125 Gallon High Tech Planting Tips?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
J

josephjeon

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 22, 2010
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California
Hey guys, if any of you have planted a large tank such as a 125 gallon for high tech-plants, can you guys give me links of the equipment you guys use? I plan on creating one with my tank and I want to know what the best equipment for it would be. It's a 6 ft. 125 gallon tank (dont know exact dimensions) that would need CO2 and strong lighting.

It would be awesome if you guys could give me a list of:
-Lights you use + bulbs
-CO2 kits
-substrates
-fertilizers

I plan on growing a thick forest-like aquascape with HC as a carpet.
No fish will go in there besides a few cardinal tetras and SAEs. Maybe red cherry shrimps too. Thanks!
 
OK here you go ...

The startup cost of Co2 is a little expensive but if done in a thrify manner can save you some money.

Regulator
l_ma957%20co2%20reg.jpg



Not the top of the line but a great starter regulator, comes with Co2 tubing, FREE SHIPPING, bubble counter and solenoid $86.00
http://www.water-testers.com/content...regulator.html

Now you need something to house the co2 gasses (cylinder) I would recommend a 10lb since this is for a 125gal. $80.00
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Alumin..._Tanks_p/t.htm

Now you need a co2 Diffuser. $15.00
b881_1.JPG


http://cgi.ebay.com/S3-CO2-Diffuser-...item3a4c8bae23


Now you have to determine how much Co2 you're getting into your tank and that's where a Drop Checker comes into play, along with calibrated 4dKH solution.


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Drop checker - $15
http://cgi.ebay.com/Drop-Checker-Tes...item3a5ad7b341


4dKH Solution - $8.00
!Bb3mPKwCGk~$(KGrHqUOKjEEq5WZT!SyBKyCb!7y!!~~_12.JPG



http://cgi.ebay.com/4-dKH-Reference-...item35af3c582f



The expensive this is going to be your lighting, since it is 72" it is rather pricey.
You could go with 2 36"
Maybe 2 of these
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-36in-2x39W-T5-Aquarium-Lighting-p/52122p.htm

Or this one...Just replace the Actinic bulb with a 10,000k

http://cgi.ebay.com/72-T5-HO-Aquari...118?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb4bbb88e


But this is (if I had the money) would be one I'd get.
http://cgi.ebay.com/72-Aquarium-Lig...044?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5a2ec6ec


Hope this helps, if you have any questions don't hesitate to POP IN.


OH yea I almost forgot about refilling. Most welding supplys around me wants you to lease one of their tanks. So you will need to call around to find out if any REFILL YOUR TANK. Now call some fire extinguisher companies in your area, those that specifically REFILL extinguisher. I have one in my area and he ALSO refills co2 cylinders. I have a 5lb bottle and it cost $14.75 to refill it. It last me about 4 months.
 
JasonG75;4866452; said:
Substrate - pool filter sand (with mounds here and there of Eco-complete or Florite)

Ferts - Local poster http://www.bobstropicalplants.com/store/catalog/
Click to expand...

thanks A LOT for the help, i really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question! and i'll probably end up following this guide.
You were right... the lighting is pretty expensive.

Right now i have a 72 inch jebo light fixture with 2 flourescents (i think bigger than T5). although the light itself only ends up covering part of the tank.. ill take a picture and show. I can just replace the bulb for that right?
I also have a coralife 48 inch light (not a fixture... with one 10k T5 and the other some weird bluish color starting with an A... light.) I can just change the bulbs on that too right?

Also, would i have to take off my tank lid to grow the plants better? or can i keep the tank lid. I cant put on my 48 inch light otherwise.
 
Yea you can change the bulbs on the 72 inch jebo, thinking this might be a T12..more info on the light fixture would help.

On the coralife that A bulb (Actinic) Trash it..and change it to a 10K

Keep the lids on UNLESS you want plant to eventually rise to the surface and grow OUT emersed.
 
JasonG75;4869811; said:
Yea you can change the bulbs on the 72 inch jebo, thinking this might be a T12..more info on the light fixture would help.

On the coralife that A bulb (Actinic) Trash it..and change it to a 10K

Keep the lids on UNLESS you want plant to eventually rise to the surface and grow OUT emersed.
Click to expand...

Okay i will change that Actinic bulb before I start planting, and I will have to change my JEBO bulbs too... i really dont know what bulbs they are because I kind of just impulsively bought them and set it up the way it came. The fixture is 72 inches... but the bulbs are only 48 inches long. Even if i change the bulbs, do you think 48 inches is enough coverage for a 72 inch tank...? Would the plants on the sides just die? or should it be fine. The fixture puts in a good 3-4 inches above the tank.

So total:
two 48 inch T5 bulbs.
two 48 inch T12 bulbs.

Would I be able to get enough light out of this for a high-light tank if i change the bulbs? And what would be the estimated cost to do so?

Thanks :D
 
dont skimp on the regulator. buy the best.....if it fails because its made in china and your entire plant collection can go to waste. then replacing the plants will offset the cost of the correct regulator..the china made regulators are not cosistant. my 2 pennies...

pay to play.....

co2-a1-2.jpg


aquariumplants.com
 
Fishwhore;4875657;4875657 said:
dont skimp on the regulator. buy the best.....if it fails because its made in china and your entire plant collection can go to waste. then replacing the plants will offset the cost of the correct regulator..the china made regulators are not cosistant. my 2 pennies...

pay to play.....

co2-a1-2.jpg


aquariumplants.com
Click to expand...
Silicone gasses of CO2, not a good choice on your setup.
 
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