Total Plant Newbie

[cornishlass]

I have had a read of some journals, but still need an idiots guide lol.

Ok so this is the tank I have
http/www.petsahead.co.uk/Products/Fish/Interpet_Fish_Pod_64_litre-LC0427

and I have ordered this.
http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/hagen-nutrafin-co2-natural-plant-system-p-2433.html

As far as lighting goes will the lights supplied with the tank be ok? Also I have the u3 filter in it, but I am considering adding a second filter at the other end of the tank, as it doesn’t seem enough

 

[Joshwainwright]

Nice little tank you have there, do you have a photo of how you have it set up?

The U3 should give you more than enough filtration for a 64 litre tank unless you plan on stocking particularly messy fish. Generally, there won't be a problem though.

I presume it's T8 lighting?

 

[cornishlass]

Hum maybe the fish we had before was a messy one, its empty now after my old fish died after 9 years, and the newt was messy also.

So i am looking to stock it with mainly guppy as a second tropical tank in the dining room. I love the look of planted tanks, and thought I would give it a go, but the more I read the more complicated it seems.

I will have to check what the lighting is when I get home (at work) I have never taken much notice as the lighting came with the tank all set up

 

[Joshwainwright]

Planted tanks are only as complicated as you want them to be. If you stick to low tech then it is simple, but this also means you have to stick to plants that need less light and can be kept healthy much more easily.

Many people like to take the extra step through dosing fertilizers, adding CO2 and improving their lighting. Improving or adding only one of these would be pointless as the plants would then be limited by something else. For example, you could spend £300 on a CO2 system but not change your lighting, making the lack of light a limiting factor to your plants.

 

[cornishlass]

Ok, so if I go for easy to maintain plants is the CO2 a waste of time?

I will see what plants are easiest to keep.

Through work we can get http/www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=849&pf_id=53904&co=fr now I know it says pond, but I wondered if it would be any good under sand? Or is it not needed?

now I know it says pond, but I wondered if it would be any good under sand? Or is it not needed?

 

[cornishlass]

Just wanted to add I got it wrong the filter is a U2.

The lights I forgot to look at yesterday, but they are positioned at the front of the hood half of the length on the front is a day light, the other is a blue light.

 

[Joshwainwright]

CO2 would be pointless, yes.

As for the substrate, that isn't essential either but I suppose if you could get it cheap then why not...

I recently found an article which tells you some of the plants that grow well with low tech equipment, obviously there are more than stated but it gives you an idea.

Article: http/www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_lowlight.php

 

[aaronnorth]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/298133-back-to-basics/

Have a read of that, it will explain the different routes you can take

 

[cornishlass]

Great will have a read of both thanks