First big tank

[tandemcartshrimp]

Howdy everybody,

I am looking at getting a "Big tank" something large enough to house a school of minnows, my shrimp and a koura happily. maybe 150L?

I currently have a 45L and a 75L tank the smaller with 4 minnows (would get more for the larger tank) and my shrimp and the other with my koura and about 10 minnow fry.

Basically I would like to know the do's and donts for a tank that size with that stocking. I would like to have a planted tank as I have had no real trouble with plants and my koura as yet. not high tech though im a little too poor for that. As well as some experiences with different brands of tanks and the need for a stand etc.

As usual thanks in advance for any and all help.

[kinnadian]

Koura get big, you will probably need a 200L or 250L if you want some room for growth.

Stocking limits for 150L/200L would probably be a koura, shrimp and ~30 minnows.

If you want a planted tank you will need quite strong lighting to penetrate 45cm of water, probably a double T8 18W 90cm light hood.

Go for a canister filter tank, rated for 5x the flow (1000L/h for a 200L tank). A GOOD cheap brand is this one: http://www.trademe.co.nz/pets-animals/fish/pumps-filters/auction-689328853.htm. Comes with media and you can get it shipped for $100 (other comparable branded ones are ~$200 for that size, and the well known branded ones I find are worse!)

Depending on where you live, you may need a heater to keep the tank above 16-18 degC in the winter.

Tank brands doesn't matter. Just get a plain glass one unless you are particularly fussed about black hoods and all that (it will cost you a lot more for those though).

You will need a stand obviously to keep it at waist height. A strong dresser is more than capable I've found, otherwise just a sturdy looking table.