1st planted 10g

[Confidence]

Top offs are taking water off the top of the tank. Like grabbing a cup and taking some water out. Like for a 10 gallon, maybe about 1/2 gallon worth off the top. Then replacing it with new water. You only do this when water has evaporated.

But the important thing is you must have a heavy plant biomass. This means your tank is fully covered in plants. If you have only a few plants in the tank, then regular tank maintenance still stands.

okay sounds good, you have informed me well on this topic, thank you very much ill be starting my planted tank this coming week, hopefully it turns out, if there is any other warnings / suggestions let me know. NEVER gravel vac?

 

[Pyramid_Party]

okay sounds good, you have informed me well on this topic, thank you very much ill be starting my planted tank this coming week, hopefully it turns out, if there is any other warnings / suggestions let me know. NEVER gravel vac?

Depends what your goal is for a planted tank. If you want it to be a really nice tank with low maintenance, then buy alot of plants. Do a little research and make your decision on what ones you want. You should buy some dry fertilizers. Buy the ones I posted. Go to aquariumfertilizers.com . Buy the equilibrium separate. You can buy it online or LFS. If you wanna dose seachem excel, it will boost the plant growth a little, bit isn't necessary in a low tech tank, it just speeds things up. But if you speed things up it changes the care/maintenance of the plants/tank. Also buy a good plant substrate, a 20 lb bag of flourite or eco complete will be enough for a 10 gallon.


You can do some light gravel vacs to remove crud growing in the bottom if you see it, but never deep gravel vacs, those are harmful in planted tanks.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Another thing is too, be wise on the plants you buy. The same applies for plants as do buying fish. Don't buy plants that will outgrow the tank. The ones I listed are fine, but the rotala and wisteria need to be trimmed. Just do a little research, ask people about what plants are nice. Look at pictures too, see what looks good to you. You want foreground plants (short ones), midground and background.

 

[FSM]

Why would you use a 4 foot light fixture on a 20" long tank?

The CO2 system sounds like a waste of money. If it uses those small disposable canisters, don't bother with it. If it's just a glorified DIY unit, you can make something that works better for almost no money.

I use 2 clamp on desk lamps on my 10 gallon.

 

[Confidence]

Why would you use a 4 foot light fixture on a 20" long tank?

The CO2 system sounds like a waste of money. If it uses those small disposable canisters, don't bother with it. If it's just a glorified DIY unit, you can make something that works better for almost no money.

I use 2 clamp on desk lamps on my 10 gallon.

well FSM i hear you only need to replace them cartridges like once every 3 weeks. also do you use c02 on ur tank for ur 10g or what do u use. I was planning on usign that lgiht temp, till i buy a smaller one.