Semi plant newb... suggestions for 120g please.

[jcardona1]

yeah pretty much, just double it. its just a math formula really. but be warned this is a guideline to get you started. i had to tweak the dosing on my 55g to get it just right. if youre doing something the algae will be there to let you know!

search my old threads if you want. i have a 30+ page thread on my high tech 55g from beginning to end

 

[yashaswibs]

Another forum is plantedtank.net- good place for fert dosing.

I read through the posts and was wondering if there is anyway I could convince you to switch from plain quartz gravel to something a little more robust for plants. There is no better picture in my mind than a group of blue turq discus floating over grassy plants.
SMS/Aquariumplants.com substrate is a cheapish one. Flourite/Ecocomplete are also very good. Would probably avoid soil for discus tank.
Almost all plants do reasonably well in 85F temp. Some like Rotala Macranda and Limnophilla (I wonder if I got the spelling right) died but the rest are doing well. Very good idea to have Ph monitor with co2. Lost a bunch of discus just gassing them with co2 about a month ago.
Any pics of fishes or tank?
4 t12 would be fine especially at the right kelvin. Penetration to 24inch depth might be something I might worry about but no problem trying it first and if it does not work then T5HO. 4 of those from fishneedit.com would look fabulous and not cost a much.

jcardona- I love your Duvel beer logo. I agree with most everything you said.

 

[mgamer20o0]

Do you have any good websites that can give me a general idea of what ferts and how much/often to use??? I used to dose ferts with my old tank but stopped when I realized they grew much greener and faster without... Also much less algae... I just went out and bought T12 6500K bulbs today. They are 40w and 2400 lumens each. I will be using 4 of these to start... I also think I am going to use sand as my substrate. How deep should I make it?

You r the MAN bro! Thanks... lol. Ok since I am using a 120g can I just double the 40-60g doses?

yeah pretty much, just double it. its just a math formula really. but be warned this is a guideline to get you started. i had to tweak the dosing on my 55g to get it just right. if youre doing something the algae will be there to let you know!

search my old threads if you want. i have a 30+ page thread on my high tech 55g from beginning to end

you are missing a major part.

For higher light, Co2 enriched tank's that are moderately
to heavy planted.

you prob want to start with the 60 gallon dose and work your way up. you might even want to start with less then that. to start off with i would stick with easy low light plants and not deal with ferts or co2. its just more things to add. get the basics down then move up.

for my 120 that was 72 inch long i had 6 32w t8 bulbs and i was able to grow a range of plants. they are not the best but like you said rather do a couple shop lights then spend more money and find out you dont like it.

 

[beantickler]

Well I just upped the lighting with 6 spiral CF bulbs bringing my total Lumens to 19,000. I now have 4 T12 and 6 CF jammed into a 4x2 shop fixture... Its blinding!