Soon To Start A 100 Gallon Planted Tank

[jb12288]

I am soon going to start a 100 US gallon planted tank. I have got a basic outline of what I need:

2 boxes of Pure Laterite 55 oz/box for first layer: look here
6 bags of Flourite Red/ 15.4 lbs for top layer: this here
not sure what kind of lighting either 2 24" fluorescent T-5 lamps or 2 24" Actinic White 75W - VHO Bulb
and of course i will need help with ferts, I am thinking this one here

I have a co2 reactor that I have never used, and I am buying co2 system for paintball canisters

help me with anything i have wrong or am missing please.

 

[Renate]

I was told the Actinic White light will cause black algae by LFS employee. True or False? I decided to not take a chance and turned mine off.

 

[aaronnorth]

Tropica plant nutrition - for heavy stocked tanks (just trace)
Tropica plant nutrition+ - for lightly stocked tanks (NPK & trace)

Estimative index, see here for full description. http/www.fishforums.net/content/Plants-a...-Index-Article/

In the link given it says nitrates & phosphates cause algae - they dont.

 

[jb12288]

I was told the Actinic White light will cause black algae by LFS employee. True or False? I decided to not take a chance and turned mine off.

so scratch the actinic white and go with the t5?

 

[Mr Bliss]

I was told the Actinic White light will cause black algae by LFS employee. True or False? I decided to not take a chance and turned mine off.

so scratch the actinic white and go with the t5?

I wrestled with a similar question when I tried to decide whether I should use my 14k bulb or not. But if I've understood things correctly, as long as everything else is well balanced and stable and your plants are growing well, the type of lighting won't make a difference. I know a hobbyist over here who has a spectacular planted tank going under these dreaded 10 - 12k bulbs with no problems.

 

[jb12288]

I was told the Actinic White light will cause black algae by LFS employee. True or False? I decided to not take a chance and turned mine off.

so scratch the actinic white and go with the t5?

I wrestled with a similar question when I tried to decide whether I should use my 14k bulb or not. But if I've understood things correctly, as long as everything else is well balanced and stable and your plants are growing well, the type of lighting won't make a difference. I know a hobbyist over here who has a spectacular planted tank going under these dreaded 10 - 12k bulbs with no problems.

well thats great information. that will save me loads of money, i was going to save money up and buy a whole new lighting hood with 4 75w Actinic white VHO bulbs. But hey, if i can just buy new bulbs then that will shed $200.

 

[jb12288]

BUMP!

 

[aaronnorth]

what wattage lighting are you having then?

 

[jb12288]

2 75 watt bulbs

 

[aaronnorth]

everything sounds good. which fert are you using, the one in the link?

 

[Loony Fish]

TIN FOIL BARB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jb12288]

yes I think so, unless there is a better fertilizer availible in the US

 

[aaronnorth]

just asking as that doesnt contain nitrate & phosphate but it might be ok, you will have to see how the plants do

 

[jb12288]

which one of these ferts, these here, would be best or should I buy powdered ferts:
calcium carbonate
calcium chloride
calcium nitrate
calcium sulfate
magnesium sulfate
mono potassium phosphate
potassium nitrate
potassium sulfate

and if powdered ferts would be better, which ones do I get, or all of them?

 

[Renate]

yes I think so, unless there is a better fertilizer availible in the US

Here is where you can buy dry ferts, which last longer that liquid's, very cheap. So cheap that the shipping cost more than the ferts do. http/www.bestaquariumregulator.com/ferts.html