In an effort to move towards planted aquaria, I'd like to start with my 16g tank (in order to avoid the costs involved with larger tanks until I get a foothold). Keep in mind that I'd really like to keep further costs to a minimum, but let me know if any part of my plan needs altering or if I have failed to address something crucial.
This is that tank that I'd like to plant. It's a 16g (same footprint as a 10g standard but taller). The substrate currently is #20 grade pool filter sand. My GH is 5 degrees, and my KH measures 3 degrees. The lighting right now consists of a single 15w standard bulb that came with the hood. The filter in the photo is a penguin 150, but I have since switched it to an Aquaclear200 (in order to avoid the extra turbulance from the biowheel).
Here's the layout (though the new filter intake is in the center-rear of the tank):
I tried some anacharis in this setup (15w cool flourescent with no supplemental CO2 or ferts), and it died and turned to mush within 5 days.
Ideally I'd like some plants that will do well without supplemental carbon dioxide. I've read that Flourish Excel can supply the necessary carbon for relatively undemending plants in small tanks, so I have some coming by mail. I have also gotten one of the 2 x 13W compact flourescent kits from AH supply, and that's ready to go on the tank. I feel now like I should have sprung for even more lighting, as this upgrade puts me at just under 2wpg. I have an empty 10g tank that all of my components (new and old) will fit on instead which would allow me to use the same amount of light over the same surface area with less water depth. However, the driftwood is a tad too tall to fit in a 10g, so I'd really like to keep the 16 running if the 2wpg will be sufficient for what I'm trying to do.
My projected appearance is something like this:
I'd like to have the java moss root into the top of the driftwood, and have another type of tallish plant growing up in the rear corners. If possible, I'd also like to get some sort of groundcover going, even if it is just more java moss. Now, I'm not opposed to changing the sand to a plant-specific clay substrate, but would that really benefit me to any great effect? Also, plant suggestions for the ground cover and rear corner plants would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
This is that tank that I'd like to plant. It's a 16g (same footprint as a 10g standard but taller). The substrate currently is #20 grade pool filter sand. My GH is 5 degrees, and my KH measures 3 degrees. The lighting right now consists of a single 15w standard bulb that came with the hood. The filter in the photo is a penguin 150, but I have since switched it to an Aquaclear200 (in order to avoid the extra turbulance from the biowheel).
Here's the layout (though the new filter intake is in the center-rear of the tank):
I tried some anacharis in this setup (15w cool flourescent with no supplemental CO2 or ferts), and it died and turned to mush within 5 days.
Ideally I'd like some plants that will do well without supplemental carbon dioxide. I've read that Flourish Excel can supply the necessary carbon for relatively undemending plants in small tanks, so I have some coming by mail. I have also gotten one of the 2 x 13W compact flourescent kits from AH supply, and that's ready to go on the tank. I feel now like I should have sprung for even more lighting, as this upgrade puts me at just under 2wpg. I have an empty 10g tank that all of my components (new and old) will fit on instead which would allow me to use the same amount of light over the same surface area with less water depth. However, the driftwood is a tad too tall to fit in a 10g, so I'd really like to keep the 16 running if the 2wpg will be sufficient for what I'm trying to do.
My projected appearance is something like this:
I'd like to have the java moss root into the top of the driftwood, and have another type of tallish plant growing up in the rear corners. If possible, I'd also like to get some sort of groundcover going, even if it is just more java moss. Now, I'm not opposed to changing the sand to a plant-specific clay substrate, but would that really benefit me to any great effect? Also, plant suggestions for the ground cover and rear corner plants would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
