For my low buget 220 wide future planted project I plan on using 26 watt cfl spiral bulbs for lighting. I plan on making a hanging plywood box and mount 6-8 of the bulbs in the hanging hood/box. I figured it would cost around 150 bucks max for everything including 8 bulbs, 8 sockets, box of wire, sheet of 1/4" ply, quart black paint, 8 metal reflectors.
Several people have used simular set up's with very good results.
The most important aspect of a planted tank build is the light set up. For a large tank like these around 1+ watt per gallon will be good to grow alot of plant species. As long as the spectrum is right (6000 -10,000k rating). Also for every 12" the light is above the tank i was told to add .5 watts per gallon. I plan to hang my fixture 12-18" above the tank to get a good spread of light.
I will use pea gravel for the substrate because you can get it at hardware stores for cheap and it looks nice in a natural set up. As well as some very large peices of branchy drift/bog wood found locally.
For plants I plan on using lots of jungle vals as well as different moss's such as java and flame moss, some amazon swords, etc.
As long as you stay around 1 watt per gallon you will not have to add Carbon dioxide or fertilizers. Just normal water changes to replenish nutrients and a medium stock of fish to supply the nitrate needed for plant food. This will yield lower/slower growth rates for the plant life but will save thousands of dollars over time.
Of course if you have a few grand to spend on the plant side of the set up. Then let me know cause i have a plan drawn up for that as well in case i hit the lottery.
Hope that gives you some idea's
Several people have used simular set up's with very good results.
The most important aspect of a planted tank build is the light set up. For a large tank like these around 1+ watt per gallon will be good to grow alot of plant species. As long as the spectrum is right (6000 -10,000k rating). Also for every 12" the light is above the tank i was told to add .5 watts per gallon. I plan to hang my fixture 12-18" above the tank to get a good spread of light.
I will use pea gravel for the substrate because you can get it at hardware stores for cheap and it looks nice in a natural set up. As well as some very large peices of branchy drift/bog wood found locally.
For plants I plan on using lots of jungle vals as well as different moss's such as java and flame moss, some amazon swords, etc.
As long as you stay around 1 watt per gallon you will not have to add Carbon dioxide or fertilizers. Just normal water changes to replenish nutrients and a medium stock of fish to supply the nitrate needed for plant food. This will yield lower/slower growth rates for the plant life but will save thousands of dollars over time.
Of course if you have a few grand to spend on the plant side of the set up. Then let me know cause i have a plan drawn up for that as well in case i hit the lottery.
Hope that gives you some idea's
always impressive.
