open top tank

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pigblanket

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 30, 2005
18
0
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48
atlanta
I want to set up an open top planted tank. There are a few question that I need some help with. What might be some good plants to use? How far should I hang the light above the tank? Would I need to increase the power level of my light since it would be further away for the tank?
The tank is a 20 long with flourite as the substrate, diy co2, and I am thinking of using a 96 watt power compact .
 
Try nott to hang the lights too high as a lot of light energy is lost as it doesnt penetrate the waters surface. Around 6 inches above the waters surface should be fine. Start off with easy and fast growers first like cabomba and other stemmed plants. This is to make sure there are not enough nutrients for an algae bloom. At the same time you can start planting foreground plants like E.tannellus, some crypts. For the middle use sword plants and some java ferns. Plant some hygrofilia diformis towards the back and vallis as well. You could aso tie some taiwan or X'mass moss to driftwood and place is in your aquascape.
 
Some plant species up and out of water. Leaving the top open would let these pants do what they want to do while adding another dimention to what is basicly just an elongated cube.
 
My planted tanks are also open topped and during the night.. insects are attracted to the light and they will fall into the water. The fishes all come up to the surface to eat thoase insects. Very interesting.
 
my two stalks of bamboo have grown up and out of the tank. Looks pretty sweet. One grew out the back and i just cut the hood where it needed to fit, and the otherone grows out of the lift up part of the hood where you feed your fish from.

Also, if it's an open top tank, make sure it has good surface irritation, so dust and other crap doesnt settle on it.
 
I always keep FW planted tanks open, filled just under the rim (2" or so of clearance. I use these ugly suction cup plastic platforms (any LFS should be able to get them), let it rest right at the water level, plant the plastic rim with java or x-mas tree moss to cover up, and fill the top with emergent bog plants, even some cryps w/ just their roots sticking into the water, and sometimes bamboo. The roots grow downward, straight into the water, and provide an awesome looking hiding place for shy fish. Then, for dramatic effect, I take a rooted cutting of golden pothos (terrestrial houseplant) and plant it from the platform, where it will vine down the side of the tank, and its roots will grow into the tank. It looks unbelievable, and is so easy to maintain. I'll try and get sonme pics up later.
 
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