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Post by sumo2000 on May 2, 2009 0:50:03 GMT -6
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Post by jgentry on May 2, 2009 5:06:28 GMT -6
To grow most plants you need around 2-2.5 watts per gallon. The sand is fine as long as it isn't really fine doesn't pack down too tight. You should be able to buy a 30" light fixture with either T5 bulbs or compacts for well under $100 that will fit your needs.
If you haven't done a ton of reading on plant care I highly recommend it. Keeping a successful planted tank that continues to thrive and look nice is much more difficult then a reef tank in my opinion. I kept a highly planted tank for discus for several years and just recently phased it out. It can be quite shocking to people what all is involved in making it work.
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Post by sirknight on May 2, 2009 9:17:30 GMT -6
There are two main types of planted aquariums Low tech and high tech. Low tech tank are not that difficult to maintain, however when you get into high tech tanks they do require some additional equipment and testing equipment. Here is a link to a forum dedicated to planted aquarium tanks, give it a read and you should get a good understanding. See below: www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/I would go with low tech setup (less than 3 watts of lighting and no CO2 supplement). which would mean easy plants (java fern, some of the swords, Anubias, Anacharis Dwarf Hairgrass) that still look good and will not require a lot of extra equipment and supplies. You may still need some fertilizers to keep them looking good depending on the number of fish, etc. that you are keeping also keep in mind the type of fish you want to keep in the tank. There is just way to much to talk about in one response until you get a little more explicit about what plants you are wanting, the types of fish you want to include in the tank, your water makeup and tank temp just to name a few. Sand can work but I would not recommend it as a stand along substrate it is to fine for plants that require planting in the substrate , however a mixture that had some sand would be OK. for your tank size I like T5 lighting. PC bulbs are OK but not my choice for planted tanks. Joe |
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Post by jgentry on May 2, 2009 9:33:23 GMT -6
Personally I have never had any longterm success with low tech planted aquariums. You always end up with the alge out competing the plants. I've read several articles online with people claiming they work great but I just haven't had any luck with it. I think CO2 is a must if you want a planted tank that will last anytime. Even if you are just using a yeast reactor (these are cheap, homemade, and easy to use). Anytime I didn't use CO2 I ended up with ugly alge covered leaves and unhealthy plants.
I prefer T5 fitures as well but I have also had great success with compacts as well. I would go with whatever you can find the cheapest with 5500K or 6500K bulbs. Look for at least 65watts.
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Post by jon carman on May 2, 2009 10:19:58 GMT -6
I've never had any luck with africans and plants because they are like my dogs- when bored they go into destruction mode. I've tried the java ferns and moss.
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Post by jgentry on May 2, 2009 10:58:57 GMT -6
I could definately imagine a group of africans demolishing some plants. Don't most of them eat plants Jon or am I just remembering incorrectly? Sorry, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to africans.
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Post by jon carman on May 2, 2009 11:49:27 GMT -6
Mbuna do. But others destroy them when spawning- they uproot them and just tear them up
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Post by sumo2000 on May 2, 2009 13:29:07 GMT -6
To grow most plants you need around 2-2.5 watts per gallon. The sand is fine as long as it isn't really fine doesn't pack down too tight. You should be able to buy a 30" light fixture with either T5 bulbs or compacts for well under $100 that will fit your needs. I'd love to have that instead but with 24" T-5 bulbs being 14 watts each then a two light setup is about 1 watt per gallon right? Or am I not understanding something (which is likely). This is the closest I can find that might work: www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18369/si1383180/cl0/coralifefreshwateraqualight24powercompactlight1x65wIs there a hood/light combo you might suggest? |
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Post by sirknight on May 2, 2009 13:42:05 GMT -6
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