high tech vs low tech - what does that mean?

FishBliss

Detroit Airport - so COOL!
Oct 1, 2006
226
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Peterborough, NH
Hi All -- I'm doing my research before starting to grow live plants. I often see posts that say "I'm doing plants in a low tech tank" or "I have a high tech tank"

I don't know what each of those things mean, why someone would choose one over the other, etc.

Can I get a tutorial and also some opinions and experiences of each?

Thanks, the collective knowledge of this bunch is tremendous!
 
Read the stickies over at APC, read www.RexGrigg.com's "Concise Guide"

Thumbnail sketshes:

High Tech - >2WPG of plant friendly lighting, regular addition of ferts & micronutrients, frequent large PWCs (ie: 50%/week), sterile or micronutrient rich substrate, CO2 addition

Low Tech - less light, less (or no) ferts&micros added, soil under gravel substrate used, less frequent PWCs, no CO2 - also see NPT (natural planted tank), a.k.a. "El Natural" and read Diana Walstad's book for more.
 
Excellent explanation Squawkbert. :D

High tech usually equals more work! But its definitely worth it IMO.
 
Yeah, it's more work & $, but if you want to see Vals & Cabomba grow 2-3" per day, it's the only way to go. If I set up another planted tank, it may be NPT, but it will be supported by a high-tech one.
 
is it possible to be in the middle for the tank

High light, no Co2, plain 'ol sand, liquid fert?
 
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