Hello!
Brand new member here, having found my way here from PFK. I am in the process of planning my first "planted" tank, and I'm just looking for some advice/reassurance about my choices so far. I've kept fish for a long time and my current setup has low light plants and is very low-tech (no injected CO2, a bit of easycarbo, T8s). They are growing fairly well but I fancy a new challenge.
First of all, this is an upgrade from my current 180l tank, and the livestock will be moving over to it. The stock level isn't massive, but probably on the higher side for a planted tank. I'm not sure what difference that makes, if any, to my equipment and fert choices?
I am looking at one of the 5ft tanks from MA - with the oak stands. The size is 150 x 40 x 60 (height). A slightly odd shape but it fits in the room nicely. Total volume around about 360l.
I did want to light with GroBeams but reluctantly I think they're a bit out of my price range. I'd want to keep the lighting "in-hood" anyway, and it looks like ideally the tiles should be mounted higher for maximum efficiency and effect. Following advice on the other forum, I plan to get these http://www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/ ... -1635.html and suplement with AquaFX LEDs for the sunrise/sunset and moonlight effects (not the purple feature!) That doesn't give me huge light levels, but I'm assured it will be enough for steady growth?
For substrate I'm probably going to go for Tropica underneath simple sand (I like the look and the cost, and its cory-friendly).
For filtration/flow 2 of the APS filters here: http://www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquar ... 9w-uv.html
I will have pressurised CO2 using the FE method on this forum (my first go at this),
The thing I'm not too sure about right now is ferts. I've been looking at EI and it all looks very complicated, but the price encourages me! Is there a good dry pre-mix you would recommend? I live in a hard water area, and I'm told that means I may not need to dose some of the elements, is that right?
Any advice on the above would be very much appreciated. Any obvious problems with what I'm planning? I haven't chosen plants yet, but will my setup be capable of supporting a carpetting plant and a few red-leaved plants - both of which I know are a bit more demanding?
Thank you!!
Joe
Brand new member here, having found my way here from PFK. I am in the process of planning my first "planted" tank, and I'm just looking for some advice/reassurance about my choices so far. I've kept fish for a long time and my current setup has low light plants and is very low-tech (no injected CO2, a bit of easycarbo, T8s). They are growing fairly well but I fancy a new challenge.
First of all, this is an upgrade from my current 180l tank, and the livestock will be moving over to it. The stock level isn't massive, but probably on the higher side for a planted tank. I'm not sure what difference that makes, if any, to my equipment and fert choices?
I am looking at one of the 5ft tanks from MA - with the oak stands. The size is 150 x 40 x 60 (height). A slightly odd shape but it fits in the room nicely. Total volume around about 360l.
I did want to light with GroBeams but reluctantly I think they're a bit out of my price range. I'd want to keep the lighting "in-hood" anyway, and it looks like ideally the tiles should be mounted higher for maximum efficiency and effect. Following advice on the other forum, I plan to get these http://www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/ ... -1635.html and suplement with AquaFX LEDs for the sunrise/sunset and moonlight effects (not the purple feature!) That doesn't give me huge light levels, but I'm assured it will be enough for steady growth?
For substrate I'm probably going to go for Tropica underneath simple sand (I like the look and the cost, and its cory-friendly).
For filtration/flow 2 of the APS filters here: http://www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquar ... 9w-uv.html
I will have pressurised CO2 using the FE method on this forum (my first go at this),
The thing I'm not too sure about right now is ferts. I've been looking at EI and it all looks very complicated, but the price encourages me! Is there a good dry pre-mix you would recommend? I live in a hard water area, and I'm told that means I may not need to dose some of the elements, is that right?
Any advice on the above would be very much appreciated. Any obvious problems with what I'm planning? I haven't chosen plants yet, but will my setup be capable of supporting a carpetting plant and a few red-leaved plants - both of which I know are a bit more demanding?
Thank you!!
Joe
