New Tank - Challenge

[JohnB]

Hi

My tank is to be fully planted with community fish (hoping to be able to stock a various levels within the tank (ie top, middle and bottom)

So im looking for a planting plan - bit of a nightmare due to the size (but fun at the same time) The tank and kit arrive 3rd week of March and I will post a journal with pics and progress on here. Anyway here are the specs and thoughts \ plans appreciated.

I was going to get a large piece of bogwood for a feature set off centre

Regards

John B



Tank
Rena Aqualife 200 x 50
Dimensions: 201cm W x 51cm x D 70,5 cm H
Volume in litres: 717
Volume in imperial gallons: 157

Filtration
1550 l/h External Filter Rena Filstar xP4
Media - Coarse Sponge, Fine sponge, Ceramic bio balls then filter floss to polish

CO2
JBL Proflora CO2 Set Profi 1
http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/technic...ories/co2/19466

Lighting
Currently 4 x 58W (232w) – (this is going to be update to an Arcadia luminare. T8 )

Substrate
Bottom - Eco-Complete – approx 250lbs to achieve 3 inch depth
Top Level – not decided yet.

 

[fozziebear]

just my opinion but i think a rena filstar xp4 will be too small for a tank of that size, and i have heard they can be noisy, contrary to popular belief you need a good flow on a planted tank to transport co2 and nutrients, your gonna need 2 watts per gallon or over to grow a lot of high light plants, especially some foreground plants, and the watt per gallon rule doesnt work for tanks taller than 24", also if you put a fine substrate on top of eco complete it will sink, eco complete is best used as a standalone substrate, or you could use flourite with it, also what are you doing for fertilizing the plants? dry ferts would be a good option for a tank that size, a lottt cheaper, anyway sounds like an amazing tank, lots of possibilities cant wait to see pics.

 

[Themuleous]

Yeh I would want a second xp4 for that tank. With that much light you are going to need to dose ferts regularly as well. Have you read the pinned Estimative Index article? Worth a read if not

I've got EC and its an excellent substrate and does not need capping with anything.

Sam