Newbie On Planted Tanks

[wbaguesty]

Ive had many fish tanks before and now that I have my own house have decided to start it all up again. Ive still got all the stuff from when I had them before so a lot of the equipment wont be a problem.

This time I want to go for a planted tank, ive tried them before but never really had the right stuff and set my tank up correctly.

The tank size is 36" x 12" x 15". So im guessing its around 24gl and 106l.

Ive ben reading around and looking for substrates to go on the bottom of the tank, I looked at the Tropica Plant Substrate for the bottom but not sure what to go on top?? Sand or very fine gravel??

Then do I need a co2 unit or something or a liquid alternative?? Not sure which one anyone would recommend or how I would use it??

Thanks in advance.

Guesty

P.S I will be getting some pics up soon and posting my progress. Water is going in tomorrow to get the filters going.

 

[Truck]

what lighting is going over the tank?

 

[hellohefalump]

Ive ben reading around and looking for substrates to go on the bottom of the tank, I looked at the Tropica Plant Substrate for the bottom but not sure what to go on top?? Sand or very fine gravel??

Whatever you think looks better. Plants grow better in gravel than sand because sand is more compact - saying that though, I'm growing plants successfully in sand and you've got the tropica substrate too. You could use a bit of both (in separate areas) if you think it would look nice.

Have a look at the sticky at the top of the forum for CO2 info.

 

[wbaguesty]

what lighting is going over the tank?

At the moment all I have got is a 30" Tropical Aquarium Arcadia Strip light. It says 'For plant growth' on it. But I presume thats a load of cobblers....

Would I need to change these??

Cheers

 

[Truck]

watt wattage are they? and are they T8's(1" in diameter?)

 

[wbaguesty]

Ive ben reading around and looking for substrates to go on the bottom of the tank, I looked at the Tropica Plant Substrate for the bottom but not sure what to go on top?? Sand or very fine gravel??

Whatever you think looks better. Plants grow better in gravel than sand because sand is more compact - saying that though, I'm growing plants successfully in sand and you've got the tropica substrate too. You could use a bit of both (in separate areas) if you think it would look nice.

Have a look at the sticky at the top of the forum for CO2 info.

Cheers, I presume that the substrate goes on the bottom and then the fine stuff on top. I may use a mixture of both like you say.

As the co2, Ive read the sticky, not sure if it was the right one or not. Didnt quite understand it

 

[wbaguesty]

watt wattage are they? and are they T8's(1" in diameter?)

Its 3/4" wide and 25W at the moment. Quite old so will need replacing. Anything better I can get?? Will the tank take a 1" bulb and what would you recommend??

Cheers

 

[Truck]

sounds like a T6, is there any writing printed on the tube?

 

[wbaguesty]

sounds like a T6, is there any writing printed on the tube?

Yes I believe it is a T6 although there is no marking on the bulb saying that.

Like this one below,

http/www.fantasea.co.uk/acatalog/ORIGTROP.jpg

Cheers

 

[Truck]

that arcadia is a T8. is there any info on the bulb? manufacturer, wattage etc? anything

 

[wbaguesty]

that arcadia is a T8. is there any info on the bulb? manufacturer, wattage etc? anything

On the bulb it says this exactly,

Arcadia,
Origional Tropical
FO25-(30", 750mm)
The Plant Growth Lamp

Thats it. Is that a T8 aswell?? Is that good/bad??

 

[Truck]

its a T8 so youve got low lighting, two things to consider reading up on CO2 and fertilizers,

your looking at about 1wpg

 

[wbaguesty]

its a T8 so youve got low lighting, two things to consider reading up on CO2 and fertilizers,

your looking at about 1wpg

Yea I will do. Il read up on those as the co2 I dont quite understand what I need yet I know what it does.

1wpg?? What would you say was decent to get for a planted tank and would there be any around that would fit my tank??

Cheers

 

[SuperColey1]

Arcadia Original Tropical is a rubbish light to look at too. It is 4000K and very very pink on the dark side. I would look for a tube that is between 4500 and 6500 that has a CRI beginning with 9 like this:

[URL="http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tub...x-Osram-30-Watt"]http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tub...x-Osram-30-Watt[/URL]

http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tub...l-Narva-30-Watt

The second would be my choice as it would be closer to a natural colour IMO but the first is better quality. May give a very slight green appearance.

AC

 

[wbaguesty]

Just an update. Tank is being filled up tonight and filters along with heaters all going on.

Tropica Plant Substrate is on order.

What sort of gravel should I use?? Is really fine stuff ok??