First Planted Tank Project (5.5 Gal)

[mandi]

I've been looking at Squirrelbuddies 4-gal nano and fishkiller_nomore's 4-gal nano ... they're both so awesome, I'd really like to try a nano planted tank myself!!

Was wondering if you guys could give me some tips to get started??

I looked at the 4-gallon tanks on eBay that the above people used, but they're a bit expensive for me right at the moment. However, I do have an empty 5.5 gallon tank that I was hoping maybe I could use! It's just a regular rectangle (16-in. x 8-in. x 10-in.) tank with a hinged glass top and a 16-in. flourescent single tube strip light (14 watt, I think?). I have a small AquaClear HOB filter and 50 watt submerssible heater for it too. Ultimately, I'd like to keep a few (3?) male endlers or guppies in the tank for color.

So... where do I start?

Should I buy a different striplight for it -- or could I just get away with a better bulb for the existing striplight?

Will sand substrate be OK (I have that) or do I need to order something like EcoComplete (I can't find that locally)?

Should I think about CO2 in a tank this small -- or should I not bother? I don't want to keep any SUPER difficult plants, but I would like to attempt a carpet plant IF it's possible (Maybe even using Java Moss? - I have GOBS of that in my other tanks)

I've been reading a lot of the other posts in this forum, but I guess I'm just having trouble -- just a little confused on how to get started. If you guys could give me a nudge in the right direction, I would be SO greatful!

 

[netcode]

keep the light fixture and get a new bulb, something that is meant for plant growth.

eco-complete or something similar is always a good idea. especially in a 5.5g tank your not looking at a high price so its definatley worth it if you want to have good growth.

@ 2.5 watts per gallon(wpg) co2 would help. normally in a larger tank if your above 2wpg and no co2 you will run into major algae issues. but I have read somewhere that with small tanks you can't really use the general wpg rule, so i can't be sure of this. either way in a 5.5gal tank you could get away with a very cheap DIY co2 system.

java moss is always a good carpet plant that is very undemanding. it will grow under most conditions. i wouldn't use it for my foreground though, i prefer the look of riccia. there are also many grass like plants that will carpet too. check out the pinned article that has members planted tanks and see if you find anything you like. from there more advice can be given.

as for getting started.. get the bulb.. get some substrate.. make a decision regarding co2.. get some ferts.. plan your aquascape and off you go..

goodluck!

 

[mandi]

Thanks netcode!!

I screwed up though -- I was looking on the Dr Foster & Smith website and thought it was 14 watt, but I think I'm wrong

I looked at THIS and I think that must be what I have. Only 8 watt *sigh* -- so that's 1.45 watts per gallon. Significantly less.

Should I still stick with the same light??
Or should I think about getting something like THIS (only 9" wide) or THIS (12" wide)??
(I can't find anything 16" wide like the tank in a power compact!!)

 

[netcode]

take a look at your bulb, on either end there should be some sort of product number or something that will lead u in the direction of finding out what wattage your bulb is.

really you have to make a decision about what you want before choosing a light.

in high-light tanks(>2wpg) your going to need co2 and ferts. the stats of the water can also change dramatically very fast, one change can lead to a change in something else. but under these conditions your plants will grow very fast and stay very healthy. also you will have little to no algae. high-light tanks in my opinion are better suited for an experienced grower.

in low-light tanks(<2wpg) you won't need co2 or major ferts, you may need to dose trace ferts though. water is stable as your not tampering with co2 levels. your plants will not grow as fast and may not be as healthy. there is also more chance of algae. much less maintenence. low-light tanks would be better suited for the beginner.

i am sure there are more pros and cons to both sides but thats the simple of it. from there you can make a decision and then buy the proper light fixture to your needs. personally I suggest you go with the mini aqualight double, and for now run one bulb (you will be at 1.6wpg) and get some experience under your belt. then when your ready you can add another bulb (3.6wpg) and huck in a co2 system and all that jazz.

 

[mandi]

really you have to make a decision about what you want before choosing a light.

in high-light tanks(>2wpg) your going to need co2 and ferts. the stats of the water can also change dramatically very fast, one change can lead to a change in something else. but under these conditions your plants will grow very fast and stay very healthy. also you will have little to no algae. high-light tanks in my opinion are better suited for an experienced grower.

in low-light tanks(<2wpg) you won't need co2 or major ferts, you may need to dose trace ferts though. water is stable as your not tampering with co2 levels. your plants will not grow as fast and may not be as healthy. there is also more chance of algae. much less maintenence. low-light tanks would be better suited for the beginner.

Wow THANKS for the break-down. That just made things a whole world simpler!!

i am sure there are more pros and cons to both sides but thats the simple of it. from there you can make a decision and then buy the proper light fixture to your needs. personally I suggest you go with the mini aqualight double, and for now run one bulb (you will be at 1.6wpg) and get some experience under your belt. then when your ready you can add another bulb (3.6wpg) and huck in a co2 system and all that jazz.

Great idea, I think I'll give that a go. Nice to have room to grow/expand as time goes on, but still be able to start at a beginner-level!!
And $23.99 really is pretty reasonable I think (and I'm going to have to order EcoComplete from there anyway, as I can't get it locally -- so may as well order both at the same time.

 

[atmmachine816]

I have 4 wpg on my 2.5 gallon tank and I don't have lots of algae on my plants only on my wall and that might be because I have too much ferts not sure at the moment.