

There are also ways to fast cycle if you have an established tank or have a friend that has one, the mods here can tell you more about that than I can, I'd hate to tell you wrong.