new to plants, have questions

[Sadrienne]

Hi everyone,

I've never had a planted tank before, but I've always wanted to.
My boss at work told me that he is willing to sell me his CO2 injector system (with a 5 pound cannister) for $150, which is about half of what he paid for it.
And he has a LOT of aquascaping books

I have a 30 gallon high with a double bulb light fixture (although I know I'll need higher wattage bulbs; at least 60 watts total, right?)

Do you have any advice that I should keep in mind when starting this project? (especially about the co2 system?)

Any money-saving ideas?


thanks so much!
-Sadrienne

[FishyFry]

Do you know what type of plants you would like to keep? You might want to do a little research first, to see what you like and what you think would work in your tank. One good place to start is here...

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide.php

As for the Co2 system, it might be a big step at this point, but others here can help.

[Mgamer20o0]

you can have a wonderful planted tank with no co2 needed. 60w is a good place to start. maybe a 55w bright kit from ahsupply.com.

[Sadrienne]

I know for sure that I would like a carpet of some sort; I'm just trying to research what kind would be best. anyone have carpet suggestions?

[Mgamer20o0]

there are all kinds of carpets from moss to riccia to hair grass to HC.

[Sadrienne]

OH! I forgot to ask: How do I know what bubble rate I should have?

[Mgamer20o0]

depends...... thats something your going to have to set for your self. 1-2 bubbles per sec. there are a lot of factors.

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

[phanmc]

CO2: good idea in getting the CO2 system. You can grow plants without CO2 in low a low light setup but I don't know why you'd want to if you have the means. invest in a CO2 drop checker, there are plenty on eBay for cheap. Start out with 1bps and dial up if needed.

Lighting: you should be able to grow most plants with around 60-70w (preferably PC or T5 lighting) and CO2, I wouldn't go over 90w.

Substrate: While not critical, it can help and in some cases makes a big difference. Some recommendations are ADA Aquasoil, Eco-Complete, Soilmaster Select, and Flourite. I personally only use Aquasoil and Soilmaster Select now, though Eco-Complete and Flourite are a little more user friendly.

Nutrients: go read Rex's guide on ferts, www.rexgrigg.com

Carpet plants: I'll list them from easiest to hardest
Marsilea (aquatic clover)
dwarf sag
Echinodorus tenellus (pygmy chain sword)
Dwarf hairgrass
Lilaeopsis (microsword)
glosso
HC