View Full Version : New To Planting
lclinton
10-20-2007, 2:40 PM
Anyone have any tips for someone planting for a first time?
what do i need and whats something good to start out with for a 55gal.
GirlieGirl8521
10-20-2007, 6:06 PM
Is the tank setup already?
Whether it is, or isn't, you should first decide what kind of planted tank you want. Do you want low light/low tech or medium or high? The more light you have, the more CO2 required and more nutrients (ferts)......and the more work. ;) High light tanks are awesome though, since you have alot more plant choices.
If the tank isn't setup, its alot easier to pick a substrate and such, since you don't have the tank setup yet.
If you go with a medium or high light planted tank, then I suggest going with a nutrient rich substrate. Eco Complete, Aquasoil and Flourite are just a few choices. Soilmaster select (from Lesco.com) is not nutrient rich, but its clay based and will hold onto nutrients (which is good), so many planters use it. Its also really cheap (~$15 for a 50lb bag). Another option is Aquariumplants.com's substrate, which is said to be just like Soilmaster Select but with nutrients added. You can find that on their website.
Do you have lighting yet? Stock lighting is only good for some low light plants....really its not that great for them either. I suggest upgrading/buying a new fixture. A 2x65w (130 watt total) fixture will allow you alot of plant choices, but will not need CO2 injection.
jersysman
10-21-2007, 11:05 PM
I agree with GirlieGirl8521. The first thing you have to decide is how much light you want to put over your tank. From there you will be better able to decide what kind of plants you want to keep. Since this is your first time planting, I would suggest low light setup. It is much more forgiving than a high light setup would be.
I hate to steal this thread but I am in the same boat as Iclinton. I have a 45g with now only 20W 24" bulb in there. I definitely want to start with low light plants. I love java moss and guppy grass. I must also mention that I want to put silica sand in my tank.
Mgamer20o0
10-24-2007, 2:56 PM
http://www.rexgrigg.com/
this site should give you a basic over view of what you need. come back with any questions please.
Did I mention I would want to spend as little money as possible on additional equipment (ie lighting).
From reading all the posts about watts/gallon ratio I am well below required level in that category (absolute minimum 0.5W/gal). will any of the low light plants grow in my tank? I was considering playing with my strip to get 2 compact fluorescent bulbs in there instead. What do you think about that?
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImage/ec27f915-5b9a-4bcb-ac21-dd2125ddec7d_300.jpg (javascript:openLayer('popup-enlarge-image');)
malken
10-24-2007, 8:09 PM
I've been wondering about this one myself. it sounds like it would work. It may light the tank unevenly though. anyone have personal experience on this one?
Mgamer20o0
10-24-2007, 9:38 PM
lots of people use them and have wonderful tanks. not as good as a t5 or cf bulb but cheap and easy.
cheap and easy is my middle name :drool:
The 20w bulb I have in there now is 10000K (at least thats what the box says). Would I still be better off with 2 CFs mentioned above?