Hc Question

[Adelphie]

Hey guys,

Just getting back into the hobby and scaping up my 180l bowfront again (I'll post a journal soon).

Currently planning on running a multi-bottle DIY CO2 set-up (before you shout at me I did it for over a year before and had no algae issues!), getting around 2 WPG and will be using TPN + and small pea gravel. Also have a couple of korali 1's for circulation.

Do you think that this will be adequate for growing a HC carpet? I was looking for advice before I got the plants? If not any alternatives that will suit this set up?

Also do Bristlenose Plecs and HC mix, or is it a recipe for replanting?

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Verminator89]

I would say on paper HC is possible in your tank. The only issue i've always found with growing HC in my Rio 180 was the distance from light unit to gravel, i seemed to loose too much light by the time the HC got any, atleast this is what i think i narrowed it down too. Since trying HC in a smaller 70L i've had no issues as such, none whilst in optimum growing conditions anyway. With HC you never know though, it seems to be one of them plants when someone can have success and another total misery with it. So give it a try.

I would say a bristlenose + HC is a recipe for replanting yes. I had an 8" bristle, before i sold him to Gill on here he was a menace to bottom plants. Not so much eating, just disloding and making them float off. So i'd opt against it. If you have a bristle because you want a plec, i can't really help you on that. If however you want a bristle to help with any potential algae growth i'd recommend some others, depending on your stocking. You could try oto's, these are fantastic IMO. Also see llj's journal where hers are grouping together really well, i've experienced this also and its a joy to see. Also you could have Japonica shrimp, or any other small shrimp for that matter with or without having oto's also if you really wanted.

Good luck with the HC and i look forward to a journal popping up!