Advice

J

jgavlock

AC Members
Dec 20, 2006
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Today I went to the LFS to pick up another Angel and had was the victim of an impulse buy. (I know, I know)

I don't really know much about plants, besides Java Moss, and I asked the guy for some plants that would be relatively easy to care for. I left with two Amazon Swords, a crypt, and java moss for each of my betta tanks. I also brought home a liquid fertilizer.

I have two 30 watt bulbs that are relatively old, as I inherited this tank from my brother in law about a month ago. I plan on picking up two bulbs tomorrow that are 40-50 watts, which would put me at over 2.0 wpg.

My question is that is that amount of lighting sufficient to maintain these plants? Also, I was going to set up DIY-CO2 tomorrow, is this a good idea?

I appreciate all of your help! Thank you!
 
what type of bulb is it?
Also, when you say "liquid fertilizer" what exactly is it? The name?
Also will CO2 be good to add?...always, yes...
Next question, what substrate do you have in there?
If it is just gravel, you will definitely need to either dose ferts or use root tabs for thos Swords and Crypts...a note on Java moss...they love cooler temps and CO2.
I can help further if I had more info.
 
I guess a better question would be what type of bulb should I buy , as I really do not even know what type that I do have. I don't know much about lighting.

The liquid fert that I purchased is called Nutrafin Plant Gro. It was all that the pet store near my house had.

I do have a gravel substrate. Should I buy a product like Excel when I buy the lights tomorrow or should I buy root tabs?

Thanks again
 
Excel is a carbon source...all plants need that. The Nutrafin stuff is not what I recommend but you have to make due with what you have. Root tabs are a macro/micro/fe base...something like Flourish Root Tabs, or the one I use is ADA Ironbottom. Anyway, place a couple around each of the sword/crpt roots and push ALL OF THE WAY to the bottom of the tank. Those babies get into your water column, and you will get one hell of a green water bloom.
Do a search on lighting......read a lot check out www.rexgrigg.com great for starting out and understanding the relationship invoved here, and he is great with DIY stuff www.rexgrigg.com
He goes into depth about lighting as well. You must read grasshoppah...lol
You either should dose Excel as recommended for your tank size, or get a CO2 system set...either DIY or pressurized.
You can pm me if you have any other questions...
 
Today I picked up Excel and root tabs. I also started to set up DIY CO2. I have to wait until tomorrow night until the silicone around the airline tubing/hole in bottle is completely set then I can get everything completely going.

I won't be getting new lights until next week sometime. I'll keep everyone updated!
 
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