Hi,
I have been interested in gold fish for a long time but after researching, I found it wasn't as easy as going to the store and falling for the old fish bowl routine-associates try to sell carelessly all the time..and they're pretty convincing too...
Anyways, I currently have a 10 gallon FW setup with 6 african dwarf frogs, 3 glo fish, and 2 chinese algae eaters. I've had this tank running since last December and the tank has been perfect. I do periodic water changes and use a marineland biowheel 100.

Ive had zero mortality. I have to admit, I don't check water parameters. Everyone is happy and healthy....

SO, I am finally ready to take the plunge and get my gold fish. I purchased a 36 gallon bow front aquarium off craigslist-brand new, little dusty with a light/cover so now want to start getting the ball rolling on setting it up.

I am wanting to purchase a marineland biowheel 400. I am kinda confused with filters a bit but since having such great luck with my 100, I am familiar with it and think I can handle it. I am not too sure about filter media as I follow the directions that came with my other filter and didn't seem to have any problems nor have I added anything to it.

First of all, is this filter a reasonable filter for my36 gallon tank? Am I supposed to "add" more filter media to it? If so, what and where do I put it?

Second, once I set up my gravel, filter, decorations,etc, is there something I can do with my already established 10 gallon tank to get my new tank cycling? I need specifics? Do I use the filter cartridge (its due to be changed in my 10 gallon) and place it in my new filter?

Should I get an airstone or  pump? Is that recommended?

I plan to purchase the API freshwater master test kit- will be checking parameters with this tank to get it going...

I like to stock it with an interesting 2-3 goldfish...any recommendations? I'm nervous its gonna look barren with just 2-3 baby probaby fancies but anyone have any other ideas/breeds?

Could I add a small group of white mountain minnows or something to liven it up a bit...I was afraid with this large tank (to me) it would be really lame...need suggestions...

Thanks a lot everyone!

OK, I am thinking I will do 3 babies and reevaluate in a few years...obviously if they need more space, I will address it then but for now, 3 should be fine in my 36 gallon...

So, is the marineland emperor 400 a decent filter for this tank? How about an air pump/stone?

Sounds like a good plan. I keep 2 fancies in a 55 gallon   

more questions;

I bought the tank from someone. How do I thoroughly clean it with no chemicals? Can I use vinegar?
Also- I want to start a fish less cycle. Can I use my filter cartridge from my other tank that is due to be changed?

Thanks!

I used warm water and a sponge to clean my tank -you would not believe how dirty it was! black gunk all along the bottom, lovely   But just warm water did the trick for me!

Can I also just say bravo for doing the goldfish research first *karma*

Well it's very refreshing to see someone take the necessary research  

We often see people who haven't done this, who then end up in crazy situations with fish in tanks that are too small or overcrowded (heck I was one of them, when I first came here!)

Can you not mount it horizontally along the length of the tank using suction cups?

External filters could always be a consideration, they fit outside the tank, so take up less space as you only need the pipework in the tank

As long as you stock slowly so the filter can have time to build up bacteria and such, perhaps start with 2 fancies to begin with? Keep in mind any you buy later will need to be quarantined (in case of disease) before adding to a mature set up.
But temporary tanks can be easily achieved using plastic tubs or similar with a spare filter (as long as the tub is strong and doesn't bow out when filled with water).

Hi, Thanks for the helpful replies. I am not stocking too much in this tank so I think 2-3 is all I am going to be putting in it so think if I cycle correctly prior to getting the young fish, then add them, 3 small fish in that large tank should be ok...
I set up the tank and have the water in it. I took a used filter from my existing tank and just threw it in ( I hope thats right) and am now just awaiting my filter (should be here Tuesday).

Does that sound right?  One thing I noticed is I have well water and the water came out pretty darn cold from the tap. It is going to be sitting for a while but since yesterday, the temp reads 62. Am I gonna need a heater? My house isn't freezing but it isn't an oven either...

amonia source? Uhhhhh, probably fish food...I know it can take a long time but with the media in from the other tank, I thought I'd get a head start...I will also place a plant from my other tank in it also.

You will get a head start with an established filter  But the bacteria will die off, if they don't have a food source