First native tank...need some ideas...

Hello. New board member. Lots of interesting reading here, thanks.

Well, I finally have the space and means to start the native tank I've always wanted. A co-worker gave me an old reef tank that's 72 x 13 x 21" (~80 gal). Not the ideal dimensions, but the price was right. However, I think the shape could lead to an interesting set up if done correctly. That's why I'm asking for some "what would you do?" ideas.

The smaller tank in the photo is a (free) acrylic display that will be my wet/dry/sump. I'm trying to stay 'casual' with this hobby intitally, so I have no detailed plans. However, I would guess the project to go something like: set this aquarium as a small-species stream tank, design the filter for 300-400 gal capacity, then add a larger predator tank to the system later.

But to start with, any ideas on setting up this long would be appreciated. I could also use some equipment recommendations, especially for a submersible pump model/size, as well as a good overflow.

Factoids:
- Unheated basement location; winter temp 50-55F
- Straight-from-the-ground well water
- Sump to add 20-40gal

Thanks!

What are you talking about that is a nice shape tank. I like low and long tanks. And as to what to put in it I would deninatly go with fish. LOL I know wise guy.
It really depends on what you like. Let us know what interest you and I will, as usuall, give you my uniformed opinion. I love sunfish so that would be my answer. Eighty gallons is great. And being so long you could set up teritories thus increasing the chance of keeping fish more peacably in there if that becomes an issue.
I attached one beautiful recomdation. This is a central long ear. If you could get northerns I would recomend that over the centrals. Stay smaller and less aggressive.
The northerns can be highly variable depending where caught. I suppose that can be said of the centrals as well. The northerns can be quite spectacular looking as well as less aggressive and smaller. Keep us posted would be nice of you to repost in some months ahead and show us the finished product.

I am going to go ahead and say get some pickerel! I love pickerel! They are really good preds if that is what you are into and they are not shy. Mine is always at the glass begging for food.

Chad

I would get a bowfin or a group of larger shiners(any species of chub,golden and common shiners or maybe a few hognose)

I would have to go with some Longears. I'm a tad bit biased towards them.

I would get a bowfin or a group of larger shiners(any species of chub,golden and common shiners or maybe a few hognose)

Bowfin gets WAY too big for that tank...

Chad

I beleive you said you wanted to have a stream community tank and I think by this you wanted small non-agressive fish that you could have a lot of. If this is the case do some research on what is in your local area (tell us where you are and we can help too) and see what interests you. Or if your not interested in catching/collecting your own fish then I'm sure you can find people on here willing to sell you or trade things with you. In this size of a tank with good filtration you could easily have 30 (maybe quite a few more even) fish in there if you go with small things like minnows, darters, and madtoms. In this type of setup you could also have a couple of larger fish 1 or 2 sunfish and or maybe even a sucker or 2. This type of set up can be very interesting. Take a look at famertodd's post titled "Who is this Farmertodd...?" under the photo gallery about his tanks, he has videos of his three tanks that are set up in this way and they are very nice setups. This should give you some ideas as to how you want to do your tank. Once you have picked out some species that your interested in let us know and we can direct you where to catch them or which of us can get them for you. I hope this all helps and welcome to the forum.

Since you are on a well, I would think about setting up a drip system and overflow. Done correctly you could really increase the maximum bio-load for that tank, and you could get by with once per month water changes. You mentioned that the tank is in the basement, does your plumbing above the floor of the basement or is under it? If your sewer runs under the basement floor it would be pretty easy to tie into a drain line for a drip over flow (make sure you put a trap on the line, or you can get a smell).

Also in my opinion length is good for community tanks, and width is better for single species, or larger fish. I have a 125 gal heavily planted tank that has Orange Spotted Sunfish, madtoms, various shiners, and 2 fat sleepers. There is always a bunch of movement in the tank and everyone eats floating pellets, (no special diets)

I have used lifereef overflows with great success, but they are bulky and seemed to take up a lot of room in the tank. (You will need to build a durso stand pipe to keep it from gurgling though, cost about $6.00, in pvc parts)

I have used Mag Drive Pumps in sumps and for other applications and i like them. I would think for a stream tank you would want a decent amount of head pressure over than the 4 turnovers per hour that most people consider standard. I would not go with less than a magdrive 7 but i think a 9 would be better. Keep in mind to get maximum head pressure you have to use 1.5" tubing and or pvc, which can be bulky, and every 45 or 90 fitting lowers the head pressure, and you can always put a ball valve to reduce flow.

If the tank is acrylic I would think about drilling the return into the tank, for that matter you could drill the sump overflow into the back of the tank and have the durso plumbed to the back of the tank. Glass may not be worth the risk.

My 2 cents

Harry

I would get a bowfin or a group of larger shiners(any species of chub,golden and common shiners or maybe a few hognose)

Tank is on the way to small size for a bowfin. Think big. Real big. Think over three feet. Think monster. Get the Idea. You could keep him for a while but what joy is there in that. Then you would have the problem of disposing of him. Not many people want a large bowfin. You can't let him go. No stay with the sunfish and other smaller fish that would be more enjoyable. Who wants only one fish in that size tank anyway. Especially if it is the only tank you own.

Thanks for the replies...

Size: Yeah, I only say "not ideal" because the tank is a bit narrow. Too narrow in my opinion for any med/large fish.

Species: I'm not truly a "fish nut" yet, more of a general nature nut. So I like everything. That's why I’m sure I'll need to add (at least) a 2nd tank for variety. Initially, the collection will be limited only to what I can locate and catch myself, since that is the main enjoyment of the project for me. In fact, it will take some self control not to fill this tank with frogs, turtles, and a muskrat…

smbass: Thanks for the info about Farmertodd's thread. Those tanks are great! Exactly what I was looking for...gave me some good ideas.

Since you are on a well, I would think about setting up a drip system and overflow. Done correctly you could really increase the maximum bio-load for that tank...

Thanks Harry, I was thinking the same thing, but this will have to be phase II of the project. Drip line in will be no problem, as all pipes are exposed directly overhead. Water out is the problem. The basement has no plumbing and is below waste level. I would have to install a pump-up box. But, this is long overdue anyhow…I need a washbasin in the basement, especially now with the new aquarium hobby.

Regarding well water: although I have great quality water (tested), are there other concerns? Is it possible to gas-out or anything after surfacing? Anything that could wreak havoc on the aquarium?

And thanks for the tip on mag-drive. Definitely the 9, I may even go with the 12 depending on how far I locate the sump. That current display really inspired me...

I would fill a clean 5 gal bucket up with well water , run every test you can get your hands on, ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, kh, and gh, Then put an air stone in the bucket for 24- 36 hours. if your test parameters change than there could be something gassing out of the water to alter a reading, does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong with the water though.

I am going to go ahead and say get some pickerel! I love pickerel! They are really good preds if that is what you are into and they are not shy. Mine is always at the glass begging for food.

Chad

Pickerels rule. I have two that are supposed to be showing up on my doorstep today. (friday feb 2 ) Grass pickerel. Maybe a redfin later but getting two grass for now. Going in my forty. You think they will eat my rainbow darters. *hehe* kidding.

Pickerels rule. I have two that are supposed to be showing up on my doorstep today. (friday feb 2 ) Grass pickerel. Maybe a redfin later but getting two grass for now. Going in my forty. You think they will eat my rainbow darters. *hehe* kidding.

Yes, they will. Not kidding.

Hello. New board member. Lots of interesting reading here, thanks.

Well, I finally have the space and means to start the native tank I've always wanted. A co-worker gave me an old reef tank that's 72 x 13 x 21" (~80 gal). Not the ideal dimensions, but the price was right. However, I think the shape could lead to an interesting set up if done correctly. That's why I'm asking for some "what would you do?" ideas.

The smaller tank in the photo is a (free) acrylic display that will be my wet/dry/sump. I'm trying to stay 'casual' with this hobby intitally, so I have no detailed plans. However, I would guess the project to go something like: set this aquarium as a small-species stream tank, design the filter for 300-400 gal capacity, then add a larger predator tank to the system later.

But to start with, any ideas on setting up this long would be appreciated. I could also use some equipment recommendations, especially for a submersible pump model/size, as well as a good overflow.

Factoids:
- Unheated basement location; winter temp 50-55F
- Straight-from-the-ground well water
- Sump to add 20-40gal

Thanks!

how did you come up with the free tank? ive been looking for one to boost morale at work is there some where i could find one that i could start to boost some airmens spirits?

I would have to go with some Longears. I'm a tad bit biased towards them.

Long ears are awesome. I did not notice where you are from but I am getting ready to ship your other stuff soon next week some time. You need some 2 to three inch centrals that are nothing short of awesome. I catch them by the gazzilions.