Best substrate

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bobblehead27

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 15, 2010
925
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Tampa Area
I just recently decided to start this project of getting a 29 gallon planted tank. I have the tank already. This is my first planted tank though. I plan on trying to get some t8 lighting or t5. (Still doing a lot of research on lighting as well) but I figured start from the ground up. So first I was going to by the substrate then the driftwood/hardscape materials. Then worry about lighting.

I would like to have a fairly heavily planted tank. Even with a carpeting plant. But need to know what substrate is best.

I went to my LFS and they suggested cinder (crushed volcanic rock I think) so I picked up 20 pounds. And then researched it and some sites say it's good. Some say its bad. It was 99 cents a pound. Which isn't terrible. But I'd like to know it's the best thing out there at that price.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks



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Hi, I'm not an expert, by any means, but I do have plants in my tanks :)

Take a look at this forum below, anything and everything you want to know about planted tanks, substrate, lighting, ferts, etc. In my low tech tall planted tank I use black eco complete and a curved section of supernaturals Tahitian black sand. Inert rocks, driftwood, power head for current..

Will there be fish in your tank? I've never used dirt, as my pt is a SA cichlid tank. That would mean a perpetually messy cloud of dirt for me.

Good luck and please post pics!

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/



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Oh wow thanks for the information. You've really been a great help.

There will be fish going in. I'm thanking about trying rams along with some community fish for movement/color. Gotta research that. I'm gunna put the plants in to grow while I go on my next deployment and then get the fish when I get back.


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bobblehead27 said:
Oh wow thanks for the information. You've really been a great help.

There will be fish going in. I'm thanking about trying rams along with some community fish for movement/color. Gotta research that. I'm gunna put the plants in to grow while I go on my next deployment and then get the fish when I get back.


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You're very welcome! If youd like more info on what I did in my pt, here's the setup thread http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=551032

Since you're considering rams... Jeff Rapps often has "Microgeophagus altispinosa, colorful red and yellow Bolivian rams, peaceful, hardy, remains small" If you haven't settled on lighting, the Current Satellite + led has features/effects that will bring out gorgeous colors in rams. You'd also be OK with this for low tech/no co2 plants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHcixn-c-bA&feature=youtube_gdata_player I have one on my 110 and its fantastic, but not enough light for my tall tank, so I bought the new finnex fugeray planted plus light as the source for increased plant growth.

Please stay safe! And thank you for serving our Country,
Laurie

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bobblehead27 said:
So led is only alright for low light plants? Finnex is better? I'm not tryna spend crazy money. But really want a good light for my plants.

Thanks for all your help


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Sorry I was unclear. No, led is not just for low light. Its for all types of lighting. There are different levels of light available for different setups. Mea culpa!

I chose low tech; low-medium light w/o co2 because it requires less maintenance. My tank is very tall at 28 inches high. Having a SA cichlid planted tank was a first time experiment. I thought my fish would rearrange and eat alot of the plants. And they did. I didn't want to spend a ton of $ on something that might not work for my tank and lack of experience. Also don't know enough about co2 setups and didn't want to harm/kill my fish by dosing incorrectly.

Perhaps I mistakenly thought you wanted low tech since it was your first pt? Often one starts w/o co2 because of the above reasons. Many do not. IMHO very high light levels = more work = more co2 = more $. Its just my opinion and I'm not an expert, just a hobbyist looking to have nice setups for my fish without spending a fortune.

Finnex and Current are both great lights that have different levels for setups depending on aesthetics desired, your ultimate goal, low/medium/high light, needs of your plants, fish and co2 or not. Many members prefer traditional lighting and many are going with newer LEDs. There are pros and con's for each. Ultimately its your decision, your tank and your wallet. While some leds may be crazy expensive, the ones I have aren't. The current sat+ was $94 on sale and the new finnex was $103 on sale. They're 48". Your tank is not as deep or wide. So your light will cost less. These lights last for 40,000 hours. With traditional lighting, you'll need to replace bulbs. Ultimately LEDs may be a bit more in the beginning. But long term, less energy used and no replacement bulbs needed.

Hope this helps :)


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This was very helpful. And you're right I don't want to need co2 so I guess medium lighting will be what I should go for. This way I have more options than just the low light plants. I clearly have a lot more research ahead of me though. Haha thanks for all your help


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You're welcome! Good luck please post pics when you set up.

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