Converting 125gl to plants

[martiyou]

Okay, here is what I have.. an established 125 with 4 36" strip lights, 2 Rena XP-3's and an AC-110. It is currently running a wet/dry but the Renas will replace that.

Stocking currently is around 28 Angel fish, looking to cut that to around 4, 12 Bolivian rams, 6 Keyhole's, 15 cory's, and some pleco's. I plan on keeping all but the angels.

Do you think my pleco's will kill my plants?

Besides my existing substrate, I have about 10lbs of Flourite, what else would you all recommend?

I also have a Carbo-Plus System that was given to me (new in box) has any one ever used this?

I also would like to know what would you suggest for plants and filtration/lights
Thanks

 

[duke33]

The plecos may dig them up from time to time...give it a try.

 

[Mattyou]

Are there no suggestions out there? Should I use FloraGlows in the 4 36" lights or chuck them for better lighting system altogether? Is it overkill running 2 Rena XP3's and an AC-110 on a planted tank? Is the Carbo-Block a piece of crap?

 

[Jag1980]

1 Rena XP3

200 watts per gallon or more if you can of 6700k lights.

10 pounds of fluorite in a 125 gallon tank is worthless.

gravel or sand will grow plants.

Sell the Carbo-Plus System and get Co2 injection system.

The more plants you can stock at once the better if you have the correct lighting.

You will need to use fertilizers as plants also need to eat, dosing a 125 is can be expensive.

This is just a idea, not what you have to do.

Sell what you don't need and buy what you do need.

 

[Mattyou]

Thanks Jag. We can move the stuff to different tanks so no selling will be required. Maybe I can DIY a lighting set-up for her. I think that will be most important. So you think the Carbo-block is worthless? I have heard both good and bad, I may use it just because I have it and incorporate the CO2 as well.

 

[MDK500]

The carbo-block is worthless, Use flourish excel it works very well

 

[martiyou]

I was affraid that block was useless.

Anybody wanna buy a Carbon-Block system?

So should I add something to my substrate? I am dumping the Florite in because it's there and I am also going to get another large bag of some kind of suplement or more depending on how many pounds it normaly takes. My gravel is rather chunky, but it is well established. I just don't think that it antwhere deep enough for plants, and that since it is large diameter that they will root well in it. Is the Eco-Complete stuff any good, or something similar?

 

[Jag1980]

How much cash you have to spend of a fish stuff? Then I think we can give you better answers.

A picture of what you got now will help out too.

 

[movitt]

if your newer at planted tanks...i wouldnt jump in the deep end if you cant swim if your not please disregard.

it really depends for your pleco..i have never had regular plecos in a planted tank but i heard they tare things up..i have had a bristle nose in a planted tank fine, and currently have a lilttle clown that only has dug a very shallow pt in one spot of my eco, but besides that he is harmless

10lbs florite in that set up---just forget it! save it for later

for the filters-plants like a good flow for nutrients and things but you dont want them sitting sideways either. depending of method of CO2 you want to stay away from serface agitation(aquaclear filter)

lights---read sticky and find out what light level youll be at and that should let know what youll be getting into with ferts,co2. i like injection for co2. i only diy co2 for smaller tanks

AND be sure to post pic when you get it going

 

[Knowdafish]

1 Rena XP3

200 watts per gallon or more if you can of 6700k lights.

10 pounds of fluorite in a 125 gallon tank is worthless.

gravel or sand will grow plants.

Sell the Carbo-Plus System and get Co2 injection system.

The more plants you can stock at once the better if you have the correct lighting.

You will need to use fertilizers as plants also need to eat, dosing a 125 is can be expensive.

This is just a idea, not what you have to do.

Sell what you don't need and buy what you do need.

200 watts per gallon??? I hope that was a typo!!!