Getting Started

[jpun1]

i'm thinking about converting from reef keeping to a planted tank and was wondering if i could reuse some of my equipment. i've done some reading of the stickies and still have some questions.

tank: the tank i have now is a 100 gallon with overflow into a sump. given what i have read, i think i need a new tank given the agitation from the overflow and return may decrease the amount of dissolved co2. is that correct?

lighting: currently i have two 175watt 20k mh pendants. i was thinking i would just get new bulbs with different color temperatures (somewhere in the 5k to 6.5k range)...this setup should get me 3-3.5watts/gal

filtration: can anybody recommend a canister filter that would suffice for my sized tank? i hear eheim is good, but not sure if i should get one that is rated close to my tank size or overshoot? any difference between the classic vs pro eheims that are worth the differences in price? i've also read that if i use these canister filters, not to use carbon as they may remove phosphates, which plants need? did i remember this correctly or did i just pull this out of my a**?

substrate: i'm thinking about going with straight fluorite since it seams to be the lowest maintenance...should i layer with peat on the bottom to soften the water? how much will in need?

co2: is there a way to hook this up to my filter somehow so that i can streamline the whole process? i'd like to have as little hardware in the tank as possible. if this is possible, what would i need besides the tank and reg to ensure the co2 is dissolved and not wasted, and how would i control the rate it is being dispensed?

am i missing anything?

 

[EliteFishy]

Tank: Surface agitation will decrease CO2 levels but that doesnt mean you have to get a whole new tank. Just submerge your filter output and aim it correctly so it doesnt cause any surface agitation.

Lighting: You can grow almost any plants with the new lightings so you correct.

Filter: IMO, eheim is the best filters out there. You should get a filter that can filter more than your 100 gallon. The Classic eheim 2217 is good for you tank. I believe that the pro is more expensive than the classic. You are correct on the carbon. Carbon will remove the macro nutrients that your plants need to thrive.

Substrate: Flourite is a good choice. I use %100 flourite in my 10 and 29 gallon planted tank. For the peat, all you need is just a very thin layer on the bottom. About 1cm of peat is ok.

CO2: I dontkknow how to hook up the CO2 to the filter. I think there is a article in the DIY or equipment section that tells you how to do it. If you going presurized CO2 that you will be able to control the bubble rate, but if you going DIY CO2 than you wont be able to control the bubble rate. I would recomend presurized CO2 for a big like yours. If you hooking your CO2 up to your filter, I think that almost all the co2 will be disolved.

With high light and CO2, you will also need to dose fertilizer. Read zig's EI sticky in the plant section. First start out with some easy plants and than move on to the harder plants. Check out this neat website http/www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_cat.php?category=2 Be careful what kind of fish you are going to put into your planted tank. Thats where I made my big mistake when I first started my planted tank. I had a 6in pleco which kept up rooting and destroying my plants. Dont get fishes that will up root or eat your plants. I know that some cichlies will up root and eat plants. I hope this helps. Good Luck!