Journal

[adam98150]

Currently ive ordered two arcadia freshwater 18" tubes, well when i send the others back of course. I have a 15g, 24" tank. This would give me 2wpg, im undecided as to what fert to use. But im not going to use co2.

Plants:
- Java moss
- Java fern
- Hornwart
Still working on the plants. (Suggestions welcome)

Equipment:
- 2x Arcadia FW bulbs (18")
- Ferts (Undecided, update later)
- 24" 15g, Tank.
- Substrate, Sand. (Suggestions welcome)
Ill update with pics etc, when the lights arrive.

 

[netcode]

sounds good can't wait to see pics

 

[Neal]

I bet it's a 24"x12"x15", if that's the case, it's a 20 Gallon, as your suppose to measure in US gallons, therefore it will be about 1.6WPG, and I recommend Co2 and not using ferts. Just get a good substrate and you won't need to use them IME.

Neal

 

[dasmall1]

It's such a small tank that it wouldn't cost much to get a nutrient rich substrate such as fluorite, eco-complete, or even ADA Aquasoil.

 

[adam98150]

Thanks, my bulbs just got here i decided to go for the tropical tubes and they seem fine. Ill get some of my plants in a few days.

 

[adam98150]

Right, ive decided to change my substrate to 'tetraplant complete substrate'. Ill post pics when everything has arrived e.g. substrate, driftwood etc.

Also do you mix the TetraPlant Complete Substrate with something or just add it as your complete substrate?

Plants im going to purchase (are these ok for the bulbs i have?):

- Dwarf Hair Grass (Eleocharis Parvulus)
- Java moss
- Java fern
- riccia
Thats it for now ill update later.

 

[adam98150]

???

 

[netcode]

substrate is standalone. you can mix but not needed i don't think.


as for your plant choice that is fine, except for the fact that they are all foreground plants.. u need some middleground and background plants. vallis would be good for background.. maybe some bigger crypts for the middle ground or larger nanas.

goodluck

 

[adam98150]

Thanks for the advice, ill try to buy a good mix of plants e.g. foreground, background etc. Are these plants easy to 'look after'?

 

[netcode]

the plants you listed are pressy easy to grow and look after.. except the hairgrass is a little harder.. but still its not like your going to be doing more work.. just make sure you have a nice substrate and add some trace ferts into the water and you will be fine

 

[Silverlady]

I have the Tetra substrate , i put mine in first then added gravel. It is very fine grains and i think when cleaning the gravel you will suck most of it out of the tank, if mixed in with anything else.

 

[adam98150]

Thanks i dont think ill be mixing it with anything then.

 

[adam98150]

Also how would i gravel vac without uprooting plants?

 

[netcode]

Also how would i gravel vac without uprooting plants?

Just be delicate around the plants. Once they get a good hold in the substrate they aren't too easy to uproot, but still be delicate. Also don't be worried about getting it too super clean.

 

[adam98150]

Thanks, this is the list (soon to be) of the things i think i will need:

2x Arcadia tropical 15 watt tubes. (Have)
1x TetraPlant Complete Substrate 2.8kg.
1x Some form of fertilizer, havent decided yet.(Suggestions?)

Anything else i should add to the list?
Should i just add 2cm of the tetra plant substrate and then cover it with gravel?