Taylor's 12 gallon planted build thread.

[scruztaylor]

Hey guys I just registered and actually started my first planted tank today. I have been keeping reef tanks for the last 5 or so years and want to venture out a little bit. I am starting with a 12 gallon jbj dx tank. I picked up a few things today to get me started. I am deff. looking for experienced people to help me with equipment, supplements, husbandry, etc. Here is a pic of my reef tank right now.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/3_21_09/P1030264.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/3_21_09/P1030274.jpg

Anyways here is what I did today. I talked to a few people at different LFS's and the all recomended the stuff I bought. Please chime in if you disagree or have any suggestions with the equipment or supplements I have. I will be adding a jbj 70 watt metal halide viper light later this week. Any ideas on a bulb?

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030375.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030376.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030377.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030379.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030380.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030381.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030382.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/Fresh%20start/P1030384.jpg

[phanmc]

If you're going with the MH viper then you're going to need a pressurized CO2 system to go with it, using Excel alone isn't going to provide enough carbon for that kind of lighting. Bulb type isn't really important, buy the one that looks nice to you (most prefer something in the 6,500k-10,000k range).

Aquasoil, great nutrient rich substrate. You won't need to dose macros and micros for awhile.

Flourish is primarily a micro nutrient solution. Eventually you'll also need to dose macro (nitrates, potassium, and phosphates) as well. You may want to learn using dry ferts, same as the bottled stuff but you don't have to pay for water. rexgrigg.com or aquariumfertilizer.com are where you can learn and buy them from.

Excel is a carbon alternative and works well in killing off algae (and a few plant species). Not effective as CO2 injection but good to have on hand.

I believe kent's R/O Right is a GH booster, will provide some essential nutrients for plants.

Off to a good start, but I can't stress enough the importance of a CO2 system for your setup.

[scruztaylor]

If you're going with the MH viper then you're going to need a pressurized CO2 system to go with it, using Excel alone isn't going to provide enough carbon for that kind of lighting. Bulb type isn't really important, buy the one that looks nice to you (most prefer something in the 6,500k-10,000k range).

Aquasoil, great nutrient rich substrate. You won't need to dose macros and micros for awhile.

Flourish is primarily a micro nutrient solution. Eventually you'll also need to dose macro (nitrates, potassium, and phosphates) as well. You may want to learn using dry ferts, same as the bottled stuff but you don't have to pay for water. rexgrigg.com or aquariumfertilizer.com are where you can learn and buy them from.

Excel is a carbon alternative and works well in killing off algae (and a few plant species). Not effective as CO2 injection but good to have on hand.

I believe kent's R/O Right is a GH booster, will provide some essential nutrients for plants.

Off to a good start, but I can't stress enough the importance of a CO2 system for your setup.

Cool thanks for the info! I will get co2 as soon as possible! What is a reliable somewhat price worthy option?

[phanmc]

sumoregulator.com is as good as it gets, high quality parts with lots of customizable options.

rexgrigg also sells high quality parts though missing the nice attached bubble counter.

For the price, you really can't beat the Milwawkee combo at jbjnanocubes.com. $80 for a regulator, solenoid, needle valve, and bubble counter.

[7itanium]

you DONT need halides on a tank that small.. its just gonna cause problems because 6-7 WPG is really high on a planted tank

I reccomend something in the 3-4 WPG range... T5s or powercompacts will do the job on that tank just fine.. and you wont need pressurized CO2

[scruztaylor]

Could you recommend a nice looking t5 setup for it? Are the additives I have enough?

[scruztaylor]

Thinking of buying one of these two. Can anyone chime in. Would the 50/50 bulbs be ok?
http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD/250/ES53124/ES53124_99.jpg


12 inch double lamp fixture
2-18 watt 50/50 straight pin compact fluorescent lamps
On / Off switch
Built-in ballasts
Sleek aluminum housing (7in W x 2 1/2in H)
Highly-polished reflector Acrylic lens cover
Ideal for Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
Dimensions: 12in x 7in x 2 1/2in



http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD/250/CU01011/CU01011_99.jpg


Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k : 1 x 18watt
Dual Actinic 420nm/460nm : 1 x 18watt
Lunar Light Moon White : 1
Product Dimensions : 12" x 7.25" x 2.5"
Total Watts : 36 watt
Total Amps : 0.21
Configuration: D

[BoCoMo]

Just found this thread. Your reef tank is bad ***! What size tank is it?

[scruztaylor]

Here is the build thread! Let me know what you think.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1603901

[mellowvision]

nice reef tank!

the coralife fixture is cool, but the dual actnic bulbs are not the way to go, you want dual daylight for the plants. I think there is a current USa model small like that too. personally, I'd keep it low light and use hanging bulbs above it. you can use daylight spiral cfs if you want, shoot a little higher with the wattage with those though, you loose a lot of the light... maybe 2 20w bulbs?

[Damodred]

That's the most attractive reef tank I've seen!

[scruztaylor]

Are you talking about bulbs from home depot or something? I want whatever it is to look really clean and simple. Can you find me some links to what you are talking about?


nice reef tank!

the coralife fixture is cool, but the dual actnic bulbs are not the way to go, you want dual daylight for the plants. I think there is a current USa model small like that too. personally, I'd keep it low light and use hanging bulbs above it. you can use daylight spiral cfs if you want, shoot a little higher with the wattage with those though, you loose a lot of the light... maybe 2 20w bulbs?

[BoCoMo]

Are you talking about bulbs from home depot or something? I want whatever it is to look really clean and simple. Can you find me some links to what you are talking about?

If you want lush plant growth you will want co2 and 3-4 watts per gallon (JOM) I would stick with the t5 setup with full spectrum bulbs (this will make for a clean looking setup, again JMO)

can't wait to see it!

[scruztaylor]

If you want lush plant growth you will want co2 and 3-4 watts per gallon (JOM) I would stick with the t5 setup with full spectrum bulbs (this will make for a clean looking setup, again JMO)

can't wait to see it!

I can only find power compacts at this size. Any idea where I can find a 12inch t5 fixture?

[Hooked Newbie]

The reef looks outstanding! As you know, any WPG rule is junk (even in FW). PC, T5, and MH will have vastly different spectrum delivery at the same WPG number. If you are going high light regardless of type, you'll want to think seriously about CO2 injection or you will have nothing more than a green water culture. ;)

[severum mama]

Taylor, love the reef tank. Great work!!!

As far as your Nanocube, I agree that the 70W MH lamp is not needed, but if you want a high-tech, challenging setup, you could definitely use it if you want. Amano himself often uses MH... it's just not a challenge that I would personally be up to! LOL. Pressurized CO2 and ferts would be a must for that setup, as you've already seen.

PC or HO T5 are good options as well. I'd lean toward T5s for the same reasons that people choose them in SW tanks over PCs. The WPG "rule" is useless and won't tell you anything, as I'm sure you know... 4 WPG of PC is vastly different than 4 WPG HO T5, etc. Using T5s would probably also put you into CO2/fert dosing territory, depending on the number of bulbs you choose. Your posts seem like you are open to some high-tech options. I'm sure that you'll do fine with that, since you can keep your reef looking so great!

Good luck. :)

[BoCoMo]

Found a couple non aquarium use. You could go with LED's or stick with the power compact (either or which should work fine) as long as you're getting your wpg and proper light spectrum you should be good to go.

p.s. I can't stop looking at your reef. Absolutely amazing!

[BoCoMo]

Taylor, love the reef tank. Great work!!!

As far as your Nanocube, I agree that the 70W MH lamp is not needed, but if you want a high-tech, challenging setup, you could definitely use it if you want. Amano himself often uses MH... it's just not a challenge that I would personally be up to! LOL. Pressurized CO2 and ferts would be a must for that setup, as you've already seen.

PC or HO T5 are good options as well. I'd lean toward T5s for the same reasons that people choose them in SW tanks over PCs. The WPG "rule" is useless and won't tell you anything, as I'm sure you know... 4 WPG of PC is vastly different than 4 WPG HO T5, etc. Using T5s would probably also put you into CO2/fert dosing territory, depending on the number of bulbs you choose. Your posts seem like you are open to some high-tech options. I'm sure that you'll do fine with that, since you can keep your reef looking so great!

Good luck. :)

ummmm yeah, what she said :iagree:

[scruztaylor]

Yeah I am thinking of doing the Halide and just having it raised higher from the water. Probably switch the 14k to a 10k though.

[severum mama]

Good move man, you won't want to use a 14K bulb for a planted tank. 10K would work, or if possible, somewhere in the 6700K range would be good (not sure if you can buy halide bulbs in that spectrum).

[scruztaylor]

Good move man, you won't want to use a 14K bulb for a planted tank. 10K would work, or if possible, somewhere in the 6700K range would be good (not sure if you can buy halide bulbs in that spectrum).

Yeah the only bad part is the heat coming from it. If I can find a nice 12 inch t5 fixture I might go with that. I hate going from a nice 20k radium bulb to a 6700k bulb. :headshake2:

[scruztaylor]

Found a couple non aquarium use. You could go with LED's or stick with the power compact (either or which should work fine) as long as you're getting your wpg and proper light spectrum you should be good to go.

p.s. I can't stop looking at your reef. Absolutely amazing!

Haha thanks dude, that thing is my pride and joy. I am looking for something a little more maintenance free with this setup.

[severum mama]

Yeah the only bad part is the heat coming from it. If I can find a nice 12 inch t5 fixture I might go with that. I hate going from a nice 20k radium bulb to a 6700k bulb. :headshake2:

Heat issues are a definite concern here. Honestly I think it would be a lot easier to just go with a T5 fixture if you can find one you like. You'll still need to stay with 10K or 6700K though- no actinics for a planted tank. ;)

[phanmc]

Do you still have the standard deluxe hood that normally comes with the nanocube? That hood is enough to grow just about anything, 2x24w cf lights.

[scruztaylor]

I got the one without the hood.

[phanmc]

Then personally I'd stick with the viper, just raise it from the tank as high as you can. You'll get a nice shimmer effect from MH that you won't with fluorescent.

As long as you have CO2 and ferts handy, you'll be ok. The aquasoil should keep the tank maintenance free for at least a month or two and then you'll want to start dosing ferts. Inject CO2 right off the bat and get a drop checker to make sure you're not overdosing it.

http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-drop-checkers.html

[mellowvision]

maintenance free = low light.

you can have lush growth, you just have to choose your plants wisely.

[BoCoMo]

maintenance free = low light.

you can have lush growth, you just have to choose your plants wisely.

true (and a UV sterilizer doesn't hurt!)

[scruztaylor]

Anyone know of a 12 inch t5 unit?

[scruztaylor]

Alright I finally got my light last night. I went with this setup and changed the actinic light with another 6700/10000k . So I have 36 watts of half 6700k half 10000k. It even has a nice moonlight ;) I think today I am going to start dosing excel untill I can figure out what I am doing for c02. With that light what would be a cheaper route? I don't mind buying c02 and a regulator but just don't wan't to spend hundreds on it. I am also planning on getting some plants tonight after class. More pics tonight for sure.

http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD/250/CU01011/CU01011_99.jpg


2x Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k : 18watt
Lunar Light Moon White : 1
Product Dimensions : 12" x 7.25" x 2.5"
Total Watts : 36 watt
Total Amps : 0.21
Configuration: D

[BoCoMo]

I have a strong feeling this is going to be a pretty cool build thread :thumbsup:

[mellowvision]

yeah, nice light choice. I love my current fixture, even though it's not the right size for my tank. lol.

any ideas how you want it to LOOK?

[scruztaylor]

Sorry for the delay, I crashed early yesterday. I also made an iffy decision to get a german blue ram. Haha
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/4_16_09/P1030537.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/4_16_09/P1030538.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/ScruzTaylor/4_16_09/P1030541.jpg

[phanmc]

Get more plants in there ASAP. With the ammonia levels from the Aquasoil, it won't take too long for the algae to set in, cram the tank with as many plants as you can.

[kog]

wow, I like the wood and the mosses.
That ram also looks sweet!

[ChrisK]

Looking good!! get some plants in there soon or you may start to see algae soon.

[dirtydawg10]

Nice start!

[BoCoMo]

Rams love established tanks so don't be too discouraged if you run into rough luck with the first. Also they love to be in mated pairs (if you buy them from your lfs look for a pair that already appear to have "chosen" each other. You are gonna love Blue Rams! :thumbsup:

[BoCoMo]

Also, your GBR(s) will appreciate more plants but be sure to maintain some open swimming space for them! This is going to be a great tank!

[mellowvision]

Get more plants in there ASAP. With the ammonia levels from the Aquasoil, it won't take too long for the algae to set in, cram the tank with as many plants as you can.

I totally agree... I wouldn't have used aquasoil without a full tank of plants on hand. I'd see if you can grab a handful of water sprite or floaters until you have your other plants.

[BoCoMo]

I totally agree... I wouldn't have used aquasoil without a full tank of plants on hand. I'd see if you can grab a handful of water sprite or floaters until you have your other plants.

+1 on the water sprite! (should be fairly inexpensive at your LFS)

[jpappy789]

I agree with what has been said. You need some nutrient-suckers in there or the algae is really going to take over with that lighting. Also, really keep a close eye on params with the ram. They like established tanks.

[scruztaylor]

Alrite I got some sprites today. I was wondering what is a good option for me with c02? I want it to be easy to setup, something with a small co2 tank, and somewhat affordable.

[BoCoMo]

Alrite I got some sprites today. I was wondering what is a good option for me with c02? I want it to be easy to setup, something with a small co2 tank, and somewhat affordable.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191011

or

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191036

I would use an in-line diffuser or a counter-flow - JMO

[scruztaylor]

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191011

or

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191036

I would use an in-line diffuser or a counter-flow - JMO

is that second setup pretty nice? I would give him an offer.

[phanmc]

The paintball setup is smaller, but wouldn't last as long as a regular setup. With the solenoid you'll get about 3 months out of it before refill. For the same price you can get the regular setup from jbjnanocubes.com, a 5lb tank from a local welding shop will last you about 9-12 months and it's not much bigger.

[scruztaylor]

Anyone know where I can grab the ada co2 setup?

[phanmc]

Anyone know where I can grab the ada co2 setup?

www.adgshop.com
www.adana-usa.com

The ADA stuff is the least economical setup to get. Their mini system looks nice but is the most expensive to run long term, a cartridge lasts a month at most and costs $14. The only reason to get it is for the looks and if space is really an issue.

Their larger setup costs twice as much as competitors and you get less stuff.

[scruztaylor]

little update for everyone. bought some plants on ebay. lol
http://imageftw.com/uploads/20090424/photo.jpg

[BoCoMo]

looking good! The only thing I do not like about the ada setups is the glass diffusers. I am a big fan of in-line and counter-flow. (most efficient!) Think the offer a glass in-line now (not sure) but they are way to proud of their equipment (unnecessarily pricey) for me.

again, tank is looking good!

[VivaLaVics]

What are those little clover type things you have spotted around the substrate. New to planted and dont know what they are but want some!!!

PS: Just added GBRs to my collection of fish- VERY awesome!