Newbie to planted tanks

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
B

Browser

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 14, 2011
24
0
1
Minnesota
Hi, i was wondering if starting a brand new and maintaining a new planted tank would be very expensive, and was wondering the average cost of one that is 75 gallons, and the average cost of one that is 20 gallons in size.
( i have an empty 20 gallon and an empty 75 gallon that i want to try putting live plants into )
and how would i go about starting one?
 
The information you have asked for is too broad. A 75 gallon could cost as little as $50 to setup as a planted tank, and the sky is the limit for the top end. The same is true for the 20 gallon as well.
 
depends if you want high tech or low tech

low tech can just be the cost of a few plats and let them grow.

high tech can cost a small fortune, using co2 and expensive bulbs to keep the more expensive and exoctic planst alive

all depends on how much your willing to spend
 
The first link does not work. The second has Glossostigma as a foreground, which needs pretty intense lighting and co2 to carpet like that. There are other plants that can be used in place of glosso that have a similar look, but are not as bright, or low growing. On the 75, I'd probably run 4 HO T5 bulbs, and co2 with dry ferts. A good fine grain substrate works best with glosso. All total you'd probably be looking in the $400 range for the low end, and if you went with some really nice equipment you could be in over $3000.
 
Can i have a list of equipment that would be pretty low tech?
i just want something that would carpet the bottom of the tank, and have taller plants in the back and sides. or something like that
i'd like to keep this project under 800 dollars if possible, the lower the better.
over time i'd be able to invest more into this tank but as of right now i only have 800 dollars to spend as leisure money.
 
Personally I'd go with a Hagen Glo HO T5 dual fixture with life glo bulbs. That will run you ~$180. An Milwaukee MA957 and SMS155 which can be had for ~200. I rent my CO2 cylinders locally, on a rent to own package. This can be had for ~$10 a month. For substrate, I prefer a good quality, that is aesthetically pleasing. I like Flourite black, mixed with a fine grain sand blasting sand, that is light in color such as quartz. This usually runs ~$15/50#. I assume you already have a heater, and filter. If you have a HOB filter, then either run a submersible filter, or get a canister. I prefer Eheim's canisters myself. Without filter and heater, that will run you in just around $425. For ferts, look into dry ferts, as you will need these is good amounts. Usually enough can be had to last you a year in a 75G, for very little. Add the rocks and 4-5 bunches of the each of the plants, the ferts, you will probably be looking under $600. Then all you have to do is wait and be diligent about pruning.
 
They won't ship it =[ i would grab it if they shipped

"SELLING COMPLETE OUTFIT ONLY. WILL NOT PART OUT. LOCAL PICK UP ONLY. WILL NOT SHIP."
 
Try the MFK buy/sell section. I got my full co2 setup with milwaukee reg and 5 pound tank for $80 from another member locally. Good luck! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom