Journey To The Planted Side

[Trod]

Hi, I had been keeping marines for around 2 years, but after a series of disasters I have decided to move over to a planted tank. I am planning on going the low tech route.
My tank is now cleaned out and ready to start.

My first question is substrate I have decided on Fluorite Black but doing my research I have come across something called leonardite, apparently you can add a layer of this first then the Fluorite, what do you guys think, is this a good idea, is there a better idea.

So far I've only found Earthworks soil builder granules is this ok to use???

 

[seffieuk]

Arrrrr, here you are my sister! Dont know the answer, but do know you should be in with the Planties

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/forum/10-plants-and-planted-tanks/

Big Sis x

 

[Trod]

oops good start could a kind mod move post for me please

 

[Trod]

I have decided to go with just the Flourite Black now.

Next question, I want to build a little wall running through the tank, can I use granite or slate??

 

[fishy55599]

i think slate would be fine

 

[Trod]

Thank you fishy

 

[lljdma06]

A question, have you thread through our resource center?

Another question, what are your goals? like what do you want to grow?

 

[Trod]

A question, have you thread through our resource center?

Another question, what are your goals? like what do you want to grow?

Hi, no I haven't but will do, now you have bought it to my attention

Goals now thats I harder question

I would like a natural looking tank with lots of planting, got a few plants in mind not sure of the names yet, I would like a grass looking cover at the front, may be riccia, Might need CO2 for that though, to see it at its best, also pygmy chain sword, and some kind of purple/red plant aswell.

As for fish I will be having cherry barbs, and probably some kind of tetra. I know cherry barbs only shoal loosely but I really love them.

Tank is an aqua one bow fronted approx 300Ltr

 

[lljdma06]

What is the planned filtration and lighting?

But definitely read through PARC first. That'll help define your goals better. Ian, myself, and the rest of the Planted team here to protect you from algae... If you start things off correctly from the beginning, you'll have minimal algae issues and you'll get to enjoy a lovely planted tank. Planted is a lot like Marine...

Steelhealr said it once "Beauty comes slowly, disaster comes quickly" Same story over at Planted, especially if you rush a system's planning.

Woohoo, I'm excited, 300l is a great size for a planted tank, lots of room to play around with different species.

Liz

 

[Trod]

Thank you Liz, Yes unfortunately me and algae are old friends A relationship I'll be more then happy to rid myself of!

I have 4 arcadia T8 bulbs at the moment, 2 marine white and 2 blue which I shall change to more suitable tropical bulbs.

I have an external filter, Boyu EF20, canister, 400l/h.
2 koralia 2's but will probably only use 1, and a rena smart heater

All help greatly appreciated.

 

[lljdma06]

You'd be surprised. If it were me, I'd actually put in both Koralias. My ADA scape has pretty strong circulation. Two aquaclear 50s and two Rio 50 powerheads. For a 17g tank. What's the wattage on the T8's?

 

[Trod]

Arrr ok I keep the 2 then.

The bulbs really need replacing they are nearly 2 years old now. What would you recommend?

 

[lljdma06]

That doesn't matter, I've got bulbs that are 3-4 years old, makes no difference, what's the wattage on each bulb? That gives me an idea of the direction you should take.

 

[Trod]

They are 36W each.

 

[seffieuk]

Cough, cough..........have you started a journel?

Big sis x