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i am wanting to start my first aquarium with a 130 gal. tank because i have heard that a bigger tank is a good way to start because of maintinace. i need help on what kind of equipment i would need like pumps filters ect.its going to be an under gravle filter and it will be fresh water with some live plants. and if some one could tell me what a sump is that would be great and if i should use one. i am thinking of some sharkes and also rubber eel. if you have any suggestions on what eles would be good let me know.

In terms of fish I would go with some bigger new world cichlids, like Midas, Oscars, Jaguar, and so on. I would go with a sump for filteration.

Well, if you are going freshwater I suggest a cannister filter. They are a little more expensive, but better for the bigger tanks. There are many brands: Eheim, Fluval, Rena, etc. It just depends on how much you want to spend.

You will also need a heater. For a 130g tank you will need about 650 watts (5 watts per gallon). You may be able to get away with only 600 watts (and get 2 300w heaters).

I don't know the exact definition of a sump, but I know they are mainly used in saltwater tanks.

To get enough light to plant the tank will be expensive. I would shoot for about 260 watts of light (2 watts per gallon). That will allow you to grow low and medium light plants.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

Also, what do you mean by shakes? Do you mean sNakes?

A peacock eel is a good eel for that size tank...if you are going FW. They would probably prefer a sand bottom though, since they like to bury. That may limit your plant choices because sand isn't really a good substrate for plants.

*Kristin*