I just received a 50 gallon tank with a Fluval 403 Filter?

Question

I don't know much about tanks except we have benn maintaining a 10 gallon for alomost a year. This filter was givin with the tank and I was told was excellent. I have a bottom feeder and goldfish in the 10 gallon. How should I transfer over? How long should I let the tank run with just water before I put the fish in? I want to get some plants any suggestions? What about a heater I added one to my 10 gallon tonight as the tank came with a red fish yellow eyes seems to chase my goldfish. Also easiest direction to do it All. I put gravel down first then ? plant? then add water then do I add the stress coat? ANy other things I should buy?
Thank you all for help.
Samantha

Answer 1

You are on the right track. Treat it just like when you set up your 10 gallon only bigger :)

Transfer your fish using a fish bag or a zip top baggie, just float them in the tank like when you buy new fish.

Run the tank long enough for the water to be the right temperature and you should be fine to move the two fish you have right on over. let your fish stay in the tank for a few weeks before you add any new fish, this will let the tank cycle and settle in.

You would need a 200 watt heater for a 50 gallon tank, about 3-5 watts per gallon.

I can't tell you what your new fish is, but if it's chasing you gold fish around you might have to pick one to keep and take the other to a pet store and give him away.

Stay away from live plants for now, those take a bit of extra work.

Several of your questions are very basic and you say you don;t know much about fish or aquariums so I would like to recommend you go out and buy a good fish book or two and read up a bit. It really will make life easier and you and your fish much happier. :) The books would be the most important thing for you to buy. Knowing what you are doing and why to do it is more important than any equipment you can buy. Your brain is the best peice of fish keeping equipment you can have!

Best of luck with your new tank and your growing hobby!

Answer 2

Heater, lighting, plants are necessory for your fish.

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