new tank what type of filter?

[wanttosinglikemarycoughlan]

I have bought a second hand fish tank for cold water fish
I need to set it up and then stock when its ready
It has come with lots of stuff including a pump. The pump only pumps air in right?
So I need to buy a filter. The tank has a false wall at the back so I am thinking the filter will be hidden behind there
Is only a small 60l tank, any recommendations on the best filter?

[EauRouge]

What do you mean by a false wall, is it glass or one of those polystyrene things that looks like rocks/tree roots? The filter needs to go in front of decorative backgrounds, and the background needs to be siliconed to the back wall of the tank so that no fish can get stuck behind it.

I've got a couple of tanks that size, they both have Fluval filters in. The older model is the 2+ which I've had going for years with no problems. They don't make them any more but you can still get second hand ones. The updated version is the U2 (Bono not included), I've got one of those too but I've only had it for a couple of months- so far, so good. Eheim make good filters too. Stingrays are crap, steer clear of them.

[wanttosinglikemarycoughlan]

Thanks for your reply
Its not a decorative wall its more like a separate compartment. I have seen them in shops with the filter hidden in them but I am not sure if it needs a specific type of filter

[EauRouge]

Oh right, I know what you mean then. If you're using an internal filter then it needs to be in the main tank. Is there a gap at the bottom or is it completely sectioned off?

[catsofa]

Under gravel filter systems are really simple, I've used them for years and swear by them for a simple coldwater setup.

You get a plastic base with little slits in it which covers the base of the tank, then a tube going down into this which is where you put the airline from the pump. You cover the base with gravel, the airline makes all the water in the tank circulate, it's dead simple.

[wanttosinglikemarycoughlan]

It came with a pump but I didn't think a pump was a filter
When I kept fish years ago I had a pump with foam bits in that I washed out
This pump is like a motor with pipe sticking up from it.I don't have a clue what to do with it. Would it be for an under gravel.system?
I feel a little clueless here

[EauRouge]

Air pumps like this sort of thing can be used to power a sponge filter or under gravel filter, but the more modern style internal filters are more efficient and easier to clean so most people use those in small tanks now. Is that the sort of pump you have?

[wanttosinglikemarycoughlan]

This is it. It has 4 little suction feet but the cable comes out of the bottom so I'm not sure if it should be immersed

[catsofa]

Is it upside down?

[wanttosinglikemarycoughlan]

It is stuck onto the top of the tank with its sucker feet so I think its the right way up

[EauRouge]

It looks like a powerhead, they're for creating extra flow in the tank. Unless there's a gap at the bottom then it's not part of a filter. I wouldn't submerse it if you're not 100% sure. Do you know if the tank was used for marine fish before you got it?