45 gallon high tech planted tank

[Fishnerd360]

I have a 45 gallon bowfront fluval. I’m thinking about sometime soon, when I have the time, to convert my tank to a high planted tank since I don’t seem to have plant destructive fish at the moment. I would like to try to make it stay affordable, what light, C02, and ferts could I use and where to buy it? I probably won’t change my sand substrate.

 

[dr exum]

Got Co2 regulators n tanks from eBay.

don’t buy Wyin....

Fluval fresh and plant lights are nice....

flourish tabs work.

 

[Fishnerd360]

I got this a while ago from a aquatic show, could this work?

 

[Fishnerd360]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076J9LWJ...EXQ&slotNum=4&tag=aqualedlight4-20&th=1&psc=1
Also would this light work for low-medium light plants?

 

[twentyleagues]

Excel works for your carbon source. With that said it is very expensive in the long run compared to co2 injection and imo not as effective.

As for the lights I have no idea. I have run kessils and cheap and still don't see any drastic difference in how the plants react. My stem plants still die and my other plants dont seem to notice. I may need to dose but dont have time or want so I dont focus on plants right now. I still have plants just not ones I really worry about.

 

[Fishnerd360]

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fluval-pressurized-co2-kit

Could this work for a 45 gallon?

 

[twentyleagues]

Probably. Dont know how much co2 you'll be pushing. I used a paintball setup on a 60 cube that lasted about 4 months.

 

[Fat Homer]

The type of plants you want to keep will somewhat dictate the level of equipment you may need / find useful to have...

Excel as mentioned works as a Co2 source for not so demanding plants, but more delicate / sensitive plants may not appreciate it and prefer real Co2 injection that is cheaper in the long term...

Ferts is again somewhat dependant on plant selection, but the cheapest possible route is to look up dry ferts, as they cost a fraction of what you pay for liquid...

 

[Fishnerd360]

I was thinking of trying dwarf hair grass, swords, and ligwiga.

 

[Fat Homer]

I was thinking of trying dwarf hair grass, swords, and ligwiga.

Swords are pretty easy to keep, just need some root tabs if i rmb correctly...

Ludwiga being a red plant will probably benefit from having stuff like iron and semi strong lights to really bring out their colors...

Dwarf hairgrass will likely be the trickiest of the 3 plants, as it will benefit most from decent light, proper substrate and a decent range of ferts... good thing is once it gets going, it can really take off and cover a full tank in a matter of months...