I'm going to start a tank soon. Mine's 2ft. I guess I have everything noted down except for one thing.

I can't decide which brand of filter to use. I've been reading about EHEIM - good but expensive. I plan to have my tank go low tech first. So, just wondering if any of you can recommend me a nice filter, but not too expensive. Budget for filter will be about RM75. I hope to get a HOB filter.

geediver... gah! got shot by the search-nazi! plan to keep a planted tank with a lill bit o' fishies to liven things up. ok then... back to google i go.

nezu & geediver... thanks for the tips. looks like i have more reading to do before starting my tank. plan to start it this weekend, but looks like i have to postpone it for now.

again, thanks lots!

what i have is what i inherited from the previous owner, which is a 2ft tank and a overhead box filter. i'm getting a light source from my boss, but he tells me its not powerful enough but could be just nice for java moss and ferns. i'm going to DIY my CO2.

so, this tells me i need substrates, filter media (maybe a new filter instead of the ugly overhead box), a timer for lighting, fertilizer. i'm still wondering what other 'chems' i need besides anti-chlorine.

right now, i'm reading up on how to cycle a tank.

ok. because i plan to start with Java ferns and moss, i'm told that holland sand will do nicely. the ADA soil is a bit too expensive but what about GEX soil?

i dun have the light yet. but i'll put up the pics when i get it.

geediver, nezu & ggMing:

thanks for all the advice. i've already set my tank up. its doing pretty well. i went for the pennywise-pound-foolish (no offence taken ) path. was thinking that if i didn't like it in the end, i could use the stuff i have to keep fish instead. i just want a basic tank for now. i'll go full upgrade if i decide i'll stick with this longer and have spare cash to blow.

this is what i have now:

Hardware:
Hagen HOB filter
Bio-rings
18W PL light <- given to me, beggars can't be choosers.
CO2 diffuser
DIY CO2 (which is driving me crazy!)
2ft. tank <-given

Hardscape:
Huge tree-trunk of a driftwood <- given to me, but i'll split it soon
Lava rock

Plants:
Tenellus
Java Fern
Anubias
Cabomba
Mayaca
Anacharis <- this is a MONSTER of a plant! grows very fast!!!
Flaming moss (? because i'm still not sure)

Fish:
Guppies
Tetras

Substrate:
Holland sand
JBL base fert

Soon to come (for now):
Thermometer
Fan
A nicer, thinner driftwood
Java moss
Windelov Fern
Otos
Shrimps <- much later when my tank is fully stable

It is very rewarding to see my tank doing well. But i know if i buy better lights, it'll do better.

I've heard about SLS's workshops, hope to attend the next one soon. I think i'll learn a lot more.

once again, thanks for all the advice and tips.

ggMing is right about the glass diffuser. needs a lot of pressure. i think i need a 2-bottle DIY CO2 setup. the bottle that i have is leaking CO2. i need to silicone glue the holes.

i shook the CO2 bottle today, there was enough pressure to force the bubbles out, but only for about 5 second. then, the water seep back into the tube. i need a check valve.

i guess this will be my sunday project!