Suggestions for my new 37 Gallon

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xpirtdesign

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Nov 18, 2008
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Well I just found a brand new all-glass 37 gallon at the swap meet yesterday for $15.00!!!

I wanted to build this tank to grow med & high light plants, no fish.

This is what my plans are...

-open top
-3 36" t12 overdriven 4xODNO bulbs (3) 4x advance ballasts. If my calculations are correct, I should be producing somewhere around 180 watts total with somewhere around 4.8WPG
-Use mylar as a reflector with an overhang lighting set up instead of a canopy (like the hydroponic set ups) shown here:

hydroponics.gif


I have a whisper 30-60 for a filter currently but will i nead a heater?

The specs of the tank are 30x12x22


Now my questions are this:

1) what kind of substrate will i need?
2) will i need fans for the lighting heat?
3) will i need co2? if so how much? Ive never built a DIY set up yet..
4) will i need plant supplements (plant food)
5) any other suggestions or problems?

thanks in advance!
 
almost 5 wpg is certainly overkill if you ask me...you'll have a very hard time balancing light, Co2, and nutrients in that tank. What I've been told is to make light your limiting factor.

Do you have any idea what plants you want to get? That pretty much determines how far you have to go with ferts and Co2, though the most efficient way is going to be dosing dry ferts and pressurized Co2...
 
I would like to do a submerged setup, i figured since the light is elevated over the tank and also larger than the tank itself (since the tank is 30" long and lights are 36") only most of the light would be targeted inside the tank itself. so really i would be getting anywhere from 3-4 WPG

later on, maybe i can add some shrimp or inverts.

With this in mind, how much Co2 would I need? Know of any good sources for a complete DIY guide for what I'm looking to do?

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actually, if I take out one bulb that would put me at around 3wpg

i want to avoid pressurized co2 since thats so expensive? im on a real tight budget.

if im running 3wpg, how does this change things?
 
3 wpg seems more manageable IMO...

DIY Co2 probably won't be enough as I think your tank size and lighting are going to require more Co2, but I may be wrong (I usually am when it comes to plants ;)). The initial cost for pressurized is steep but in the long run its more cost effective, and more effective for your plants.
 
Even with 3wpg, you'll need carbon supplement, IMO. Also, as JP pointed out, you're gonna have a rough time balancing a tank with almost 5 wpg. As for DIY co2 set-ups, I'm not a fan. They seldom have a consistent output and are all but impossible to effectively regulate the amount of co2 going into the tank. If at all possible, I'd go pressurized. I agree with the dry ferts. I use them and they work fine. NO fluorescent usually doesn't get hot enough to worry about cooling fans, especially if suspended above the tank 12 or more inches. For substrate, use whatever you like as long as the grain size isn't too big. I like blasting sand and other smaller-aggregate substrates. I don't use fine sand for planted tanks...too much of a possibility for aerobic pockets to form in deeper fine sand beds.

Mark
 
hey u guys, thanks for your help! i really want to have my plans all laid out to avoid mistakes and lost money, if you know what i mean. basically, what im trying to do here is get a great looking aquascape, like those AGA contests, but i have little $ to spend on all kinds of crazy equipment. so if it is possible...

1) http://www.aquariumguys.com/turbo-co2-bio-system.html

is this a waste of money? the guy at the LFS said to get this

2) what type of dry fertz would you suggest, i have a home depot and lowes nearby. as far as substrate goes, i was planning on using the flourish type?

3) i can pick up 20lb bottles of co2 from the paintball shop nearby, but then i would need a regulator, tubing, and a bubbler?

again, thanks for the help!
 
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I use fluorite in some of my tanks. It's ok but the grain size is a little large. Check out Rex Grigg's site for co2 regulator and accessories. He has good stuff and not too terribly expensive. The dry fert. I use is called PMDD pre-mix, and contains macros and traces. I get it from AquariumFertilizer.com for 10 bucks a pound. A pound would likely last you a year.

Mark
 
That Turbo system is just DIY in a fancy package. If you want to do CO2 the right way, go with pressurized. I got my bottle at a fire extinguisher shop that sells them for $50 (10 Lb). It lasts about 6 mos and a refill costs $12. I got my regulator from a store that sells beer making supplies for about $35.

If you don't have all the money up front, purchase it a little at a time. You will be satisfied with your results.

Patience is a virtue.
 
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