Planted Tank Suggestions?

[nabbey89]

I have a 10 gallon tank that I am going to turn into a dwarf puffer tank. It will be planted, with DIY CO2, and has 3 wpg of lighting. I have driftwood and rocks already. I was thinking about using Eco-complete as the substrate. I was wondering what types of plants I should stock and if eco-complete was a good substrate to use? Also, whats the best way to diffuse the CO2. I am going to use an empty soda bottle for the CO2. I know you shouldn't use CO2 when the lights are off, so should I get a valve of some sort to control the flow, or just remove the tubing when the lights go off? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[SMinNC]

As far as the plants go. You can put about anything you want in 3 wpg.

I wouldn't put anything in a DIY(2L bottle) CO2 Line to abstruct its flow. You'd be taking a chance on painting your ceiling with it.

A CO2 Indicator would be good to have. This >>> http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1380875/cl0/redseaco2indicator

Then you can keep an eye on your CO2 lvl. And may not need to worry about cutting it back at night.
I have a 30g extremely heavily planted atm.
My first DIY bottle was barely having me green on the indicator. My second(running now) has been bumping into the yellow by morning.

The differences between bottles, room temps, etc. Make the Indicator a very good investment.

My 30g DIY Diffuser:

Its a small PH running into a hard plastic tube, around 14" long. Like an UG tube, but smaller diameter.
The CO2 tubing(airline type) was pushed up into the plastic tube, to about 2" from the end. 95+% of the CO2 is going into the water before it leaves the tube.
This was on 3/17/09 so you can still see the diffuser. ;)

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t85/simplemaninnc/Picture021.jpg

This one was taken a few minutes ago. And shows the Indicator...
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t85/simplemaninnc/Picture069.jpg

I have a 96w PC and a 30w FL.
They've been on for about 6 hrs now, and the surface is covered with pearling bubbles. :)

[jpappy789]

wpg is a weak indicator of light intensity in small tanks, but you still shouldn't have a problem growing most plants. If this is your first planted tank, I would stick to some more "basic" plants for now: crypts, anubias, wisteria, maybe try some stem plants later.

What are you planning for ferts?

[nabbey89]

I was planning on using SeaChems Liquid ferts. I plan on following the dosing chart in the sticky.