Start Big Or Small?

[Llegmore]

I've kept tanks for as long as I can remember but (the shame) I've never successfully kept a planted one. In 2 weeks my exams will be over and I'm eager to start the summer project of finally planting a tank.

My question be this - should I start with the smallest tank (5 gallon), the biggest (35 gallon) or one of the inbetweenies (10 gallon)? Some people say it's easier on a large tank because cycles are easier to monitor but others think that small is better and now I'm confused

Please help

 

[Noahs ark6]

It's defineately better to start as big as your budget can stretch to, so 35 gallons. The bigger the tank, the more water there is "dilute" a problem should one occur. It's also generally easier to keep the water quality higher in a bigger tank (and of course, you can keep a wider variety of specimens). What are you planning to keep.

 

[Llegmore]

It's defineately better to start as big as your budget can stretch to, so 35 gallons. The bigger the tank, the more water there is "dilute" a problem should one occur. It's also generally easier to keep the water quality higher in a bigger tank (and of course, you can keep a wider variety of specimens). What are you planning to keep.

I had a feeling that would be the answer. Budget - ah my mother will not be happy. I've just finished a 'save the betta from the local petshop' scheme - shall have to work on plotting to get funds for this little lot

I've been doing a bit of research: moneywort looks good for a start, some java moss across bogwood perhaps. I love amazon swords as well but my tank's a short/very long sort and I hear they can grow pretty big? Is a fern a good idea? I'm open to anything - but it kind of depends on what my local aquarium specialist is stocking as I don't trust online ordering

Cheers for the reply

 

[Noahs ark6]

A big tank is'nt essential, it's just easier in the long run and more entertaining.
Amazon swords can get very large, i had to chuck a few bacause they grew so tall they started to push the lid open. I think ferns are awesome plants, especially java fern, as they are undemanding and do well in low light, and thats the same for moss (have a look at the pic in my sig, the three plants attatched to the wood are java ferns). It's likely that your lfs will stock them as they are popular and apart from pets at home, i don't think i've visited a store that doesnt stock them (well, i've only ever been to three)

 

[Llegmore]

I'm pretty sure the closest I got to planting success was with a fern. Then GCSEs came along Is it possible to plant a tank gradually - so as not to disturb the current occupants?

 

[Noahs ark6]

You could put all the plants in at once, or add them gradually over a period of time, it won't make a sinificant difference to the fish, just personal preference

How did your GCSE's go for you?

 

[Llegmore]

You could put all the plants in at once, or add them gradually over a period of time, it won't make a sinificant difference to the fish, just personal preference

How did your GCSE's go for you?

Not bad thanks. 6 A*s, 4 As, 2 Bs although my dear fish are the only things keeping me from completely freaking about A-levels at the moment.

And I thought it would be all right - just everyone seems to do their plantings as big projects where I'd prefer to sneakily slip in something green every now and then. I think if everything changed at once, my hyperactive harlequins would freak out lol.

Cheers for all your help by the way. I've been stalking the forums for about four years now - hoping to finally be an active member now that I've gleaned a little experience.

 

[Noahs ark6]

You could put all the plants in at once, or add them gradually over a period of time, it won't make a sinificant difference to the fish, just personal preference

How did your GCSE's go for you?

Not bad thanks. 6 A*s, 4 As, 2 Bs although my dear fish are the only things keeping me from completely freaking about A-levels at the moment.

And I thought it would be all right - just everyone seems to do their plantings as big projects where I'd prefer to sneakily slip in something green every now and then. I think if everything changed at once, my hyperactive harlequins would freak out lol.

Cheers for all your help by the way. I've been stalking the forums for about four years now - hoping to finally be an active member now that I've gleaned a little experience.

Wow, 6 A*s is amazing, well done.

Hope the planting goes well for you, I'd love to see some pics when it's all planted

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Go big, you'll save money in the long run when you end up just buying a bigger tank a month down the line like i did lol

 

[FishFanatic04]

lol A 35g would be a nice starting size. Not tooo big but not small by any means. Goldilocks would swim in it.

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Well I wouldnt consider 35g to be that big in your case but one thing to mention is the cost of the plants, wood, rocks, substrate, ferts etc A bigger tank is bigger cost in terms of planting especially if you may be considering a silent cycle

Sometimes starting planting in small tank helps you to get your bearings and find out what work and what doesn't at minimal costs, its also easier to scape a smaller tank at first

 

[Llegmore]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll keep thinking about it and do some costings to make sure it's all manageable.

 

[bae1994]

Wrong thread sorry