New To Plants! Loads Of Questions :)

[Kevin007]

I have a bunch of random questions regarding converting my tank into a planted one.


1. How do i determine how many of each plant i need for a certain lush feeling that i am looking for? So for example. how many java ferns do i need to fill in the left back corner of a 55 gallon.

2. I often see plants in ,my lfs that have some yellow leaves on it. Do i cut it off?

3. If it comes with snails, should i get rid of it? Lets say they are mts, and i have an open top tank. Will they climb out?

I placed an order on Dr. Foster and Smith, i plan on upgrading everything, lets see if i got every thing needed to

Ehiem Pro II Kits 2028 kit $249.99

Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 216 watts $197.99
Includes docking mounts and Slimpaq 460nm Actinic and 10000°K T-5 HO lamps.
Is this light good? It says it comes with 4 "lunar lights" Bad?

Flourite Black Sand 15.4 lbs $21.99 x4
Good amount? I plan on making a "beach" with play sand

Flourish Tabs 10 tabs $6.49
Is there a better alternative

Liquid Plant Packs Fundamentals Kit $7.99
Liquid Plant Packs Enhancer Kit $7.99
fundamentals Kit includes Flourish, Flourish Iron, and Flourish Excel. Enhancer Kit includes Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Phosphorus, and Flourish Potassium. 100 ml each.

^ Thats the description, Do need both the fundamentals and enhancer kit? How long will 100 mL last for a 55 Gallon tank?

Aquatic Forceps 10" Curved Tip $4.99
Aquatic Tissue Scissors 8" long $5.99
CO2 Diffuser Glass $19.99

Ammonia Alert Device Single $5.99
pH Alert Internal pH Monitor $4.79
^ these are the seachem internal "alert" monitors, anyone have any experince with them? Are they useful?

Came to a total of $611.65

I have a Co2 tank that i will get else where, other then that, am i set? My budget is a thousand bucks, i hope i have enough left for fish.

Oh and what are the main test kits that will be needed for a planted tank?

for fish, i will keep...

60 Cardinal tetras
15 Otos
load of cories because I love em
Maybe 30 ish rummynose tetras

Over stocked?

thanks for the help guys, I'll add more questions once i think of them.

[Bk718]

1. How do i determine how many of each plant i need for a certain lush feeling that i am looking for? So for example. how many java ferns do i need to fill in the left back corner of a 55 gallon.normally if you order online or from someone online the bunch will contain around 7-10 stems of the plant (unless the seller specifies a larger portion) No matter how much you get you will still need to grow it out, and after your first trim you can replant the tops and the previous bottoms will send out new shoots giving you a bushier plant. As far as java ferns it all depends.. Before you buy ask the seller for photos


2. I often see plants in ,my lfs that have some yellow leaves on it. Do i cut it off? Yes they wont grow back to normal, cut them off and that will promote new growth


3. If it comes with snails, should i get rid of it? Lets say they are mts, and i have an open top tank. Will they climb out? Before you add plants to the tank, you should rinse them. Im sure some will suggest a bleach dip but i wouldnt risk my plants with that. If you get snails and you will, ohh well they wont eat plants. Just pick them off one by one.


Ehiem Pro II Kits 2028 kit $249.99Great filter


Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 216 watts $197.99
Includes docking mounts and Slimpaq 460nm Actinic and 10000°K T-5 HO lamps.
Is this light good? It says it comes with 4 "lunar lights" Bad?Planted tanks need bulbs that are in 5500-10000K range so make sure they are not actinic, actinic will be a waste of watts.


Flourite Black Sand 15.4 lbs $21.99 x4
Good amount? I plan on making a "beach" with play sandGreat substrate, I always wanted the black sand, gives a nice contrast to the tank. If you make a beach make sure you have a way to somehow separate the sand so they dont mix


Flourish Tabs 10 tabs $6.49
Is there a better alternative
Not necessary if you go with the ferts stated below. Unless you keep plenty and I mean plenty of big root feeders like amazon swords


Liquid Plant Packs Fundamentals Kit $7.99
Liquid Plant Packs Enhancer Kit $7.99
fundamentals Kit includes Flourish, Flourish Iron, and Flourish Excel. Enhancer Kit includes Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Phosphorus, and Flourish Potassium. 100 ml each.

^ Thats the description, Do need both the fundamentals and enhancer kit? How long will 100 mL last for a 55 Gallon tank?Good to get all, all are useful for a planted tank. But not a tank thats 55g, the 100mls will last you a month if you follow the seachem flourish dosing chart. I suggest you look into dry ferts.

Also since you are getting co2 theres no need for flourish excel.. though its a good thing to have to treat algae


Aquatic Forceps 10" Curved Tip $4.99
Aquatic Tissue Scissors 8" long $5.99
CO2 Diffuser Glass $19.99you can get the diffuser for less. Which one is it exactly??


Ammonia Alert Device Single $5.99
pH Alert Internal pH Monitor $4.79
^ these are the seachem internal "alert" monitors, anyone have any experince with them? Are they useful?Ammonia alert useless.. its a planted tank, there almost no chance there will be ammonia in the tank ever.
Ph alert, good but i stick with the liquid test.



Oh and what are the main test kits that will be needed for a planted tank?Just need the master test kit to test the nitrate/ite/ammonia/ph

Another test which you might need is a drop checker to test the co2 in the tank


for fish, i will keep...

60 Cardinal tetras
15 Otos
load of cories because I love em
Maybe 30 ish rummynose tetras

Over stocked?I think that is 2 much for a 55g tank. reduce the cardinals to 30, rummies to 15, 5-10 otos and 5+ cory cats

[Kevin007]

Planted tanks need bulbs that are in 5500-10000K range so make sure they are not actinic, actinic will be a waste of watts.

Thanks, i will look into it, its this one http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12772&pcatid=12772

i think it is actinic, if it is ill look into something else.

Good to get all, all are useful for a planted tank. But not a tank thats 55g, the 100mls will last you a month if you follow the seachem flourish dosing chart. I suggest you look into dry ferts.

Will do!!

Also since you are getting co2 theres no need for flourish excel.. though its a good thing to have to treat algae

:)

you can get the diffuser for less. Which one is it exactly??

Its this one http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9915&pcatid=9915

Just need the master test kit to test the nitrate/ite/ammonia/ph

Another test which you might need is a drop checker to test the co2 in the tank

Once again, thanks

I think that is 2 much for a 55g tank. reduce the cardinals to 30, rummies to 15, 5-10 otos and 5+ cory cats

I will possibly take out all the rummys, 50 - 55 Cardinals, 10 ottos and a large school of cories is all that i'll keep.

This is a learning tank for me, i plan on getting a 120 Gallon in the future, i'll save the rummies for that. I have made the mistake of not buying the top equipment, trying to save money and I learned my lesson. I'm also doing as much research as I can so I can succeed in making my dream planted tank.

Thanks for helping me. I will definitely create a journal when the time comes.

[Mgamer20o0]

lot of what i going to say is the same as bk but o well....


1. How do i determine how many of each plant i need for a certain lush feeling that i am looking for? So for example. how many java ferns do i need to fill in the left back corner of a 55 gallon.
unless you want to spend a lot of money its best just to get some of the plants you want and let them grow out. yes it will take some time but its great watching a start of a tank and see it grow.


2. I often see plants in ,my lfs that have some yellow leaves on it. Do i cut it off?
yellowing holes or browning are signs its not getting everything it needs. i find it hard to get plants at a lfs and get most mine online


3. If it comes with snails, should i get rid of it? Lets say they are mts, and i have an open top tank. Will they climb out?
you can do bleach dip salt dip to kill the snails. i find them helpful but they shouldnt get out of the tank.


I placed an order on Dr. Foster and Smith, i plan on upgrading everything, lets see if i got every thing needed to

Ehiem Pro II Kits 2028 kit $249.99

Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 216 watts $197.99
Includes docking mounts and Slimpaq 460nm Actinic and 10000°K T-5 HO lamps.
Is this light good? It says it comes with 4 "lunar lights" Bad?
i would look for the fw of that. nova is good but you might also want to look at the hagen lights too. the actinic bulbs wont do your plants much good. going back 216 watts is a lot for a 55gal.

also check out lights from ahsupply.com great set ups. i would go with 2x55w bright kits if you want a lot of light 2x96w..... there are also low light set ups that will cost less and easy to manage. you might want to start with a smaller 10-20 gal to get the hang of it or only try one bulb at first.


Flourite Black Sand 15.4 lbs $21.99 x4
Good amount? I plan on making a "beach" with play sand

the sand is good just make sure to wash it. might also want to look into building something that stays between the two and keeps it for mixing up. also you might want to go with pool sand since its easy to clean. personally i would just go with all flourite. you can go with the reg flourite and the sand to get the different texture.



Flourish Tabs 10 tabs $6.49
Is there a better alternative


prob wouldnt be needed more so with the flourish. might help for plants like swords or crypts.


Liquid Plant Packs Fundamentals Kit $7.99
Liquid Plant Packs Enhancer Kit $7.99
fundamentals Kit includes Flourish, Flourish Iron, and Flourish Excel. Enhancer Kit includes Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Phosphorus, and Flourish Potassium. 100 ml each.

^ Thats the description, Do need both the fundamentals and enhancer kit? How long will 100 mL last for a 55 Gallon tank?
for the ferts i would go with dry ferts. a lot cheaper and easy to use.
http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/ferts.html
you can even make your own liquid ferts. the combo pack will last a year or more. if you want a greater break down just ask.


Aquatic Forceps 10" Curved Tip $4.99
Aquatic Tissue Scissors 8" long $5.99
CO2 Diffuser Glass $19.99
scape tools..... waste of money..... i would try diffusing the co2 if your going to add it to the out put of the filter.



Ammonia Alert Device Single $5.99
pH Alert Internal pH Monitor $4.79
^ these are the seachem internal "alert" monitors, anyone have any experince with them? Are they useful?

dont work from what i could tell save your self the money.

Came to a total of $611.65
if you really shop around you can cut that down a lot.


I have a Co2 tank that i will get else where, other then that, am i set? My budget is a thousand bucks, i hope i have enough left for fish.
check out the sticky on links for co2 regulator and co2 bottles. you might also want to look for a used one at a local wedding shop or something.


Oh and what are the main test kits that will be needed for a planted tank?

same for a reg tank though i would also look to get a co2 drop checker if you go with one.....

for fish, i will keep...


60 Cardinal tetras
15 Otos
load of cories because I love em
Maybe 30 ish rummynose tetras

Over stocked?

thanks for the help guys, I'll add more questions once i think of them.

yes over stocked even for a planted tank.

[mavisky]

I've got two of those diffusers running in my 55, each is hooked to 2 DIY co2 2 liter bottles.

[Ozymandias]

i'd have to say that if you're adding CO2 a drop checker is a vary cheap and useful tool with CO2 so would get one. cant say anything else that Bk and Mgamer hasn't already.

the diffuser i've never used so cant comment on that ether,that specific one that is. just got this one (http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers/diffuser-3000.html) today only reason i got it there is Orlando has an amazing reputation other wire i would have orderd something from HK for cheaper, so good luck

[Ozymandias]

scape tools..... waste of money..... i would try diffusing the co2 if your going to add it to the out put of the filter.





going to disagree there curved Forceps (tweezers) and Scissors help so much. got a pare of the forceps to day and my god planting stem plants is so much easier (especially in hard to reach areas).

could we get a little more info on what you CO2 set up will be?

also for the snails you might try throwing the plants ina bucked and throw in and algae wafer. i've heard the snails leave the plant and go tord the food. ether way you will get snails it's sort of a fact with planted tanks.

also Mgamer what do you mean about "i would try diffusing the co2 if your going to add it to the out put of the" i think i have an idea but not sure what you had in mind?

[Bk718]

snails and wafer trick wont work since on the plants there may be hundreds of snail eggs..

MG was saying that its easier to diffuse the co2 having the end of the co2 tubing go in the intake of the canister filter

[Ozymandias]

snails and wafer trick wont work since on the plants there may be hundreds of snail eggs..

MG was saying that its easier to diffuse the co2 having the end of the co2 tubing go in the intake of the canister filter


ya i can see that and i know it only works on live snails still a thought.

k, was wondering. for that i would be opposed but only because i feel over the long run that can hurt the filter (though it really does work). there is also the option of an inline reactor that can be made out of PVC for the same price as the glass diffuser.

http://www.rexgrigg.com/diy-reactor.htm

[Mgamer20o0]

my filter i can plug in the co2 to the out put of the filter so there isnt a chance to get air locked. you can also put it in the intake of the filter or 10 other ways to diffuse co2.

[Ozymandias]

my filter i can plug in the co2 to the out put of the filter so there isnt a chance to get air locked. you can also put it in the intake of the filter or 10 other ways to diffuse co2.

what filter do you use?

[Mgamer20o0]

rena xp3

on my big tank i have a internal ditto filter basically a power head with a air tube input

also i have ran it to the input of a hot mag with no problems.

[Kevin007]

Thanks guys, I got alot of reading to do tonight. So far I'm reading into the drop checker, dry ferts and other Co2 info.

I don't know which one I am getting, but a member from another forum live in my location (Toronto) and knows a good deal on one, I'll let you guys know asap.

Oh and what are some sites you recommend for live plants? Or even fish since getting 50 Cardinals won't be cheap.

[Ozymandias]

right for the plant i'd say cheapest way to get them would be to ask on here, on one of the The Classifieds (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14), also you might want to check out The Planted Tank (http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/) and Aquatic Plant Central (http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/). both have some really good info and you can usally find some good deal on plants from members there. the only problem i think you would have would be the fact you live in Canada. but i do know some poeple keep mail boxes in the US is thay live close enough to the boarder