Looking for advice, opinions.

[hillbilly]

I have a 75gal. that is currently being used as a growout tank. I want to upgrade the lighting, and add 2 or 3 amazon swords, and put 4 adult discus in it from Discus Hans. The tank has a nice piece of driftwood, and pool filter sand in it already, along with a polybead canister filter. I was thinking maybe I could scrape away the sand from the back of the tank, and put Flourite in for the plants. Then keep them fairly healthy by using root tabs. For lighting, I was thinking maybe I could use a AH Supply PC retro light kit to retrofit the existing strip light. Maybe 2 55watt, or 1 96watt. What do you think? I want to keep this tank as low tech as possible. AH Supply claims that their reflectors are good enough to get the max out of the bulbs. If so, then maybe it would be enough light. Thoughts? I don't want to be dosing all the time, because there will be frequent water changes. Nor do I want to be fighting algae all the time either. Does anyone think I could get away with this? It would be sort of a show tank, just to show off those pricey discus.

 

[Fish Etc]

Flourite is a good Idea, because this plants are root feeder.

No chance to make it 2x 96 watts, if not then go for 2x55 Watta, and Yes AH Supply is the superior when it comes to compact lightning because of their MIRO 4 reflectors designs.

root tabs will help in growing this plants since they are not getting so much nutrients on water column. I will also recommend using Micro ferts and co2.

You can also use Seachem Excel but with this size of tank it will be expensive in a long run, so just go with pressurized.

About DIY co2, im not a big fan of it for a size tank like yours, IMO DIY co2 will really work on 5-30 gallons

 

[WyldFya]

Since you want to keep it low tech, and with only amazons this won't be a problem, I'd do just the 96 watt bulb. That is more than enough light to maintain healthy growth on an amazon. Flourite will definitely help, but root tabs alone will work just as good, if used frequently enough. I would have some fert available, but you won't need to dose regularly, only when you start to see algae, dose a full dosage in the morning when lights come on. CO2 is not necessary for this species at all. It will grow fine in just about any common aquarium setting. I had one that was in a 55 with the standard AGA florescent tubes over it, and it had roots touching all four walls when I pulled it to move it to the main tank. It was in the 55 for roughly 4 months, and was a nice large plant, with brilliant green coloration.

 

[Fish Etc]

co2 is not recommended but benificial, lets put it that way

If you see some algae meaning there is not enough plants to compete the algae in taking up nutrients. cut off or do a half recommend dosing.

Its also a good idea to put Fast growing plants on it.

 

[hillbilly]

Thanks guys!