Hagen Plant Grow

[justintoxicated]

Hi, I'm just starting my planted tank, It is only a 10 gallon tank...

Right now It has Flourite Substrate, some guppies, heater set for about 75 deg.

I plan to pickup some good lighting tonight I think it is a 28 watt bulb or something around there for my 10 gallon, they are going on sale at the LFS for under $40.

I was looking into getting a Hagen Plant Grow system also, seems identical to DIY with a much better diffuser, Figure I can buy my own yeast later on instead of refils. Is it worth the extra couple $$ for this setup?

[EcoPit]

I love the Hagen diffuser. I really wish they would sell it seperately.

[anonapersona]

Perfect for the beginner in planted tanks, perfect for the 10 gallon tank. Simple, nearly foolproof. Neat and tidy. Flourite and the Hagen system on a 10 gallon tank with good lights is the perfect "training wheels" for a novice.

Applause!

Later, when you are ready for more challenges, and have collected a box of fish junk you can recycle some of that to build a DIY system and power reactor for your next tank, probably a 20 or 30 gallon, or if you go larger, just jump to a pressurized system for a 40 gallon or higher.

Most important thing, give the lid an extra 1/4 turn after you think it is tight. On the first use, check it on the second day to see if it need a touch more tightening, maybe a 1/8 turn if new.

Second, do not use hot water.

Third, do not shake. If you add sugar, then yeast and baking soda, the yeast will fall and then rise and sort of stir itself. When you see it rise, then cap the bottle and hook it up.

Fourth, but really should be first, do not use CO2 in any form until you know the KH of your water. Do not add CO2 to water below 3 or 4 degrees (60 - 80 ppm)

[justintoxicated]

Well I purchased a Test Kit, for most tests but I don't think it has anything to test KH, whatever that is.

I read some people have problems with softwater, but I know my water is really hard as it leaves spots all over my truck and anything chrome I wash, sure is a pain in the butt.

How do I test for KH is this another test kit I have to buy?

Thanks,

[Mysteria]

You can buy the hagen diffuser separately at www.bigalsonline.com

[justintoxicated]

Great link but after shipping I'm guessing I had might as well pickup the whole thing to make it easier on myself (not that making the canister is hard but I figure they woudl look nice being a set liek that...)

The other difuser on that site looks even better though.