I have been moving a lot and finally found a place close to campus and I will be there for the next year, so I've decided to buckle down and do a high-tec planted tank. I currently am still in the research stage of what I actually want to buy, but I have a good idea of what I want to do with everything. I'll post pictures as I progress through this and hopefully I can get some feedback, negative or positive! This is going to be a lot of info at once,but it's everything I plan on doing.
HERE WE GO!
Equipment:
Tank:
40g rimless
http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_25_29&products_id=332
Going to SF this weekend and am planning on picking this bad boy up!!!!!
Lighting:
Hagen 36" GLO Dual T5 HO 2 x 39W Lighting System
http://www.aquacave.com/hagen-36-glo-dual-brt5-ho-2-x-39w-lighting-brsystem-2011.html
OR
SUN BLAZE T-5, 24" LightFixture 4 x 24W lamp
http://www.aquacave.com/sun-blaze-t-5-24-lightbr-fixture-4-x-24w-lampsbr-by-sunlight-supply-2134.html
Regardess of what fixture I choose, it will be suspended from the ceiling. I am leaning towards the Hagen because of the fact that it is larger than the tank dimensions, opposed to the sun blaze which is smaller.These are the bulbs I'll be using...
Giesemann PowerChrome Aqua Flora T5 Lamp http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-aqua-flora-t5-lamps-2306.html
Giesemann Power Chrome Midday T5 Lamps
http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-midday-t5-lamps-833.html
The lights will be automatic and will be run for 10 hours a day.
Heater:
Hydor ETH 200 In-line Heater
http://www.bigalspets.com/Hydor-ETH-200-Line-Heater-200/dp/B0002JEMM6?ie=UTF8&id=Hydor%20ETH%20200%20-Line%20Heater-200&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=3007699011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=3007699011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=inline&field_keywords=inline&class=quickView&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank
This model does fit the out take line for the eheim 2215/2217. I want to put this on the out take line so that the water running through it is clean and not full of junk
Filtration:
Eheim 2215 or 2217
Im trying to decide which one to get. Im going to have the intake and out-take as partial lilly pipes so I wont have to deal with the ugly green tubing. I'm also trying to decide what type of filtration media to use.
http://www.bigalspets.com/Eheim-Filter-2217-Plus-Kit/dp/B0002AQXVI?ie=UTF8&id=Eheim%20Filter%202217%20Plus%20Kit&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=3007699011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=3007699011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=eheim%202217&field_keywords=eheim%202217&class=quickView&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank
Sterilization:
JBJ NANOZAPP Inline Ultra Violet Sterilizer-3W
http://www.bigalspets.com/JBJ-NANOZAPP-Inline-Violet-Sterilizer-3W/dp/B004H89XDQ?ie=UTF8&id=JBJ%20NANOZAPP%20Inline%20Violet%20Sterilizer-3W&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=3007699011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=3007699011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=inline&field_keywords=inline&class=quickView&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank
Ya it's only for a 30g, but its's better than nothing! This will only be run when the lights are turned off.
CO2:
Definitely going to have a automatic, full-blown pressurized system, but not sure where I should buy this at..any input? O I'll also have a airstone that turns on automatically when the CO2 system shuts off.
So that is it for the physical "hardware" I'm going to be building a custom stand to put it on and will be designing my own lilly pipes for the intake and output. I definitely want the light fixture, CO2, airstone, and UV sterilizer to be automatic. The exhaust tube from the eheim will be 50% lilly pipe and 50% 1/2" tubing. The UV sterilizer and inline heater will be on the 1/2" tubing. I want this set up to be CLEAN, both visually and literally.
Here comes the substrate and ferts section!
Substrate:
Im thinking of going all in on this....by this I mean ALL ADG products. I am still confused on what I should have exactly. If anyone has any viable alternatives I would appreciate it. The ADG set up is going to set me back about $300, if I could save some money I would appreciate it!
You can find the individual items on their site, but here is a list:
3x 20lb bags of Malaya Normal Type Aquasoil
1x Penac W 200g (Aquarium)
1x Penac P 200g (For Plants)
1x Tourmaline BC
1x Bacter 100
1x Power Sand SPECIAL-M 6 Liter
2x Aqua Soil Malaya (3 Liters)-Powder Type
This should be enough to give me good coverage and nutrients. I just dont know if I need the penac, bacter,power sand, etc. A LFS guy told me this stuff is the best and he is a pretty knowledgeable guy and since Im not purchasing it from him Im kinda inclined to believe him, THIS IS THE AREA I AM LOOKING FOR THE MOST FEEDBACK.
Fertilizers:
Pfertz High tec+
http://www.pfertz.com/hightechplus.html
What else should I be dosing? I know ill add the penac and what not after water changes, but what else is essential?!
Aquascaping:
Im planning on having a design that slopes from right to left...this is what I had in mind sort of...http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/journals/63921-jinsei888s-40g-planted-tank-journal.html
The right side of that tank is a little overcrowded in my opinion, I would rather have a low height plant like baby tears to create more of a "meadow" look. I do LOVE the left side of that tank.
Im going driftwood hunting after I get back from vacation, I have a few pieces already that Im going to start soaking.
Fauna:
Siamese algae eater x2
Breeding pair of Snakeskin Discus
Cherry Shrimp
Cardinal Tetras x25(maybe less)
Oto x2
BGR x2
Open to suggestions!
Plants:
Ill figure this out more when I get the hardware and everything!!! Suggestions are welcome though!
Well that's it for now, I'm going to do some research on plan type and will keep this post updated regularily. Im probably not going to be able to set the tank up till the 15th of September (my official move in date), but Im hoping to have a lot of the hardware by then. Im leaving for Washington with my girlfriend for a week starting 9/2-9/11, so I wont be able to respond rapidly but keep the info coming!
THANKS!
HERE WE GO!
Equipment:
Tank:
40g rimless
http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_25_29&products_id=332
Going to SF this weekend and am planning on picking this bad boy up!!!!!
Lighting:
Hagen 36" GLO Dual T5 HO 2 x 39W Lighting System
http://www.aquacave.com/hagen-36-glo-dual-brt5-ho-2-x-39w-lighting-brsystem-2011.html
OR
SUN BLAZE T-5, 24" LightFixture 4 x 24W lamp
http://www.aquacave.com/sun-blaze-t-5-24-lightbr-fixture-4-x-24w-lampsbr-by-sunlight-supply-2134.html
Regardess of what fixture I choose, it will be suspended from the ceiling. I am leaning towards the Hagen because of the fact that it is larger than the tank dimensions, opposed to the sun blaze which is smaller.These are the bulbs I'll be using...
Giesemann PowerChrome Aqua Flora T5 Lamp http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-aqua-flora-t5-lamps-2306.html
Giesemann Power Chrome Midday T5 Lamps
http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-midday-t5-lamps-833.html
The lights will be automatic and will be run for 10 hours a day.
Heater:
Hydor ETH 200 In-line Heater
http://www.bigalspets.com/Hydor-ETH-200-Line-Heater-200/dp/B0002JEMM6?ie=UTF8&id=Hydor%20ETH%20200%20-Line%20Heater-200&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=3007699011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=3007699011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=inline&field_keywords=inline&class=quickView&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank
This model does fit the out take line for the eheim 2215/2217. I want to put this on the out take line so that the water running through it is clean and not full of junk
Filtration:
Eheim 2215 or 2217
Im trying to decide which one to get. Im going to have the intake and out-take as partial lilly pipes so I wont have to deal with the ugly green tubing. I'm also trying to decide what type of filtration media to use.
http://www.bigalspets.com/Eheim-Filter-2217-Plus-Kit/dp/B0002AQXVI?ie=UTF8&id=Eheim%20Filter%202217%20Plus%20Kit&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=3007699011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=3007699011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=eheim%202217&field_keywords=eheim%202217&class=quickView&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank
Sterilization:
JBJ NANOZAPP Inline Ultra Violet Sterilizer-3W
http://www.bigalspets.com/JBJ-NANOZAPP-Inline-Violet-Sterilizer-3W/dp/B004H89XDQ?ie=UTF8&id=JBJ%20NANOZAPP%20Inline%20Violet%20Sterilizer-3W&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=3007699011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=3007699011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=inline&field_keywords=inline&class=quickView&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank
Ya it's only for a 30g, but its's better than nothing! This will only be run when the lights are turned off.
CO2:
Definitely going to have a automatic, full-blown pressurized system, but not sure where I should buy this at..any input? O I'll also have a airstone that turns on automatically when the CO2 system shuts off.
So that is it for the physical "hardware" I'm going to be building a custom stand to put it on and will be designing my own lilly pipes for the intake and output. I definitely want the light fixture, CO2, airstone, and UV sterilizer to be automatic. The exhaust tube from the eheim will be 50% lilly pipe and 50% 1/2" tubing. The UV sterilizer and inline heater will be on the 1/2" tubing. I want this set up to be CLEAN, both visually and literally.
Here comes the substrate and ferts section!
Substrate:
Im thinking of going all in on this....by this I mean ALL ADG products
. I am still confused on what I should have exactly. If anyone has any viable alternatives I would appreciate it. The ADG set up is going to set me back about $300, if I could save some money I would appreciate it!You can find the individual items on their site, but here is a list:
3x 20lb bags of Malaya Normal Type Aquasoil
1x Penac W 200g (Aquarium)
1x Penac P 200g (For Plants)
1x Tourmaline BC
1x Bacter 100
1x Power Sand SPECIAL-M 6 Liter
2x Aqua Soil Malaya (3 Liters)-Powder Type
This should be enough to give me good coverage and nutrients. I just dont know if I need the penac, bacter,power sand, etc. A LFS guy told me this stuff is the best and he is a pretty knowledgeable guy and since Im not purchasing it from him Im kinda inclined to believe him, THIS IS THE AREA I AM LOOKING FOR THE MOST FEEDBACK.
Fertilizers:
Pfertz High tec+
http://www.pfertz.com/hightechplus.html
What else should I be dosing? I know ill add the penac and what not after water changes, but what else is essential?!
Aquascaping:
Im planning on having a design that slopes from right to left...this is what I had in mind sort of...http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/journals/63921-jinsei888s-40g-planted-tank-journal.html
The right side of that tank is a little overcrowded in my opinion, I would rather have a low height plant like baby tears to create more of a "meadow" look. I do LOVE the left side of that tank.
Im going driftwood hunting after I get back from vacation, I have a few pieces already that Im going to start soaking.
Fauna:
Siamese algae eater x2
Breeding pair of Snakeskin Discus
Cherry Shrimp
Cardinal Tetras x25(maybe less)
Oto x2
BGR x2
Open to suggestions!
Plants:
Ill figure this out more when I get the hardware and everything!!! Suggestions are welcome though!
Well that's it for now, I'm going to do some research on plan type and will keep this post updated regularily. Im probably not going to be able to set the tank up till the 15th of September (my official move in date), but Im hoping to have a lot of the hardware by then. Im leaving for Washington with my girlfriend for a week starting 9/2-9/11, so I wont be able to respond rapidly but keep the info coming!
THANKS!
I love the look of the glass tubing! I never thought about aeration of the substrate, thanks for opening my mind to it! I read that if you put your smallest grain size on the bottom layer and move progressively up in the layers by increasing grain size then it will allow for better aeration. it will also allow "dangerous gases" to move up through the soil and escape without building up! 
