New tank!

[bettababe321]

So if you read my other thread you know that Ive been searching on craigslist for a new tank. Well I just found this one http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/for/1345833805.html Its more expensive but I love the stand and he said he'd take less than his asking price if I come get it today so I'm going to check it out after work! Question: it says it comes with a "pump" and when I asked him about it he described it as the "bubble thingy". Would the pump be for an undergravel filter? If thats the case will I have to buy a new filter if I want to use sand as substrate instead of gravel? I've never really had an undergravel filter and I dont really understand how they work. Also if I get a new one what size filter would I need for a 20 gallon tank? Thanks in advance for your help!!! I dont know what I would do without this site

[Rohland]

you cannot use sand with an undergravel filter.

[ElmoFish]

That tank and stand is really nice, and it's a great price, especially if he will go lower. You'd want a filter rated for at least 20 gallons, and try for one with an adjustable flow.

[Vikki81207]

I think the pump he described is for an airstone

[bettababe321]

So I went to see it and its definitely nice but not as nice as it looks in the ad. It does have the light on top but other than that the top is open. I would also have to buy a heather and a filter. He said he would take 50 for it and I know its a great deal but by the time I buy everything else I would need for it I would be in the 80-90 $ range and thats out of my budget :( so it looks like the 20 gallon kit with everything included for $25 is the winner, I just won't have the stand.

[Vikki81207]

Have to ever tried a freecycle group? They may have something.

[bettababe321]

No I've never heard of them .. whats a freecycle group?

[Vikki81207]

Go here and type in where you live http://www.freecycle.org/
Then you'll find groups close to you. People in the groups post things they don't want anymore for free and let other people come pick the item/s up so they don't go to a landfill. It's cool. I got rid of a MP3 player on there and almost got a few tanks. If you have yahoo, they'll send you a message when people post things.

[bettababe321]

O ok cool thanks!!

[Jupiter]

An undergravel filter needs gravel in order to work. From what I understand, the sand would fall through the slats at the bottom and block filtration.

I've heard that undergravel filters aren't very good, though. :s