Starting New planted tank

[Fishster]

Could I get some advice from you all about starting a new planted tank? My plan is to use a 29 gallon that I already have and I plan to use 2 - 55 watt PC flouresents. I have been reading here to use flourite or laterite for a substrate, if so do I have to buy them from a fish store or are they available from other sources? One last thing is I have an AC 300, even though this will disperse CO2 will it still be ok to use this?

Thanks

[morleyz]

Sounds like you're doing a pretty similar setup to what I just did last month. I have a 28G bowfront, DIY CO2, AC300 and Flourite. I'm not sure about alternative sources for substrate, but I just kinda setup everything, let the CO2 stabilize for a couple of days and added my plants...not really thinking much about it...so far, everything is growing like crazy...so I guess to sum up my advice...your equipment should be fine, so get yourself setup and find some plants you like and get started.

[125gJoe]

Make sure you plant heavily -- around 80% ...

This is to help prevent a serious algae outbreak. It worked for me. :)

[dillct]

2X55's over a 29 is overkill IMO. One 55 would be plenty.

Chaz

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by dillct
2X55's over a 29 is overkill IMO. One 55 would be plenty.

Chaz CO2 would be needed....

[Fishster]

OK so only one 55 pc, now how about the substrate?

Thanks for the replies so far.

[dillct]

What do you have available in your area? I've heard Flourite's great even though I've never used it. If it wasn't 15 bucks a bag I would have given it a try. People have been keeping fantastic tanks before it came along though. I've used everything from Profile to kitty litter to just plain blasting sand with success. If your still unsure what to use as far as lighting you MAY be able to use the 2X55 ballast to run one bulb and then if unsatisfied upgrade to 2 bulbs later. If it was me I'd spend most of my money gettting the CO2 in line. DIY CO2 is a pain in the rear. Don't make this too difficult you'll drive yourself crazy.

Chaz.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by dillct
..... I've heard Flourite's great even though I've never used it. ...Chaz. It is.....and less maintenance than clay or laterite underneath your gravel. You can use 100% Flourite and forget additives except liquid fertilizers. Big Al's Online should have the best price on Flourite.

[dillct]

I've never had problem with either laterite or kitty litter. Both can make a mess if disturbed just as Flourite can. Even though I now use blasting sand and laterite the kitty litter tank was by far my favorite. It was unbelievable how fine the root hairs on the plants were as viewed from below the tank. As long as I didn't get violent when cleaning I got no more than a little puff of smoke from the substrate which settled in a matter on minutes. Of course it was covered with about an 1 1/2 inches of blasting sand. I guess my point is that it and other substrates can be a more cost effective option for folks out there than Flourite. If moneys no consideration then by all means go for the Flourite. I've heard of people having problems planting glossostigma and other similars in Flourite. Can you say floater.

Chaz

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by dillct
I've never had problem with either laterite or kitty litter. Both can make a mess if disturbed just as Flourite can..... I've heard of people having problems planting glossostigma and other similars in Flourite. Can you say floater.
Chaz Yes Flourite is pricey but nice.... I don't understand how 'clay-like' laterite can be compared in texture with Flourite. The size of Flourite is medium to fine gravel. Initial rinsing of Flourite can be messy. A thorough rinsing of Flourite will not "act" like laterite when disturbed for vacuuming, re-planting, etc..
I can see where Glosso could be a pain to root.... Most all plants will stay down (rooted) in the Flourite. :) Onyx sand is even better for holding down the newly planted since it is smaller in size. Onyx will cost a little more...