Planted Set Up Ok?

[lifeofbrian]

Hi all,i'm think about getting this collection of plants for my new 125 ltr tropical tank.It has an Aquis CF500 filter,and a 200w heater.

Plantsalive/18” Collection:
5 x Elodea Densa
1 x Aponogetum Crispus
5 Eleocharis Parvulus (dwarf hairgrass)
10 x mini Amazon Sword
5 x Bacopa Monnerii
5 x Twisted Vallisneria
10 x Sagittaria Natans
5 x Rotalla Indica

This will be my first ever tank so i have a few questions.

1.Will i need an CO2 system for this amount of plants.(i will be having as many fish as i can if that makes a difference).

2.I will be using a JBL ProfloraStart Set or Dennerle DeponitMix Professional Substrate,with part sand,part gravel on top,for a beach/land effect.Is that the correct way to layer it,or do i need another layer under the substrate.(i have seen this on the forum,but there was no explanation as to why).

3.Does anyone have experience of these plants,are they ok for beginners,and are they truly aquatic?

Thanks,
Brian.

 

[ian]

hey Brian, we'll need to know what wattage your lighting is before we talk C02. Most of these plants do alright without C02 as long as the lighting isn't especially high. As for the substrate, a nutrient rich substrate isn't a must, however if you're thinking about putting some in then do so, it certainly doesn't hurt. You would normally use, say the JBL stuff as an under-substrate and cap with whatever. The plants are all aquatic plants.

 

[lifeofbrian]

hey Brian, we'll need to know what wattage your lighting is before we talk C02. Most of these plants do alright without C02 as long as the lighting isn't especially high. As for the substrate, a nutrient rich substrate isn't a must, however if you're thinking about putting some in then do so, it certainly doesn't hurt. You would normally use, say the JBL stuff as an under-substrate and cap with whatever. The plants are all aquatic plants.

Thanks for the reply m8,some useful info,my lights are 2x20w T8.I'd like to get away without using CO2,because money is a bit tight,but i want everything in the tank to be real.

Also,if i put mopani wood in the tank,will i need to use activated carbon to clear the tannins?also do you think the plants will grow ok in just sand?

Thanks,
Brian.