New set up advice reqiured

wrote:
Hi i have a 3' x 1' x 1' aquarium which is currently housing coldwater

goldfish however i am ready for the next step and having found new
homes for my goldfish i wish to refurbish my aquarium into a tropical
aquarium.

I am first and formost looking for a bigger/better filter for the tank
and am looking at a filter and heater combination that i have found for

around £29.99. Is this the way to go or would you buy a seperate
filter and heater? Are there any particular makes/models you would
recommend for a tank of this size?


Also are you aware of any good websites which catalog (with pictures)
the types of fish my new tropical aquarium will be able to house?


Thanks in advance!

First I would not recommend a combiation heater/filter. Too much heat
can build up in the filter and this is not healthy for aerobic bacteria
which thrive in cooler water. You need these bacteria for proper bio
filtration to remove ammonia and nitrites.
I would recommend a HOB filter WITH a sponge pre filter for this size
aquarium. Or a Sponge filter #3 or #5 in combination with an internal
filter. ( my first choice). Both of these combinations are inexpensive
and will filter biologically and mechanically.

There are some links on this site for fish gallery pictures, and also a
lot more quality information:
http://groups.msn.com/Fisssh/

Carl