Starting a BIG freshwater tank

My daughter and her husband have decided to get a fish tank and found a great deal on a used tank with equipment. The tank is 125 gallons.
They've only had a 10 gallon tank before, and have little idea how to set up a BIG tank. At the least, I think they need a good reference book.

Any suggestions for a reference book or suggestions on what to be careful of with such a big tank?

 

My 125 was freshwater (cichlid) and I don't have to care for it for weeks...except for water change. I first started checking the water parameters every week for like half a year and no spike of any kind, so I started checking it every 2 wks and eventually 1 month.

There were no problems with my tank for well over 7 yrs....then the big bad hurricane came and wiped out half of my tank. I can only save half of my fishes.

I am not sure what to be careful about, I guess it's similar to saltwater...basic water parameter (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, temp). Also, it depends on what type of fish you gonna keep too. Cichlids will need trace elements (lakes) too, most tropical fishes are easy to keep. HTH.

Let us know what you (well, your daughter) guys gonna keep...*cough*marine fishes*cough* .

 

Pix

See my 100gal freshwater tank in the photo of auqraium

 

http://www.new-discoveries.com/aquariumsecrets/thanks.html

 

ooo the possibilities of a 125 gallon tank. that be awesome especially if they went with a planted tank some nice tall ones for the back would be great. they need some special water needs like ciclids but a discus only tank would be beautiful that be someting to check into

 

Saltwater *Cough*Cough*

 

Tell them to go to the library...then they wont end up having a bunch of books they bought laying around after they understand the basics

Reccomend they get an Master Test Kit that includes the tests for the following:
pH low range test (6.0-7.6)
pH high range test (7.4-8.6)
Nitrite Test
Ammonia Test
Nitrate Test
General Hardness Test
Carbonate Hardness Test


Reccomend they get a Python...
or make a DIY version
FishGeeks :: Tropical fish - Marine Fish - Aquarium Fish - Pond Fish - Aquatic Plants



...and of course I'd reccomend they get a couple Oscars;D
After the tank has cycled!

 

I agree with the hints you got here.....;D

 

Thank you, everyone, for your comments, links and thoughts!
They decided not to buy the big tank, due to other financial priorities.

 

I see how you are, just run us around......