Newb Questions On Planted Setup

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Fishdummy

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Jun 1, 2003
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Hi everyone. I hate to start another thread from a newb seeking advice on setups for planted aquariums, but I can't find definite answers to some question. First I plan to get my thumbs wet using a 10 gallon tank that I have setup right now, and eventually I'd like to turn my 125G into a planted Discus Aquarium. My first question is about sand as a substrate, I know it's not the ideal substrate but if I mixed in some Laterite would sand be okay, or should I just scrap the sand and use flourite? Secondly I have a single tube strip light on the tank with a full glass top, if I throw in a coralife plant bulb which is 15W would that be sufficient lighting for some newbie plants such as micro swords that are low light? And lastly for now, I think i could accomplish making a DIY CO2 unit, but would the one that Hagen sells be sufficient for a 10Gallon? it's like 17 bucks online now and I figure if it really works, I wouldn't mind paying that much for it.

Thanks in advance for any responses I may recieve to these questions. Also if there is any equipment you think I would need for the 10 gallon experimental tank let me know, I plan on doing the three things I mentioned above and giving it a go. I am not quite sure if I need RO water or anything like that, so if anyone has some input, Thank you.

Allen
 
mixing sand and flourite will work but the mix should be at least 50/50, preferably the more flourite the better. The sand will eventually mix with the flourite so any attempts at layering the substrate won't last very long.

A 15w bulb over a 10 gallon will be sufficient to grow low light plants. However, micro swords (Lilaeopsis) are high light plants that needs over 2.5 watts per gallon. The Hagen CO2 system is fine for a 10 gallon tank.

RO water has most of the trace elements removed from it, which are necessary for plants. You'll need to add them back with fertilizers.
 
Kasakato - I had one Hagen Co2 system in a 20 Gallon, but wasn't satisfied with the amound of Co2 I was getting, so I put two in. I guess it depends on how much you want. Also, I used my own sugar and yeast, which seemed to work better than the Hagen stuff they give you.
 
Okay guys, looks like what I am going to do is keep my sand substrate in the 10 gallon, I am putting together a DIY CO2 injection and adding a Flora Sun bulb to my strip light. I will only have 1.5wpg and so will grow low light plants like micro swords or whatever low light plants are commonly available. Anyone see any problems with this?
 
Sand is not a good substrate for rooting plants. If you plan on having rooting plants like micro swords use flourite, onyx sand, or eco-complete instead.

Micro sword (Lilaeopsis) is not a low light plant and will not do well at 1.5w per gallon. true low light plants like java fern & moss, anubias, and crypts will be fine at 1.5w per gallon.
 
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