Thank you for the reply and ideas Snubby, how ever I was looking at a bit more extended time on the water replacement times hence the replaceable filters. I had a chance to re-read a thread, I think minnow tanks 101, and the building of the bio grade filter in a 5 gallon bucket, which sounded interesting as well. Seeing's how I already have most of those supplies, I will probably start with that set up. I will need to go get the chemicals to remove the chlorine and probably the jump start stuff so I can start putting minnows in sooner than 10 weeks. the closest place I know to get minnows after Halloween is 38 miles away. Not far from a place I like to fish, but if I want to spend an afternoon fishing closer to home, it's a bit far to go get minnows...I was thinking of adding in the whole house filter tor the ammonia, scales and other stuff assoc. with having the fish, and still have the bio-grade filter for the good bicteria in the water the fish need. Thoughts?