George Farmer
ad aqua
Thought this may benefit some of our less experienced members.
The high-tech planted tank
The high-tech planted aquarium is the most effective way at growing a wide range of plants successfully. Virtually any aquarium plant can be grown with relative ease enabling us to create beautiful aquascapes, limited only by our imagination. There are six principles.
Filtration
External filters are the best option, even for small tanks. Overfilter and understock with fish. This will reduce filter maintenance and algae growth. Minimise surface agitation to avoid CO2 losses but keep flow rates up to allow the effective distribution of nutrients.
Lighting
Generally the more light the better. Virtually all aquariums are supplied with insufficient light so supplementing tubes will be necessary. Aim for 2.5 watts per gallon minimum with good reflectors, this will normally equate around 4 x T8 tubes or T5 equivalent. Use a plug-in-timer to obtain a 10 hour photoperiod.
CO2
CO2 injection is an essential component for the high-tech planted aquarium. Too little, or unstable levels cause algae. Aim for 30ppm. Pressurised systems are by far the most effective way at delivering CO2.
Substrate
There are many effective substrates available. Either an inert type (gravel, sand) mixed nutrient-rich additives (laterite, root tabs etc.) or a complete substrate that is 100% nutrient-rich (Flourite, Eco-Complete etc). Choose what complements your intended aquascape, taste and budget.
Fertilisation
High-growth planted aquariums need plenty of nutrients, even nitrates and phosphates. EI is a very effective way at supplying these nutrients and has the benefit of not relying on inaccurate test kits. Excess nutrients do not cause algae in the heavily planted aquarium, contrary to what you may read elsewhere.
Planting
When setting up the aquarium it is vital to plant very heavily (75%+ substrate covered) with fast growing stem plants. These will combat algae that is prevalent in new tanks until a biological balance has been achieved. When the aquarium has settled in these “weeds” can be gradually replaced with our desired plants i.e. more demanding, slower growing species.
The high-tech planted tank
The high-tech planted aquarium is the most effective way at growing a wide range of plants successfully. Virtually any aquarium plant can be grown with relative ease enabling us to create beautiful aquascapes, limited only by our imagination. There are six principles.
Filtration
External filters are the best option, even for small tanks. Overfilter and understock with fish. This will reduce filter maintenance and algae growth. Minimise surface agitation to avoid CO2 losses but keep flow rates up to allow the effective distribution of nutrients.
Lighting
Generally the more light the better. Virtually all aquariums are supplied with insufficient light so supplementing tubes will be necessary. Aim for 2.5 watts per gallon minimum with good reflectors, this will normally equate around 4 x T8 tubes or T5 equivalent. Use a plug-in-timer to obtain a 10 hour photoperiod.
CO2
CO2 injection is an essential component for the high-tech planted aquarium. Too little, or unstable levels cause algae. Aim for 30ppm. Pressurised systems are by far the most effective way at delivering CO2.
Substrate
There are many effective substrates available. Either an inert type (gravel, sand) mixed nutrient-rich additives (laterite, root tabs etc.) or a complete substrate that is 100% nutrient-rich (Flourite, Eco-Complete etc). Choose what complements your intended aquascape, taste and budget.
Fertilisation
High-growth planted aquariums need plenty of nutrients, even nitrates and phosphates. EI is a very effective way at supplying these nutrients and has the benefit of not relying on inaccurate test kits. Excess nutrients do not cause algae in the heavily planted aquarium, contrary to what you may read elsewhere.
Planting
When setting up the aquarium it is vital to plant very heavily (75%+ substrate covered) with fast growing stem plants. These will combat algae that is prevalent in new tanks until a biological balance has been achieved. When the aquarium has settled in these “weeds” can be gradually replaced with our desired plants i.e. more demanding, slower growing species.
.
