New to Planted Aquariums

Aptos

Aptos

AC Members
Sep 15, 2008
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Hey guys,

My girlfriend forced me to start a 20L about a month ago. I didn't really want to originally, but then I got hooked. Now I'm a full-on addict! I've done a lot of research and I feel comfortable with my non-planted aquarium, but I want to take it to the next level; that is if the price is right.

As a college student I don't have much disposable income, but I want to start a planted tank. I would love for some input and instruction from all you knowledgeable forum-goers out there.

My current equipment:

  • 20 Gallon Long Tank
  • 20" Fluorescent Strip Light (18" 10,000K 15W Coralife Bulb)
  • Penguin 150 Bio Wheel Power Filter (HOB for up to 30 gal.)
  • ~10 lbs. of gravel

Stock:

  • 1x Bushynose Pleco
  • 1x Blue Gourami
  • 2x Bloodfin Tetra
  • 2x Gold Barb
  • 3x Zebra Danio
  • 5x Neon Tetra

I want to know what new equipment I'm going to need, what articles I should read, and which plants to get.

Thanks in advance.
 
Light is your limiting factor. Upgrade the lighting to atleast 2x the gallons of your tank.
10lbs of gravel wont be enough so grab another 2 bags.

Filter is fine just when you decide to do anything with CO2 you might run into a problem.

Which plants to get? all up to you to decide. It will mainly depend on the lighting.

But here are some sites for plant profiles.
www.plantgeek.net
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/all.php
 
Bk828 said:
Light is your limiting factor. Upgrade the lighting to atleast 2x the gallons of your tank.
10lbs of gravel wont be enough so grab another 2 bags.

Filter is fine just when you decide to do anything with CO2 you might run into a problem.

Which plants to get? all up to you to decide. It will mainly depend on the lighting.

But here are some sites for plant profiles.
www.plantgeek.net
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/all.php
Click to expand...

Is regular aquarium gravel a good substrate? or should I consider something else like sand?

Also, when you say upgrade lighting to 2x my gallons does that mean Wattage?
 
Yeah, you can use two 20 watt 24" light fixtures. $7 each at Walmart. If you space them on each side, you will get a lot of light in the middle of the ank and subdued lighting on the sides.
 
Aptos said:
Is regular aquarium gravel a good substrate? or should I consider something else like sand?

Also, when you say upgrade lighting to 2x my gallons does that mean Wattage?
Click to expand...

Since you are at a budget then any gravel will do. I personally like gravel more than sand but hey personal preference.

Yes i mean wattage. I mean you can go for 30w over the tank but hey no one likes minimum lighting, so go for 2watts per gallon.
 
If you want gravel, eco-complete is good IME
 
If you stick with low light plants you don't really need anything. I run a 25g low light planted tank with 15w and though everything grows slow it is still thriving very well. Plus, with low light there is no need for ferts and co2 which can be expensive.
 
Also I use regular gravel just make sure that it's small enough. I have gravel that kind of looks like wood flakes. It's dark red and really pretty and natural. If youare going live plant you should go all the way with the natural look and do some real driftwood and very natural colored gravel imo. it will look best this way! oh and a black background is a necessity. some people use blue but i dont think the plants pop the way they should. avoid the picture backgrounds as they can look cheesy. good luck
 
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