I just recently set up my 125 tank and I found myself having to make
to many unnecessary trips to too many stores because I didn't sit down
and make a list of what I needed for the complete set up.

I don't know how to go about this, but I thought this would be a good place
to let people post some of the necessary items so that maybe when we're
done, we can compile them in a list of sorts, and people can then take it and
use it.

Just thinking out loud!

I probably could have bought more stuff if I hadn't spent so much money
on gas making those unnecessary trips everywhere!

Well necessary items I would start with...

Heater(s)
Filter(s)
Substrate
Decorations
Thermometer
Lights
Extra Filter Media
Air stone & Air pump (optional)
Test kit for cycling (optional)

Epsom salt (optional but always good)

And of course fish! That's all I can think of right now.

everything that CT said but i have to add some other things..

plants(optional but looks good if they are alive)
meds(depending on if the fish your getting can get sick very easily ex: tropheus)
a BN pleco for the clean up

and your money On the Floor Laughing
i hate it when i go to the fish store to find out that i forgot to bring my wallet!
then i have to go back to my house and get the bloody thing and come back to the fish store. thats alot of riding to do!(i take the bike)

BTW, what kind of fish were you thinking of getting??

As above, plus:

- Power/extension lead (as required - for additional power outlets)
- Timer (optional - for lights)
- Cover glass
- Either: Bucket & Gravel Cleaner or "Python" (for water changes)
- Fish net(s)
- algae-scrapers (magnets?)
- Fish Food?!?
- Comfy chair, slippers & large bottle of preferred beverage Tres Bien!

Cheers!
Cheers!!!

OMG I can't believe that I forgot that stuff! Jeesh were is my mind going?!? :blink:

Don't forget the dechlorinator!

And don't do what I always do -- leave a well prepared list at home. dumb dumb

water? Nanananaa

Rena, that's exactly what happened to me!

I thought I had everything I needed in my mind, but I forgot
a lot of small things, except for one larger and much needed item.

A 6 way power strip!

I had everything set up and ready to plug up only to realize that the dumb
preacherboy had forgotten that these tanks don't run without electricity! dumb dumb

I'll compile the list or someone else can if they want to, after maybe some other
people read the post and see if they can add anything to the list!

Thanks everyone!

As far as what is going in the tank, I'll post that up later this week.

I may be getting my hands on some incredible stock this week!

Bouncy I can't wait to see what your up to PB!

Yeah I always forget the powerstrip but thank god I've always got 1 or 2 laying around the house! Heck who needs the TV to work when you have a new tank, use that powerstrip! Giggly

Another optional thing to consider is eggcrate or styrofoam on the bottom of the tank if you are using big heavy rocks. I have it in some of mine, but not in others.

Backgrounds are easier to apply in the beginning.

Air pump accessories like tubing, check valves, gang valves, etc.

Do not fill your tank with water without allowing enough space for the hang on back filter if you don't have it in place yet! (I did this once. dumb dumb)

If you are not ordering online, see if your local store will price-match online prices.

I can't wait to see the tank either, preacherboy. Wiggle it just a little bit!

Or paint on the background, that's always easier when the tank is empty and still outside!

Thus far, here is the list we have collected so far...

* Substrate:

1. Eggcrate (light diffuser) for the bottom of the tank to support heavy rocks.
a. Optional, but highly recommended to avoid disaster of cracking the tank.
2. Pool filter sand, or aragonite/crushed coral, or whatever you prefer

* Filtration:

1. Decide what type of filtration you want to use and how much water you want to
filter per hour.
2. Make sure you have all the filter materials necessary to set up the filter.
3. Make sure to allow enough room behind the tank for the HOB to be easily
removed.
4. If you know you are going to be setting up a tank soon, try to set up a seeded
filter so that you can jump start the cycling process.

* Heaters:

1. Make sure you have enough wattage to cover the size of your tank.
2. It is often recommended that you buy two heaters instead of one larger one in
order to avoid the disaster of a malfunctioning heater making fish soup!

* Power Supply:

1. Make sure you have enough outlets ( 6 way power strip) and that your electrical
capacity isn't exceeded!
2. Timers for your lighting. (optional)

* Decorations:

1. Before the tank is set in its place and is easily accessible, add the desired
background. I like to paint my backgrounds with flat black paint.
2. Plants; whether silk, plastic, or real.
3. Rockwork desired; I recently went to a local landscraping place and saved a lot!

* Lighting:

1. Most tanks purchased come with light, tank, and stand. However, for those
setting up a used tank, just keep in mind that you may need a light source.
2. Glass tops/hoods. I much prefer glass tops over the "full deluxe hoods"

* Maintenance:

1. A gravel syphon; Python's are very nice and they are your friend.
2. A bucket is always handy to have around for many reasons.
3. Algae scrapers
4. Two fish nets, a smaller one and a larger one

* Miscellaneous:

1. Air pumps and with check valves, gang valves, and air line tubing.
2. Fish food
3. Meds
a. Maracyn and Maracyn 2
4. A good dechlorinator that can remove both chlorine and chloramine.

Are we forgetting anything?

Feel free to post and add to the list! The list isn't final and I'm sure that there is something we have missed.

If anyone would like to revamp the list I made, feel free to compile your own list and post it. It won't bother me a bit. I welcome it!

Hope this thread helps somebody!

After some more input on what's been left off of the list, I think this would be good information to put into an article, preacherboy.

I think you may be right, Aura!

I know I could have used a list like this when setting up my tank.

The list could prove helpful for those who like to order online and save money.

Excellent job! That's a great list, I wish I would've had that.

Good job, preacherboy.. I was the same way when I first started doing tanks. I now have enough stuff to set up 10 aquariums. Add to your list go to yard sales and pick up bargains. Last weekend I got 2 - 30/60 filters and a 20/40 filter and a dual port air pump for 8.00. After cleaning and testing all work very well. The whisper 20/40 has never been used, and was complete. I buy things like this all the time and stockpile the stuff. never know when you may set up a tank or have a filter go bad.

Just a thought, for all of you yard sale people. Amazing what you might find.