Semi-new setup... need advice

[alex7ktrc]

So I have a 75gal, fish only. For Christmas, I ran into a deal and had to take it. I got an Odyssea 240watt PC fixture for only $150, how could I not get it?!?! Anyway, getting the light got me thinking of my old 45gal tank that had tons of plants, now that I have the lighting, I'm going to re-do my tank, get ridd of some fish, and get into plants again. But this time I really want to go all out, however I am on a budget.

My plans so far are to get some laterite type stuff, some tiny gravel on top of that, and then some chunkier gravel for aesthetics.

How should I set up the substrate? and should I get a heating cable and put sand down? (Read in a book)

Should I have my VersaTops on (glass tops) or of and just have th light right over the water (It mounts about 4" above the top of the tank)?

As far as sbstrate is concerned, I was looking at this stuff... http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0770
I work at a pet store and pretty much get stuff at cost, so what do you all suggest??? Please help... I very much appreciate any advice you have.

 

[beviking]

If you go with Eco-complete, you don't need laterite, small gravel, chunkier gravel. You could put regulare gravel over the eco-complete but the dark substrate looks nice. Besides, if you're 'going all out', you will probably cover most of the substrate with plants!

I've never used a heating cable and have read too much neutral (and some negative) comments to bother trying them. Use foam or something similar under the tank to insulate the bottom which will help keep the substrate as warm as the rest of the tank.

I would recommend using the glass tops. Why wouldn't you? You certainly have enough light not to have to worry about diffraction or other light loss.

Good luck!

-be

 

[alex7ktrc]

...

Well thanks for the advice, I like the glass tops, but it looks nice to have nothing on top but water

As for the substrate... how much should put down?

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

I'd go with 7-8 bags of Eco. I used 5 in my 55g and that gave me about 2.5 inches. I think 8 bags would give you about 3 inches in a 75g tank. It will be expensive IMO, but worth it. Especially since you have alot of light.

I'd use the glass tops because Balas and loaches are known to jump.

Also, do you have Silver Dollars in the tank still? If so, you can't have plants with them. It would be like setting up a huge salad bar for them, since they are mainly herbivores and love to eat plants.

If you really want plants, I'd get rid of the SDs....or else all the money you are spending to plant the tank is going down the drain...

For the plant keepers out there, they are herbivores and notorious for the serious damage that they can do to your live plants.

from http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-SilverDollar.htm