Are the fish in another tank for now? or are you planning on taking them out to re-Scape? I have some substrate options for low tech LOW maintance.
New to Planted Tank and need help~!!!
- Thread starter RoyalPiranha
- Start date
Are the fish in another tank for now? or are you planning on taking them out to re-Scape? I have some substrate options for low tech LOW maintance.
Nah, the fish are currently housed in another tank - 90 gallon. What you have in mind? Please provide link or photos.
I was told Pool Filter sand is good?
I was told Pool Filter sand is good?
On a shorter tank they will grow fine under T8s, but at 29", they will not grow with basic T8s, unless you have a ridiculous amount of them.
Sure its GOOD but if you're really serious about adding plants and SET IT UP and forget it then DIRT is the way to go.
Since the fish are in another tank you're good to go.
You might need 3 bag of Miracle Grow Organic, let is all soak for a couple of day. 2 bags of (50lbs) Black Diamond (black) Sand.
I load the back wall with either Jungle Val or Italian Vals. Get 2 large pieces of driftwood (which will help the TEA look) Load it up with Hardy plants like
Anubias
crinum calamistratum (which does require a little more light)
banana plants and or Tiger lotus.
Now this is a piranhas tank, so is it COOL with your arms in the tank from time to time.
ALSO this will need to setup for about a month before you add fish. But once the numbers comes down your good to go. Here is a link to my dirted album
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/jasong75-albums-75-planted-community.html
Since the fish are in another tank you're good to go.
You might need 3 bag of Miracle Grow Organic, let is all soak for a couple of day. 2 bags of (50lbs) Black Diamond (black) Sand.
I load the back wall with either Jungle Val or Italian Vals. Get 2 large pieces of driftwood (which will help the TEA look) Load it up with Hardy plants like
Anubias
crinum calamistratum (which does require a little more light)
banana plants and or Tiger lotus.
Now this is a piranhas tank, so is it COOL with your arms in the tank from time to time.
ALSO this will need to setup for about a month before you add fish. But once the numbers comes down your good to go. Here is a link to my dirted album
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/members/jasong75-albums-75-planted-community.html
That would be correct, but we're not talking about T8's, he has T5's (not sure if they are NO or HO) but if I can grow (and most others) Vals under T8's (20") he should be able to with T5's at 29" if he has the right amount and type. If he were to use the mH he would almost be FORCED to use Co2.
I can only assume the tank is 72" so I would say 2 T5's (single strip ) with GOOD reflectors will get the job done. If those are hard to find then I would proably go with 2 (dual) T5's NO = 4 bulbs
nice setup man! That kinda sucks that I can't do it with Pool Filter sand. I was hoping to save money, but that Miracle Grow you're talking about, isn't that for outdoor plants? I read that it could cause chemical issues with ammonia etc.,
Is there another option for substrate? I use to have black substrate for my black rhombeus, but I'm not a fan of it for the caribes. I was thinking either red or tanish or even sand color for substrate so I can give it the amazonian look.
Yes its for out door plants its called (Dirting a tank) and NO " I read that it could cause chemical issues with ammonia etc" Thats why I mentioned it had to sit up for a month. You can read up on Minerilzed Top Soil (MTS) here http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/72382-mineralized-top-soil-substrate.html
this practice has been done for decades, so it's nothing new. If you dont like the BLACK cap (sand) you can use fine gravel as well (natural looking gravel) as long as its fine. PFS is an option as long as the cap is 1 1/2 thick. Just read up on dirting a tank, you can use ANY CAP you want as long as its fine enough to compact and keep the dirt below.
PFS is inert, meaning it contains no ferts. So if you use it you will have to use root tabs for those root feeders. Youre also going to have to look into a dosing method for your plants (fertz)
So are you serious about planting, or do you just want some plants in there for color?
Even 4 NO T5 bulbs will not be able to grow a basic plant like jungle vals at 29". I know from experience, this does not work. Even amazons swords will not grow at this depth using 6 HO T5s.
After contemplating which color substrate and defining goals, I need some final advice before placing my order for the substrates..........the plants I will be keeping will require little or NO maintenance. I want very hardy plants that doesn't require any water dosing etc., I know I wont have time to upkeep sensitive and highly demanded plants. With that in mind, I need a substrate that will not limit me in case in the future I will wanted to get more plants. With that being said, I was hoping you all can help.
For now....
1.) I need a substrate that is natural colored so it mimics the amazon
2.) I just need a substrate is quick, easy and requires little to NO maintenance.
3.) Plants I want are hardy, requires minimum lighting, and no CO2 or advance setups. I just want to plug them in the substrate and watch it grow. lol
4.) Where and what brand should I buy and how many? Please tell me where you are all getting your substrate. Im close to just ordering the "original" colored eco-complete flourite from Dr.Foster Smith. But is there a cheaper place? Substrate recommendations pls! The appearance is very important! I hate the tanish gravel look.
I'm still debating whether to have a cichlid, piranaha only or community fish tank. But the theme should be similar. Amazonian look.
Thanks!
For now....
1.) I need a substrate that is natural colored so it mimics the amazon
2.) I just need a substrate is quick, easy and requires little to NO maintenance.
3.) Plants I want are hardy, requires minimum lighting, and no CO2 or advance setups. I just want to plug them in the substrate and watch it grow. lol
4.) Where and what brand should I buy and how many? Please tell me where you are all getting your substrate. Im close to just ordering the "original" colored eco-complete flourite from Dr.Foster Smith. But is there a cheaper place? Substrate recommendations pls! The appearance is very important! I hate the tanish gravel look.
I'm still debating whether to have a cichlid, piranaha only or community fish tank. But the theme should be similar. Amazonian look.
Thanks!
