planting a 75 with a large fish

[lemcc]

I am not sure how disturbed substrate leads to algae bloom

its actually causes bacterial blooms either way cloudy water is what you get

philhawk
you need about 1-1.5 watts per gallon (watts per gallon is not a great rule but its a starting point) you also need some substrate for plants keep your gravel just add some extra Soilmaster Select is what i use 50lbs for $13 you will only need enough for a 3" bed

 

[DarthLungFish]

Interesting....I also recommend seeing Dr.Fosters web-site to get some of the items you may need for a planted tank. Good Luck though and Rock-on!!

 

[philhawk]

thanks for the info, im going to take a look for some decor this weekend hopefully i can find a few things that will balance the need for cover and overall look of the tank with the need for mobility

 

[ewurm]

For the corners of the tank and center, you can use "Java Fern". Looks good and is a hardy plant. Good Luck with your new 75gallon!!

I like the java fern, but my bullhead roots through it and tears it up. It will grow in just about any condition. It actually sprouts new plants from existing leaves.

 

[philhawk]

in my experience and resarch clown knifes are unlikely to disturb plants and decorations. i may have to order my plants online because im not sure if they sell java ferns around here.

 

[HarleyK]

big fish even if their not aggressive toward plants still disturb your substrate just by moving around in a planted tank this means algal blooms

I am not sure how disturbed substrate leads to algae bloom

its actually causes bacterial blooms either way cloudy water is what you get

If you get cloudy water when your substrate is stirred up it's time to get the good ol' gravel vac out Seriously, disturbed substrate causing bacterial blooms and cloudy water has nothing to do with the tank being planted or not...

you also need some substrate for plants keep your gravel just add some extra Soilmaster Select is what i use 50lbs for $13 you will only need enough for a 3" bed

For the plants mentioned (Java fern, Vallisneria) you will not need substrate fertilizer. They grow just fine without. I have a 20 gal set-up with Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria and Anubia, and I keep throwing out plants because they grow like heck. No CO2, no fertilizer, just fish poop

However, I agree on the lighting. 40 W for 75 gal is a bit too low. You should see if you can add a second light strip.

Good luck,
HarleyK