View Full Version : high tech vs low tech - what does that mean?
FishBliss
11-16-2007, 9:27 AM
Hi All -- I'm doing my research before starting to grow live plants. I often see posts that say "I'm doing plants in a low tech tank" or "I have a high tech tank"
I don't know what each of those things mean, why someone would choose one over the other, etc.
Can I get a tutorial and also some opinions and experiences of each?
Thanks, the collective knowledge of this bunch is tremendous!
Squawkbert
11-16-2007, 11:52 AM
Read the stickies over at APC (http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/index.php?referrerid=15164), read www.RexGrigg.com's "Concise Guide"
Thumbnail sketshes:
High Tech - >2WPG of plant friendly lighting, regular addition of ferts & micronutrients, frequent large PWCs (ie: 50%/week), sterile or micronutrient rich substrate, CO2 addition
Low Tech - less light, less (or no) fertsµs added, soil under gravel substrate used, less frequent PWCs, no CO2 - also see NPT (natural planted tank), a.k.a. "El Natural" and read Diana Walstad's book for more.
FishBliss
11-16-2007, 12:17 PM
thanks!
GirlieGirl8521
11-16-2007, 2:22 PM
Excellent explanation Squawkbert. :D
High tech usually equals more work! But its definitely worth it IMO.
malken
11-16-2007, 4:21 PM
Excellent explanation Squawkbert. :D
High tech usually equals more work! But its definitely worth it IMO.
...and money, more work and more money
Squawkbert
11-16-2007, 4:26 PM
Yeah, it's more work & $, but if you want to see Vals & Cabomba grow 2-3" per day, it's the only way to go. If I set up another planted tank, it may be NPT, but it will be supported by a high-tech one.
MotionInSilver
11-16-2007, 9:32 PM
is it possible to be in the middle for the tank
High light, no Co2, plain 'ol sand, liquid fert?
FishBliss
11-16-2007, 10:19 PM
NPT??
MotionInSilver
11-16-2007, 10:25 PM
I think natural planted tank? refer to post 2 by squawkbert
MotionInSilver
11-16-2007, 10:26 PM
NPT??
I think natural planted tank? refer to post 2 by squawkbert
loaches r cool
11-17-2007, 12:56 AM
is it possible to be in the middle for the tank
High light, no Co2, plain 'ol sand, liquid fert?
Not really. Its all about balance. Too much light and something photosynthetic is going to grow. If you have good co2 and nutrients it will be plants. Low CO2 or insufficient nutrients and its going to be algae. Every tank is a little different, especially with low tech, but you get the idea.
FishBliss
11-17-2007, 2:14 PM
ha! Missed that. Thanks!