planted tank

[schizo_fish]

what would i need? and what would i need to do? to set up a planted tank using sand?

 

[gadazobe]

To get good plant growth the sand needs to be about 2" deep. How big is the tank and what lighting do you have?

 

[schizo_fish]

my tank is 40 (uk) gallons. 100 x 40 x 45cm.
Im running 60w of lighting.

 

[Sanj]

Ello,
is that two tubes? and do you have reflectors? If not definatley a good idea.

If you really want a densley planted tank, would be could to add neutrient to the sand, either plant tablets or a layer of fertile substrate (various on the market) under the sand.

Cheap co2 set up would be good, definaltey good for plant growth. I have some JBL bottles cost about £12 but after they finish instead of buying their nutrient (yo make co2) i just used 1/2 tables spoon of yeastin one cup sugar dissolved in luke warm water.

 

[schizo_fish]

yes, thats two 30watt tubes, both with reflectors.
im not looking to use co2 just yet, but i do know about making my own.
when using a fertile substrate, would it eventually run out of nutrients? and what is that stuff like?
anything else that anyone can add, please do
i need all the help i can get

 

[schizo_fish]

anyone got any more info?

 

[Joviella]

When I set up my 55gUS I just added reflectors to the lights.......left everything else,as was.......added plants and fish( after cycling ) and now I have a tank that needs pruning once a week at least....they grow like crazy......nitrates in my tap water are fairly high though ,so I think my plants live off my tank to a certain extent. I have never felt the need to add any plant fertilizers. Only my opinion......hth





Edited to say..... I have fine gravel in my tank at present but have had sand in the past and the same thing happened.

 

[David]

I have my plants in 3 inches of fine gravel and I use carbon supplements and nutrients in my tank weekly. They grow very well. The anubias I bought when I set the tank up has almost doubled in size and put out about 5 new leaves in a little over a month's time.

 

[schizo_fish]

so, it doesn't really matter about adding any sort of fertile substrate? just as long as there is a few inches of sand and i use food tabs if the plants need them.

 

[Joviella]

It is really more about the lights.....I keep mine on a timer....they stay on for 10 hours a day(most people suggest 12) ....I have never had a problem with the lights supplied with my tanks and all plants grow really well without the need for extra fertilizers. The only thing I added was the reflectors.....maybe I am just lucky though. You could try posting in the plant section and see what they say??
I feel like I have repeated myself,but I believe what I say......

 

[littleme1969]

Tip... once planted...don't go all arty and move them...lol
They hate that. Just arrange them first how you want them, then plant them when your happy with the look of the tank.
Also if the pants are new to you and you water I would leave them unplanted for a while and just let them sit on the gravel/sand. When you buy them from the shop they are always either in small pots or bunshes, never planted, and the change in water conditions and the sudden addition of substrate around their bottom can lead to rotting. Well this is what I have found anyhow, so now I leave them to settle for a week first, and they seem o do much better.

 

[schizo_fish]

thanks for all your help

 

[schizo_fish]

oh, and hi littleme1969, i sent you a message ages ago about your three joined tanks. thankyou for getting back to me. i think they look amazing.

 

[Sanj]

yes, thats two 30watt tubes, both with reflectors.
im not looking to use co2 just yet, but i do know about making my own.
when using a fertile substrate, would it eventually run out of nutrients? and what is that stuff like?
anything else that anyone can add, please do
i need all the help i can get

Fertile substrate tends to be slow releases and doesnt runout as such for a long time. It is much better then just using liquid fertilizers.

In one of my first planted tanks i used a substrate called Aquagrit, but there is also stuff you can get to mix with gravel to form a yucky borewn mess lol, but you cover this with an inch or two of clean substrate (gravel or sand).

If you can order online, Green Line Aquatics also supply a slow release fertlizer, looks like a large black tea bag. You can but it in your filter or behind rock /wood in the tank. it is pretty good also. However it needs to be replaced every few months.

 

[littleme1969]

oh, and hi littleme1969, i sent you a message ages ago about your three joined tanks. thankyou for getting back to me. i think they look amazing.

Thanks... But its up for sale next week
I have just bought a 95UK gallon tank And there is only so much room in my house. So the triple hex has to go I'll be putting it on e.bay and will post a link in the for sale section if anyone in the UK is interested.