Newbie Help: Setting Up A Planted Tank

[Alexis]

OK, so basically: have a good substrate?

Currently, I do have a plant that's turning a little yellow... but if the liquid fertilisers just cause algae, then I don't think I'll bother.

So it's better to invest in a good substrate, than to merely add laterite to current, plain gravel substrate?

Do you need to change these substrates at all? Is it easy to clean?

Thanks for all the help, BTW!

 

[paulioo]

You probably need to change the substrate every 5-10 years. But thats a totally wild guess. Basically the substrate is a great investment, and although its expensive it will last many many years.

The yellow leaves maybe due to lack of macro nutrients ie lack of proper substrate. I'd always recommend buying a good substrate, but many people can grow a nice planted tank using plain old gravel and laterite or root tabs.

If you can afford it, then buy a good substrate. If money is tight then go for laterite and/or root tabs.

Paul

 

[Alexis]

Hmmm, OK! I'm planning on going to one of the biggest pet stores around here on the weekend, so I'll probably look into substrates then.

Following substrate, is there anything else vital a (serious) beginner should know? Or for now, is it just: get a good substrate and plant plants into it?

Thanks for all the help. I must sound pretty lame. LOL. But your help is greatly appreciated! Everyone here is so willing to help! And sorry martin_jones! I've kinda taken over your topic! =P

 

[paulioo]

Yeah sorry martin_jones, hopefully this will be useful to you also..

The only other thing is to choose your plants according to your setup. There is no point buying a high light demanding plant and placing it in a low light setup because it will just die, or not grow properly.

Also watch out for aquatic stores selling non-aquatic plants as aquatic plants. Generally speaking if the plant can support itself out of the water then its not aquatic.

It may sound crazy, but fish shops actually sell non aquatic plants to use in your tank. They look great for a month then they die.

Get a good substrate and good lights and your half way there.

Sorry Martin_jones, the thread is now yours again

Paul

 

[Alexis]

Currently, I only have the light that came with my tank, which is 2.5-3 WPG, so is that too high, or will it do? Do you have any recommendations for easy-to-grow plants?

Now, can I ask about CO2 now, or should I not bother for now? =P

(Really sorry, martin_jones! LOL)

 

[paulioo]

Your in a tricky situation because your tank is quite small, only 9 gallons. So the watts per gallon gets pretty messed up.

Usually 2.5-3 wpg would be classified as a high light tank, requiring C02 injection, macro fertiliser and trace fertiliser i.e a high tech planted tank. But not in your case, 2.5-3 wpg in a 9 gallon tank as far as i know is still classed as a low light setup.

I'm affraid my knowledge of planted tanks runs out when it comes to small tanks. You'd be better to start another topic concerning your 9 gallon tank.

You only need to worry about Co2 injection once your lighting goes above 2wpg in an average sized tank.
Paul

 

[Alexis]

OK, I started a new topic. XP Thanks for all your help!!! It was greatly appreciated!!

 

[martin_jones]

No prob with hijacking my thread All good advice.

I popped into LFS and was told not to bother with decent substrate or laterite as it's expensive. Might have to buy online (unless anyone knows anywhere in Kent to get it cheaply!).

(and call me martin - don't need the surname )

 

[Themuleous]

No offence to your LFS but to say a decent substrate isnt necesary is complete crap, yes it might cost a bit more but the benefits over just gravel are huge and long established. Just think about plants in your garden? If you took them and planted them in just sand would they grow? I very much doubt it.

Most (probably 90%) of LFS are well behind on the planted tank front, so places like this forum are much better for getting up to date info, but I wouldn't call planted substrate 'up to date'!

Sam