Getting a new tank

[goalieman59]

I will be getting a 180g tank(72*24*24) by the end of the year.:dance2: I will be moving my planted tank to that one. My current planted tank is 55g, I have a pressurized CO2 system, and a pet store blue gravel:crazy:. I will be getting new substrate, what type should I get? How much will I need? And what else do I need to do. I have to get everything before I buy the tank so it does not look like I am spending that much.

[Ozymandias]

well how much money are you willing to spend on subtrate is the real question. if i wasn't to concerned with money i would get flourite black or black sand mixed in with some Eco-complete. if i was just looking for a cheap substrate would probably go for pool filter sand or play sand. for how much i would say enough to get 2-3 inches worth of it how much that is i have no idea but it is alot.

also what size CO2 cylinder do you have? if i's like a #5 i would probably upgrade to something bigger because of how much CO2 you would be using in the tank. and do you have any idea for filtration and lighting on the tank?

[goalieman59]

well how much money are you willing to spend on subtrate is the real question. if i wasn't to concerned with money i would get flourite black or black sand mixed in with some Eco-complete. if i was just looking for a cheap substrate would probably go for pool filter sand or play sand. for how much i would say enough to get 2-3 inches worth of it how much that is i have no idea but it is alot. I was thinking about going with a flourite black sand, but I told the wife how much and all I got was:jaw:.also what size CO2 cylinder do you have?I have a 5# right now I was thinking about going up to a 10# or even a 20#. if i's like a #5 i would probably upgrade to something bigger because of how much CO2 you would be using in the tank.and do you have any idea for filtration and lighting on the tank? As far a s filters I was thinking about a Ehiem 2028,2026, and a 2213. I was also thinking about getting a FX5 for that tank and keep the rest of my canisters on the reset of my tanks. I already have a 36" light I would just need to get one more of the same light. Or I was thinking about going with the shop light DIY.

[Ozymandias]

i actually really like the fluorite black sand but ya really expensive in large quantities. my suggestion would be look into pool filter sand should be pretty cheap for large quantities and it does come in black ans some other colors. and aslong as you fertalize and use some root tabs you should be fine with plant growth.

10# is good and 20# is beter you might look around on craigslist to see if you can get any cylinders for cheap. i'm going to be picking up a 20# tomorrow actually that i found on craigslist. not that fancy of a cylander really but it works and thats all i ask.

well multiple filters are always good. but if you do go with the FX5 you should be fine (those things are beasts).

for lighting if you go high tech which you seem to be doing with the CO2 you probably want to invest in some good light other than shop light. my favorite lights are T5 HO's with a good reflector. thay stay cool and produce good amount of light even with out efficient reflectors. you will also get the most light penetration with them i feel, and that is inportant with bigger tanks