How Exactly Do I Plant A Tank!?

[Fate2006]

Okay... I know the title makes me sound like a bloody fool... and I guess I am anyways, my question is when starting a planted aquarium, is it best to plant the tank before you add water? Or is it better to have the tank full first? Also, should I add plants before fish? or fish before plants?


As you can tell I have no idea what I'm doing... so I really need all the help I can get... Also, I'll be buying a CO2 system from my LFS rated for I think 20-30gallons... will the kit come with instructions? Also, is there an easier way to set up a CO2 system? Do I need one from the store or can I just make my own?

 

[thefirethief]

There are no hard rules but one way to do it is it set up the aquarium then run the filter for a day or so to clear the cloudiness from whichever substrate you are using. After that empty most of the water from the tank, leaving only a few inches and start planting, using tweazers. The few inches of water gives you a chance to make sure the plant isnt going to float off right away. Once you are happy with that, top up the water carefully. Chances are you'll need to re-plant any floaters for the next few days, or even weeks until things take root.

Is it pressurised or yeast based CO2 you are getting?

 

[Fate2006]

No idea... I'm assuming yeast based because it doesn't look like it has a pressuriser on it, mind you I've yet to open the pack to make sure... I'll get back to you guys on that...

Now as for the CO2 system, is there an easier method than buying one? because this one is going to cost about $45-50...

 

[DevUK]

No idea... I'm assuming yeast based because it doesn't look like it has a pressuriser on it, mind you I've yet to open the pack to make sure... I'll get back to you guys on that...

Now as for the CO2 system, is there an easier method than buying one? because this one is going to cost about $45-50...

I read over at the krib that you can make your own out of a coke/pepsi/<insert favourite brand> 2 litre bottle, some yeast, some sugar and some warm water. Apparently it can be done but its not an exact science, and you run the risk of making a bottle rocket

I think you can also look at attaching a CO2 bottle to a diffuser, but again it'd be difficult to regulate the flow. At least with the kits you get instructions and have an idea of how much CO2 you're going to be introducing.

 

[frozenbarb]

rexgrigg.com guide for planted tanks

 

[Fate2006]

well, a guides very helpful lol thanks much

 

[cuprajake]

here are some good links have a read of them, helped me as im setting up too.

http/www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

http/www.barrreport.com/barrreport.php

http/twowethands.com/projects/05/Amano/index.html


http/www.angelfire.com/mo/wizardsrealm/CO2/co2.html

jake