Making the switch to planted

[daza]

I have been making a slow move towards a planted tank for a while now.

My first step was to add an Interpet 24w Daylight Plus (T5) as well as the standard 15w Juwel lamp (approx 2.1wpg).
Secondly I mixed laterite in to the gravel (advice from Jimbooo - thanks).

This experiment has failed though because I have had the lights off due to heat (weather-wise), so the plants have died off a lot.

I am currently building a new hood which will have:
- 1x Interpet 24w Daylight Plus (T5) with reflector
- 1x Interpet 36w Daylight Plus (T5) with reflector
giving approx 3.2wpg. With built in fans to reduce heat.

Plants are currently Java Fern, Java Moss, Green Cabomba and Straight Vallis (not doing well as said above).

Does this new level and type of lighting sound okay?
Will CO2 be an essential addition? If so should I only switch the 36w on once CO2 is also running (would it be unwise to just run for a while and see if CO2 is needed)?

My KH is high at 15 so I am hoping this will help considerably in controlling any pH swings if I do go with CO2.

thanks.

 

[George Farmer]

I would get your CO2 running BEFORE commencing with any of your new lighting.

Aim for 25 to 30ppm constant - this will give your plants the best start possible and help combat potential algae.

Recently I have read that levels of 30ppm CO2 can actually block enzyme production in some algae.

It's important to get a fairly stable level of CO2 too as fluctuating levels often result in algae - I've lost count the amount of people's algae problems are more than likely due to lack of/fluctuating CO2 levels.

Do not worry about pH swings.

Your actual lighting sounds excellent and should reward you with good results. Have you given any thought to fertilisation yet? This is very important in a set-up like yours with good lighting and therefore high growth. Also your plants - you will need plenty of fast growers to start with to help establish a balance.

 

[daza]

thanks for the reply gf225..

I have Intperpet FloraBoost liquid fert and laterite in the gravel.

I shall take your advice and get CO2 sorted. Nutrafin Natural Plant system probably, it seems to get good reviews.

Could you recommend a couple of easily available fast growers please?

 

[George Farmer]

thanks for the reply gf225..

I have Intperpet FloraBoost liquid fert and laterite in the gravel.

I shall take your advice and get CO2 sorted. Nutrafin Natural Plant system probably, it seems to get good reviews.

Could you recommend a couple of easily available fast growers please?

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The Nutrafin kits are excellent. Buy some dried yeast and bi-carbonate of soda so you can make your own mixtures, much cheaper than buying the sachets. More yeast in the mix = more CO2 (but for less time). Just post a question regarding recipes when you're set-up if you like, loads of guys use them (me included).

Fast-growers - Hygrophila species, Ludwigia species, Limnophila sessiflora (Ambulia), Egeria densa, Water sprite, any floating plants.