New to the mega tank game!

[cole3178]

HI!
Well, i have just acquired a 2nd hand 6 by 2 by 2ft tank. It is a HUGE step up from my current 25L tank and 3 fish.
So apart from a little help in terms of how to get it started, all the things ive read about cycling and hardy fish and what species to put in with goldfish, etc, im a little lost.
i have also inherited all the equipment that goes with it, external canister filter, ornaments, tubing, etc. So again, i need a some ideas of how to prep these things so as not to kill my fish...
So any help and pointers, i am ALL EARS! :o
Thanks in advance!
Cole

[yarra2]

Cole. What sort of fish you keep depends upon so much... for instance I have a big Malawi tank that has all sorts of colourful fish and is a delight to look at - but setting up for African cichlids takes a while to get the water and conditions right. I have another 2 tanks for South Americans and starting off with them is easier - the water is not all that much different from Melbourne's town supply. But then, having said all that, when I first started I tried keeping a little of everything. I guess a basic rule of thumb is add the population slowly, a few at a time, and be prepared for for much happiness and a bit a sadness for those that don't make it.

Wheelers Hill. Why not go and see Jamie at Evalife in Frankston or Roy at Cranbourne Aquarium - nice helpful people with good fish stocks who will help start you off properly.

Mike