150 gallon planted tank ideas.

[HokieFish]

Not sure if you guys have seen my 150, but after I seal the tank I want to go back to planted. I figured it is a great time for some changes. I had a low tech planted setup for my JDs in a 55, but now I'm thinking discus and angels and I want it to be an awesome setup.
I have some new driftwood that I need to attach to slate and need to know what sort of hardware is best. Will anything stainless work?
also, I want to add a moss wall and a couple of riccia stones. After that I'm open to suggestions.
The substrate is still a fluorite gravel blend. But I might add some more flourite. What is the recommended gravel bed depth. Also, does anyone use under gravel heaters?
Thanks for the help!

 

[joe jaskot]

As for securing the driftwood, anything stainless will work. Or you could try attaching the driftwood to slate with fishing line (lasts forever). You would want the gravel bed to be at least 3" deep for ease of planting. I have heard that the under-tank heater cables promote plant growth, but have never used them. Looking forward to pictures as the build progresses.

 

[octavusprime]

I've heard a lot of aquascapers going away from undergravel heaters. There just isn't any compelling evidence to suggest they actually are worth using. If you want to spend money, I would invest in a C02 system. This will show you the biggest improvement in plant growth, plant health and reduced algae.

Just my 2 cents.

I look forward to seeing your tank. I love large planted tanks.

 

[HokieFish]

I've run a yeast based O2 set up before on my 55gallon that I still have, so I may break that back out.
Honestly, This is going to be another low tech planting, but I do like the benefits of live plants in filtration and tank health which is why I'm choosing them over artificial. There won't be a ton of plants, but enough to make it look nicely decorated.
The primary purpose for the undergravel heating is to eliminate the suction cups on the back wall of the tank since I will be putting a moss wall up as the background, but if the undergravel heaters aren't worth it then I'm sure I can come up with a better use for the money since I still have to repair the tank. anyone with experience, good or bad?