Setting up a small planted tank

[mg6682]

I've got a 20 long I'm going to set up as a planted tank. The tank is going on a dresser, so it'll be difficult to use a cannister filter. Any suggestions on an alternate? I've got several AC's I can use, but was thinking an internal such as the Eheim Aquaball may be a better solution as I can control the flow more for less surface agitation.

I've got a coralife fluorescent striplight now with 36 watts. The 65 watt PC version is probably a better choice, although it sure seems like a lot of light for such a shallow tank though.

I'm using about 30lbs of Eco-Complete for substrate (what I have left). Think this will be enough? I'll add some sand if not.

CO2...Hmm...I dug out a CarboPlus unit from my last uneducated attempt at a planted tank. Any thoughts on this? The thing sure puts out some fine CO2 bubbles and it'll save me some cash. I'd like to buy one of Rex's regulator set-ups, but I cant justify the cost right now. It'll sure look like hell in a 20 long, but I'll see how it works. Maybe the DIY would be a better option on this size of a tank?

[Rex Grigg]

Those bubbles you see coming off the CP are not CO2 but hydrogen. The CO2 that the CP creates doesn't form as bubbles.

[Mgamer20o0]

sounds kind of like the tank i just set up. 20 gal long with the same lighting. if can go with a low light tank and not have to use co2. you could try excel as a liquid forum of co2. unless your adding co2 gas you dont have to worry about surface agitation. i have a AC filter and the water high up and there isnt much surface agitation.

[mg6682]

"Those bubbles you see coming off the CP are not CO2 but hydrogen. The CO2 that the CP creates doesn't form as bubbles."

Didnt know that - thanks.

"i have a AC filter and the water high up and there isnt much surface agitation"

I am going to use C02, but I'll try the AC and see how it works.

Another question - whats everyone's opinion of the ADA fertilizers? They seem quite simple to use, almost too simple, imo. The cost is high, but for the size of the tank the stuff should last a while.

[Mgamer20o0]

look at the rena xp1. as for ferts i got dry ferts from http://www.gregwatson.com/

[phanmc]

Another question - whats everyone's opinion of the ADA fertilizers? They seem quite simple to use, almost too simple, imo. The cost is high, but for the size of the tank the stuff should last a while.

I've used the ADA ferts at work, mainly because I like their bottles. There really isn't anything special about them, ferts are ferts and as long as you know what you need then it doesn't matter what bottle it comes in. They are simple to use but so are dry ferts once you know how much you need to dose, and that is alot cheaper. You can order dry ferts from www.gregwatson.com that will last you years for the price of a few of ADA's bottles.

Now I just need to figure out how to make my nitrate solution all blue like theirs and I'm set :P

[Rex Grigg]

Blue food coloring.