planted tank help
- Thread starter urbz
- Start date
Substrate can be anything really. Eco-complete and flourite are nice, but not essential. If you already have a substrate you are happy with, keep it. You can get root tabs and liquid ferts if you choose plants that require them.
As far as lighting, it really depends on what type of plants you want to grow. Generally, if you stay under 2 wpg you won't have to worry about CO2 or huge algae problems. Between 1.5 and 2 wpg will give you a decent variety of possibilities and still be pretty easy to maintain.
The best advice for plants is the same as fish... do your research. If you get to know the plants you want to keep, you can set up the lighting and ferts properly to help them thrive and help you enjoy the tank.
As far as lighting, it really depends on what type of plants you want to grow. Generally, if you stay under 2 wpg you won't have to worry about CO2 or huge algae problems. Between 1.5 and 2 wpg will give you a decent variety of possibilities and still be pretty easy to maintain.
The best advice for plants is the same as fish... do your research. If you get to know the plants you want to keep, you can set up the lighting and ferts properly to help them thrive and help you enjoy the tank.
Flourite is a good substrate from what I've heard (I'm an eco-complete fan), but you have to be sure to rinse it really well or your tank will be opaque for a couple of days.
You shouldn't really need CO2 in a tank with under 2 wpg of lighting. If you do find that you need it in the tank, flourish excel should do the job perfectly.
You shouldn't really need CO2 in a tank with under 2 wpg of lighting. If you do find that you need it in the tank, flourish excel should do the job perfectly.
I've had a lot of success with crypts, vals, java ferns/moss, wisteria, and anubias. There's a great list of plants by light requirements here. You'll be looking at the low and medium low categories. When you get into the medium low category, you'll want to be closer to 2wpg. Keep in mind not all plants will follow the guidelines and some stuff that "should" thrive in your tank may not, and some that shouldn't do well may thrive. A lot of it is trial and error within the guidelines to find what works for you.
ok thanks agian and a have you had any experience with those darf puffer fish http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=830+836+971&pcatid=971
LOL, now you're really talking my language. My only active tank atm is a 29 with 6 dwarf puffers. I've had them for nearly 2 years! DPs are my favorite fish so far...
DPs are not generally suggested as community fish. Most often you will hear of this ending in disaster either: 1) the puff will kill everything in the tank (even fish many times their own size, or 2) the puffer will get eaten by a bigger fish. and since puffers are toxic, you lose 2 fish in this scenario; or 3) the puffer will be intimidated by the other fish and not compete for food thus dying of starvation.
While puffs in a community tank can work out (I think I've heard of it once), it's a gamble at best.
While puffs in a community tank can work out (I think I've heard of it once), it's a gamble at best.