Looking To Start A Planted Tank!

[jdprice1988]

hi guys,

im new to the hobby and this will be my first tank. i have been reaserching for about two months now. most of that though is just on general fish keeping and not the greener side of things! i am looking for a thread or something with all the information on how to start a low tech planted tank.

i have bought a juwel rio 240. i have removed the original filter housing as i bought the tank second hand and there was only the housing left. i have bought a tetratec ex1200 but i will probably buy another filter to work along side this. it has the t8 lighting and it will have roughly 1.3 wpg if i have 2 x 40w tubes?

all advice will be much appreciated! thanks in advance

 

[ian]

hey jdprice, personally i would stick with that filter and probably add a Koralia pump of some sort, this will add extra flow and works out cheaper than another filter.

aaronnorth has a good thread here worth reading...
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/298133-back-to-basics/


don't hesitate to ask questions though if you get stuck.

 

[jdprice1988]

i was going to add a koralia aswell .A 2 should be sufficient you think? i was advised to get another filter too. will the plants aid the filter a little? i will have a read of that thread! thanks

 

[ian]

you're looking at 10 times turnover in your tank for plants, to ensure c02 and nutrients get around the whole tank. This doesn't have to be done purely by filters, adding a Koralia 1 or 2 will push a body of water around your tank.

 

[jdprice1988]

so a koralia 2 will be fine with the ex1200? or should i go for a 3. ill be buying it later see

thanks

 

[ian]

i would stick with a 2, you don't want a whirlpool for the fish.

 

[jdprice1988]

okay thanks for your help now to spend some of my hard earned cash