Substrate / Ferts

[fivecheebs]

Hi,

I have been lurking on these forums for about 18 months now! Its about time I got a little more active LOL! Thanks for the masses of info I have already gleaned from these amazing boards.

I have just been given a 125l jewel tank that I wish to have planted. I am going to seed the new filter with media from my existing 25l tank and increase stocking slowly. I Plan to get it set up this weekend with a few of the fish I already own and a couple of new ones.

The filter Is on its way, its a APS 1000 EF+, so should have plenty of flow in this relatively small tank. Filter overkill? probably lol... Ive just been hankering after an external for a while, and this one looks like the best value.

Up until now, I have only ever looked after a java fern that has been growing on a bit of bog wood. Its been easy going just trimming the dodgy looking leaves off every so often.

With this tank, I want to get more heavily planted, but I don't think I want to go high tech, at least just yet. (I may try DIY CO2 and/or FE CO2 at some point reasonably soon though)

I have been deliberating some echs, anubias, and mosses / riccia to start off with as they seem to be reasonably easy to look after. I'd like to grow some grass also at a later date when i have a little more experience.

My question is, I will be using play sand as my substrate. Should I be using a planted tank substrate underneath too? Or root tabs? Should I pick up some tank supplements to add to the water column too? I get the impressions some ferts are a good idea - even for a low tech setup, but I don't know whats recommended or what to look for really. I keep seeing references to flourish? and easycarbo?

Any recommendations you guys can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Also, If anyone has any easy to look after plants I could buy a few of I would be interested to hear from you. I have my eyes on a few items in the classified section, but thought it would be worth mentioning in this thread too.

Thanks in advance

Chris

 

[fivecheebs]

Please help someone!

I have read lots and lots, and have learned masses. I promise i am not being lazy here...

Please?

 

[StandbySetting]

Hi Fivecheebs, does your Juwel come with T5's or T8's? The filter you've ordered will be ideal, good circulation is beneficial as it aids nutrient distribution and will inhibit algal growth.

As for substrate, you could use planted substrate if you wish, it means you can be less lenient with dosing, I'd recommend plain clay cat litter capped with sand, the clay will absorb nutrients and then release them slowly over time to the plants roots.

With regards to fertilisers, the fish alone may provide adequate nutrients, but that will depend on your lighting levels, but dosing a good NPK+traces fertiliser wont hurt, Easy Carbo is a substitute for CO2, it's not as good but is better than nothing, but in a low tech tank it shouldn't be necessary.

 

[fivecheebs]

Hi Standby , Many thanks for the reply.

I haven't a clue if its a T5 or T8, but it only has one. It has the following markings.(some of the markings are a bit smudged!)PHILIPS - TL-D 18WB(?)S(?) 640 (The question marks are after the smudged characters).

The filter arrived today. Blooming good service that! Free next day delivery. BTW, there is a 10% discount at allpondsolutions at the moment if you use the code "ROYAL".

When you say less lenient with he dosing, do you mean i have to dose more, or less with a planted substrate? So, is the benefit of a planted substrate that there is a kind of buffer supply of nutes stored in it, gradually leaching out of the water, and then back into the water when there is less dosing occurring, say if i was on holiday or something? Are there any other benefits?

Clay cat litter! hehe nice budget tip! Are the more expensive options less beneficial in a low tech set up?

Thanks again for the reply. Its very helpful

 

[StandbySetting]

Could you measure the diameter of the tubes and tell us what that please?

When I say more lenient, I mean that the tank will be more forgiving should you miss a dose, the difference will be negligible anyway, but it is always there as a fail safe.

The benefits of a planted substrate are that they provide nutrition to the roots, some plants will do better with root feeding, but all can take nutrients from the water column.

Most of the more expensive options work on the same principle as the clay, I know the JBL and Tropica substrate is just mineralised clay, but is about 5-6x more expensive than the cat litter method, if you were to use cat litter you'd need a 1cm layer capped with about 4-5cm of sand, you have to be careful not to disturb the clay as it may cloud your water.

 

[fivecheebs]

Hi, sorry that took so long to reply!

The tube is 1" diameter.

Would it be a good idea just to go and get a new one? I can keep this one as a spare. What should I get bearing mind i only have one tube in the canopy?

Thanks for the info about the substrate. I assume the cat litter needs a good wash first?

 

[StandbySetting]

The tube will be fine, unless it's 2 or so years old in which case it will have lost some intensity so getting a new one would be beneficial.

Don't wash the cat litter, just place it straight in the tank and then cap it.

 

[fivecheebs]

Great! Thanks.

I think the tube will be at least 2 years old, probably more, but its guesswork really. I'll see if I can find out.

If it does need replacing, what do I ask for? Do I simply measure the length and ask for a T5 or T8?

 

[StandbySetting]

Measure the length and ask for a T8, T5 tubes wont work in this style of fixture.