Begining A Planted Tank

[slim20012]

hi all am new hear im looking to start a planted tank my current tank has been set up for about 5 years now and is kinda boring

Was looking to goin marine but dont have the money to see it through so was thinking why not work with what iv got .

bascically iv looked through your planted section and been to my lfs but am still a little unsure on what i need.

Do i need a cable heater as the lfs store is pushing for me to buy one is this true (bare in mind will be low tec) ?

Have decided to buy co2 nutrafin even if its just for the bottle & ladder then use the diy guide on here

what should i use as a substate have been told a layer of fine sand then laterite(i think ) then what ever i choose on top ? is this right​

am new to the planted side of things i have kept plants but only as a back ground not as a feature

 

[Dave Spencer]

Forget the cable heater and spend your money on other things. There is no evidence to suggest they work.

My substrate is sand mixed with laterite, topped with just sand. There are several different types of substrate around, some of which are complete; meaning you don`t need to add anything else. A good substrate is the foundation to successful plants. My next tank will have ADA Aqua Soil which is supposedly the best around. The money you save on a cable could buy you this.

Most LFS staff, not all, know less than many people on this forum. Look forward to seeing you on the planted forum.

Cheers, Dave.

 

[slim20012]

have been reading through the posts on here and have noticed alot of people seem to have a presuised (sp) co2 system can this be done cheaply ?

And where would i get a bottle from have so far read fire extinguishers pub bottles and welding bottles are bein used ?

 

[Dave Spencer]

Look under gas suppliers or welding in the Yellow Pages. Pressurised CO2 is not particularly cheap TBO, but it is cheaper on eBay.

Planted aquariums can seem daunting costwise, but you can have successs with a simple set up.

Dave.