40 gallon corner tank?

Question

Alright, so I have been communicating with somebody via email about a 40 gallon corner tank for sale. Ive gotten the okay from both my mom and dad to get it, I just have to get my dad to take me to get it. He already said no to me, but mom said she will ask him, which is a completly different story.

So the tank is a 40 gallon corner. It comes with a hood, stand, filter and heater. Not sure of any brands, and the people are on vacation in the caymen islands right now so I cant really ask but they are getting back on thurday, and if I get a ride, ill be getting it next weekend.
So what am I going to need to get? Here is my list so far:
Api master test kit
Thermometer
Python
Gravel(how much of this do I need?)
filter cartridges
water condtioner

Anything else?

lol! ok first answerer, the tank will get cycled, which does not happen in the short of time. And second answerer, yes I need water condtioner for water changes, I DO need a test kit for the cycle and the python is a gravel vac

lol lets hope someone like mm is on to actually help

and also, I told you THE HEATER COMES WITH THE TANK

this is going to be a freshwater tank, and I already have the fish in my ten gallon
ill also be moving the plants in and probably adding more later on

Answer 1

Wow skittles, sounds like your covered for a great new tank! I can't think of but one single additional item that you might need. I would say about 40-45 pounds of gravel since you plan on having live plants in there.

The item you might need would be some plant food. When the tank is rather new like this, there isn't much in the way of nutrients and a little fertilizer would give them a jump start.

MM

Answer 2

Skittles, you've been on this forum enough you've already got a good list together! I could have been sarcastic and said you forgot "fish and water", but see you even covered that in your comments. I'll assume you already have your other basic cleaning supplies, net, etc. from your present tank.

I'd just check to see that it holds water and that all the equipment is in working condition before you settle on their price. Check that the hood lights work, too.

For gravel, you should allow about 1 lb. per gallon of tank volume. If you get two 20-25 pound bags, you should be in good shape.

Good luck with your new tank (and be nice to your mom come Mother's Day!)

Answer 3

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea about what you're doing.

The only other thing that I might suggest, depending on the filters and tank shape, and your preferences, might be a powerhead. (and on they types of fish that you are going to keep in it)

35 to 40 pounds or so of gravel should probably be more than enough, depending on how deep you want it to be, and if you're using a under gravel filter or not. How deep it will be, is more of a preference for you to decide on. Generally 1 pound per gallon works like Copperhead said. Depending on the shape, you probably want two inches or so, 3 if you're not using a UGF.

Answer 4

If your plants are live plants then go with soilmaster select for the substrate. It costs $16 for a 50# bag, more than enough for 3-4" in your tank and grows plants wonderfully. I would go with this even if it isn't planted. Lesco sells it, check out their website for a store near you. Since you already have a ten gallon I assume you have nets and food. You will want some sort of hardscape, wood or stone is what I use, maybe a little plastic castle if that is your thing.

Answer 5

You don't need the water conditioner. Fill the tank with water and install everything but the fish. Wait a week, then put a few fish in at a time. You also don't need the Api master test kit. You do need a net, for the unpleasant task of removing dead fish once in a while. You need around 2 lbs of gravel. Most importantly, which is not on your list, YOU NEED A HEATER.

You also could use a vaccum pump, which you use your mouth to start, to drain five gallons out into a bucket at least twice a month. Sounds icky but you have to do it to maintain a clean tank.

Answer 6

You will of course need some fish, but not for a few days. You will need enough gravel to cover the bottom of the tank with about 3 inches of gravel. You don't have to but may want to get an undergravel tray that helps promote bacteria growth as well. Set the tank up and let it run for at least 3 or 4 days before putting the fish in it. Some people say longer but I've always had good luck with 3-4 days.

Answer 7

It sounds like you have everything. You just need the fish. If you're doing a saltwater tank though, you'll need more stuff, but for freshwater fish you're fine. You could use decorations for the tank, but all the necessities you have already.

Answer 8

for a corner tank u'd only need about 25 - 30 pounds of gravel, get medium size.

Answer 9

Well i think that a nice pair of Freshwater angelfish would do nicely:) Or perhaps a school(6 or more) of Neon tetras.