What Do I Need?

[KateT]

I have a Juwel Rekord 96 that is currently cycling. Once it is done, I want to add some plants. The plants I would like are Amazon Swords, Dwarf Hairgrass and possibly Java Fern (to attach to bogwood).

Fish-wise, still not 100%; a school of tetra (probably cardinal), a couple of apistogramma and some sort of bottom-dweller (no idea yet).

What would I need to maintain my plants? Is a c02 injection (I don't even know what that is ) necessary? Which products are recommended? Is it necessary to put anything under the (sand) substrate to aid plant growth?

As simple as possible would be great!

 

[PDSimon]

Sounds good to me, similar plants to how I started off! Couple of questions though

What volume of water is your Rekord 96?
What lighting does it have?


I would recommend using tropica plant nutrition plus as a fertiliser and easycarbo as your carbon source. CO2 injection isn't necessary providing your lighting is low.

A substrate isn't necessary but there are some available, I don't really know much about them but I used tropica substrate, I think some people use JBL/aquabasis I can't remember though! They aren't necessary, but I would take them into consideration as they can be useful to add. It can be a hassle taking the sand up if you do want a substrate in the future.

Fish wise, a shoal would look great, there are loads of apistogramma to choose from which would suit the tetra well and offer a bit more character. I have apistogramma cacatuoides which are stunning little fishes

 

[KateT]

The tank holds 96l, but I have a massive bit of wood in there. I've been taking about 10% off when dosing ammonia, so treating it as though it is 86 - 90l.

No idea on lighting. It's a second hand e-bay job! I assume it's nothing high spec. Certainly not an issue to change the bulb if it is of any benefit to the fish/plants.

Which fert would be your recommendation?

 

[PDSimon]

It would be good if you could find out the wattage of lighting, it should say on the bulbs themselvs or on the holder.

I would go with Tropica plant nutrition plus or TPN+ for short its easy to dose and seems pretty well balanced. A lot of people use it.

 

[BadBadger]

+1 on the TPN+. Worked wonders for me
As for stocking i would definately recomend some rummynose tetra. They look great with the green back ground

Cheers

 

[KateT]

It would be good if you could find out the wattage of lighting, it should say on the bulbs themselvs or on the holder.

I would go with Tropica plant nutrition plus or TPN+ for short its easy to dose and seems pretty well balanced. A lot of people use it.

Lighting is something I am so very confused about. I had a look at the tube in the tank and it says "Classica FX18 (24", 600mm).

I have no idea what that means - and I don't even know how to change the tube! I've read of starters, reflectors, T5, T8.... it's all just gobbledegook to me!

 

[PDSimon]

hmm.. I need the wattage of the bulb really. You sure it doesn't say that somewhere?

I think the best bulb to have in this situation would be 2x T8 15 watt bulbs.... it doesn't actually mean anything to me either, you just get used to the names

 

[KateT]

hmm.. I need the wattage of the bulb really. You sure it doesn't say that somewhere?

I think the best bulb to have in this situation would be 2x T8 15 watt bulbs.... it doesn't actually mean anything to me either, you just get used to the names

Nope, I looked everywhere and that's all it says. There is only room for one tube, so I can't have two

 

[StandbySetting]

The record 96 comes with a 15 Watt T8 fixture if memory serves me correct, with this sort of lighting you wont require CO2 injection, or ferts or any tupe of special substrate, the fish should provide adequate nutrients for the plants, this would give you a low maintenance tank, and slow growers would suit your tank such as: Java fern, Valis, Crypts, Anubias and Mosses etc.

 

[KateT]

If I was to buy the upgraded hood, which has 2 X 18W tubes - would this be excessive or would it be fine? Better/worse?

 

[PDSimon]

I would think it would be ok, I would like to see some more input from other members though before you upgraded anything though...

I'm sure the lighting you have would be sufficient

 

[KateT]

I would think it would be ok, I would like to see some more input from other members though before you upgraded anything though...

I'm sure the lighting you have would be sufficient

Well I wanted to get a new hood anyway. My tank is second hand and the cord which controls the lighting is a bit dodgy; have to wiggle it around before the light turns on. Wouldn't be too put out paying £20 extra for the two-tubed one.

 

[PDSimon]

2x 15W might be safer. Try working out the definate volume of your tank. Mine for example says roma 125...but its probably around 100. I have 40Watts and manage so if yours is 80-90L and 36Watts it should be ok!

 

[StandbySetting]

2*18 Watt fixture would be fine, you may have to limited your photo period though to begin with in order to avoid algae, you'll get faster growth with this fixture, and as a result of this your plants may require a liquid fertiliser, but as soon as they're in you'll know this as the plants will show deficiencies if they're lacking in certain nutrients.