Starting an Iwagumi Setup

[MDK500]

Dammit... I just realized I got the fine media for the larger sized filter. Is there anyway I can cut it to make it fit?

 

[MDK500]

Alright I have everything I need, just got it all today... well besides water, plants, and fish. I'll post some pictures in the morning. Happy new years guys.

 

[MDK500]

Here's the hardscape, canister (not set up yet), and the diffuser/bubble counter.

 

[FSM]

Heres what I just ordered...
ITEM DETAILS FOR THIS ORDER:
----------------------------

1) Eheim Classic Canister 2213-37

Quantity: 1
Price: $89.99
Total: $89.99


2) Jäger TS Automatic Heaters 75 watt

Quantity: 1
Price: $20.99
Total: $20.99


3) Eheim Classic Canister 2217 Fine Media

Quantity: 1
Price: $11.99
Total: $11.99


4) Aqualight Double Strip Lights Freshwater 24"

Quantity: 1
Price: $123.69
Total: $123.69


SUBTOTAL: $ 246.66

Did I get a good deal? (everything is new)

That fixture is overpriced IMO.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/97622-par-data-selecting-t5ho-light.html

According to the data this guy has collected, a 24W T5HO bulb produces more PAR (photosynthetically active radiation, or something like that) than a 65W PC bulb. And a 2x24W T5HO fixture costs half as much.


Also you mentioned ADA fertilizer earlier, that stuff is ridiculously overpriced, along with most other ADA products (aquasoil is good though)

http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4544
Ideal but pricey

Cheap but subpar:
http://www.customaquatic.com/estore/control/product/~product=LT-FXML-T2424

The bulb gets weaker over time. i don't know if that answers your question

A nova extreme 2x24W fixture costs about $70

4x24W would be ridiculous on a 20 gallon tank (algae swamp)

go with PC lights. you can find 65 watt fixtures that are 24" long. most HO t5s fixtures at 24" long only put out 48 watts (2x bulbs @ 24 watts each). i'd also go with an eheim 2213 canister filter and pressurized co2. HOB filters will make all the co2 dissipate from the water. HC can be a pain to grow, especially in an iwagumi setup. ADA amazonia will work perfectly and keep you ph on the acidic side. u will need a very efficient setup. HC in iwagumi tanks is notorious for having algae problems.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/97622-par-data-selecting-t5ho-light.html

30 bucks? pm me links if u would. im not a big fan of co2 but if i could do a co2 system for that cost i would.

You put yeast, sugar, and water in a 2 liter bottle (or any other suitably sized container). Make sure it is airtight and run an air tube from it. Yeast eats sugar, makes CO2 (and alcohol, but it smells awful)

Super cheap, but it doesn't work well on larger tanks, because it is a lot of work and difficult to maintain steady CO2 levels.

here's another one of my favorite HC/blyxa setup. i challenge somebody to try and grow this without pressurized co2, lemme know how it goes

It grows great without pressurized CO2 as long as you don't submerge it.

 

[MDK500]

Planted but very cloudy... the CO2 isn't on yet. Now I just have to wait a few months for it all to fill in. I know the plants need a trimming but I'll wait a few weeks for them to root.

 

[jcardona1]

That fixture is overpriced IMO.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/97622-par-data-selecting-t5ho-light.html

According to the data this guy has collected, a 24W T5HO bulb produces more PAR (photosynthetically active radiation, or something like that) than a 65W PC bulb. And a 2x24W T5HO fixture costs half as much.


Also you mentioned ADA fertilizer earlier, that stuff is ridiculously overpriced, along with most other ADA products (aquasoil is good though)



A nova extreme 2x24W fixture costs about $70

4x24W would be ridiculous on a 20 gallon tank (algae swamp)




http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/97622-par-data-selecting-t5ho-light.html




You put yeast, sugar, and water in a 2 liter bottle (or any other suitably sized container). Make sure it is airtight and run an air tube from it. Yeast eats sugar, makes CO2 (and alcohol, but it smells awful)

Super cheap, but it doesn't work well on larger tanks, because it is a lot of work and difficult to maintain steady CO2 levels.





It grows great without pressurized CO2 as long as you don't submerge it.

so then it wouldnt be a planted tank right? it'd be a glass box without water

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

Planted but very cloudy... the CO2 isn't on yet. Now I just have to wait a few months for it all to fill in. I know the plants need a trimming but I'll wait a few weeks for them to root.

looks nice man!! gonna look fantastic!

 

[MDK500]

looks nice man!! gonna look fantastic!

Thanks I hope so

 

[Adhlc]

Looks good so far MDK. Keep the updates coming!

 

[S&KGray]

Planted but very cloudy... the CO2 isn't on yet. Now I just have to wait a few months for it all to fill in. I know the plants need a trimming but I'll wait a few weeks for them to root.

Nice, can't wait to see it filled in!