What do i need for a large (125 gal) tank?

[cokeeffe]

I recently got a 72x18x22 tank with an included wet/dry filter with a 450gph pump and overflow. Previous owner had it set up FOWLR, but i want to make it a well-planted tropical community tank with some floating plants. However, it will also be my first planted tank (I'm planning on adding some Java moss to my 20 gallon tall, but i don't think that really counts). It also came with a 48" light fixture (looks like fluorescents) with two slots. I'd like to avoid co2 if i could. So my questions are:
1. Will a wet/dry work on a planted aquarium? What kind of filter media should i use? I figure i should probably replace the used salt-water media.
2. What kind of lighting would be sufficient and cost-effective? I'd like to strike a balance. I'm very flexible to what plants i'll be putting in there at this point, so I'm willing to adjust. My main concern is enough light reaching the substrate for some smaller plants in front.
3. Any other tips? I'm trying not to jump in head first, and i'd appreciate any comments or suggestions.

 

[fastlight81]

1. Im sure it could work...probably not the best method though. Cannister filter best option IMO.
2.if it is a 48in light most likely it is an old t8 type lamp....or compact fluorescent. Either way I have a 37g that is 22in tall and The only thing that drove the lights down to the substrate was a t-5 fixture with individual reflectors. As far as your 48 on your 72in tank...probably not the best except for the lowest of light plants.
3. As far as tips I am new to the whole planted myself. But I read and read and read and bug the snot out of these guys on this forum. But in a way I did just go in head first. And learning every step of the way. The options for your tank are almost limitless it just depends on how much money time and effort you want to put in to it. For me I started out that I wanted low light no co2. I now have high light and diy co2 and plan on starting a fert dosing regimine and buying pressurized co2. I guess I became addicted. I find that making plants thrive is very rewarding. But hey...to each his own!

 

[thebrandon]

1. Will a wet/dry work on a planted aquarium? What kind of filter media should i use? I figure i should probably replace the used salt-water media.
2. What kind of lighting would be sufficient and cost-effective? I'd like to strike a balance. I'm very flexible to what plants i'll be putting in there at this point, so I'm willing to adjust. My main concern is enough light reaching the substrate for some smaller plants in front.
3. Any other tips? I'm trying not to jump in head first, and i'd appreciate any comments or suggestions.

1. Yes it can work, but most people with planted tanks like to stay away from wet/dry filters and overflows especially with floating plants. Water movement causes CO2 in the water to gas off. You can most likely use the same filter media from the other tank, give it a good rinse to get all the salt and other goodies off, then like with any other tank cycle it properly. Plants can be introduced at anytime during the cycle period.

2. I run shop lights on my 125 retrofitted into the hood. Shop lights in general are very cheap, about 20 bucks for a 48" fixture but it sounds like you have lights already. You can EASILY have some low light plants in there with the lighting you have, I do it myself.

3. Start out simple with some low light plants like java fern and anubias. Plants like these most likely wont need any added CO2. There are a lot more out there to choose from, but those two just happen to be my favorite. Low light plants will grow in just about any aquarium and will give you a good start and will let you see if live plants are for you and if you are ready to step up to a stricter fertilization and lighting schedule for higher light plants. Research every plant before you put it in your tank, many places like to sell non-aquatic plants that will die in short time when introduced in your tank. Also look into using a substrate other than gravel, there are a few good plant substrates out there, some are listed in the sticky at the top of the planted forum. But here is a short cut for you I'd suggest reading through there too, lots of good info and suggestions for having a planted aquarium.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136668

 

[cokeeffe]

Yes it can work, but most people with planted tanks like to stay away from wet/dry filters and overflows especially with floating plants. Water movement causes CO2 in the water to gas off. You can most likely use the same filter media from the other tank, give it a good rinse to get all the salt and other goodies off, then like with any other tank cycle it properly. Plants can be introduced at anytime during the cycle period.

What if I put some plastic wrap over the wet/dry filter and put the return deeper, so as not to disturb the surface as much?

 

[tanker]

What if I put some plastic wrap over the wet/dry filter and put the return deeper, so as not to disturb the surface as much?

The wet-dry area is where the CO2 is dispersed, not the overflow or return.

 

[thebrandon]

I mentioned the overflow because floating plants like to move with the flow and they can clog or go down into the overflow and die. There are plenty of people on here who use overflows with planted tanks, but you will usually see better results with a filter like a canister.

 

[cokeeffe]

Hmmm... well i guess i'll start off with a few hardy plants and see how they do. Thanks for the advice all