Converting from artificial plants to live plants

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ChimpAndy

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Hey everybody,

I am getting a 200L tropical set up gifted to me in 2 weeks. Its currently a fairly basic set up with artificial plants but I want to upgrade it and replace with real plants and natural wood and rocks. I have done plenty of research and my plan is to replace the substrate (it's old and very dirty) and change the lighting for something more suitable for plants. I'm also looking at getting a C02 set up as I have been told that these are needed for carpeting plants and red plants.

What I am here for is to pick the brains of the more experienced aquarium keepers. I want to set the tank up properly so I'm not afraid to spend a bit of money but I dont want to waste money on unnesasary/over the top equipment. Does anybody have any recommendations on the best lighting system and C02 system? Also what is the best substrate to use?

The tank is currently inhabited by 2 angel fish, 2 rainbow sharks a plec and a few guppies. I have no plans to add any fish until the tank has settled with the new equipment and plants. I figured that while I have the tank emptied to move to my house it would be the best time to make the change so I want to have everything ready.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Chimp
 
Just to check, you don't plan on having the fish inhabit the tank immediately? As changing out the substrate, even with the established media in the filter, can have a severe impact on the tanks balance!

Are you UK based? As my recommendations will be what I get and use here in the UK but may differ from any of our US counterparts!

That said, there are a lot of good products out there for the planted aquarium. I personally use Tropica Plant Growth Substrate, as a base layer, and then top it off with some fine quartz gravel almost sand like in appearance. There is also JBL Proscape Volcano, which is very good. You may also want to consider some kind of substrate activator such as the JBL Proscape Volcano Powder to add extra nutrients to the substrate for root heavy plants like Cryptocorynes.

You want to invest in a good quality liquid fertiliser, and maybe a form of liquid CO2 as well however if you plan on dosing with a CO2 kit you may not need to (some like to supplement). There are TONS of options here and really it comes down to personal preference but personally I used Tropica's Specialised Nutrition Plant Food.

With regards to wood and rock that you may wish to put in, just make sure you give any rock a good scrub first and pre soak any wood. Be aware that bogwood will leach a lot of tannins in comparison to redmoor, so be aware the water may blacken slightly (the effect is called blackwater and some people like this for biotopes).

Also - sure someone else will be able to help, but may be best moving the topic to the planted section for more help!
 
Also - sure someone else will be able to help, but may be best moving the topic to the planted section for more help!

Good idea - I have moved it to the planted section.
 

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