Marine To Planted

[scarface1979]

i have a 6 foot long x 1.5 foot wide x 2 foot depth tank formlery used as a marine set up.

the tank is drilled for weirs at both ends at the bottom of the back panel and closed loops systems at the bottom of the back panels and on the base and a return at the top of the back panel in the middle

however its not set up on the stand ther now as its in the back garden getting a clean up and all tank connters took off to start again but as a large planted tank.

couple of things i would like to know.

how imporant is water movement? used i would like to rebase the bottom of the tank to cover the holes as i don't want to run a closed loop system or would it be better to run a closed loop system?

shud i use a sump? if not what external filter would be best? if i shud run a sump what media to use?

lighting i was thinking of 2 deltec mega twin t5 units? not the artnic bulbs tho?

co2? any help?


cheers deano

 

[craynerd]

I`m sure the stickys at the top will answer many of your questions re: light and CO2. I think for that size tank you will have to fork out and go pressurised! Good luck, and turn this into a journal and keep us updated!

Sorry i can`t help more

Chris

 

[Themuleous]

I doubt water movement on the scale you're talking about (I.E. compared to a marine tank) is necessary, yes you need some, but it doesn't want to be so much the plants get up rooted. I guess rebasing the bottom of the tank would therefore be a good idea.

I dont know of anyone that uses a sump, guess it cant hurt but I would question the need.

A good external filter will provide enough filtration and watermovement. Just get on rated for the voloum of water for the tank, or perhaps two smaller ones? I dont think you can over-filter a platned tank.

I would also say read the pinned articiles, they'll answer most of your questions.

I guess the first question is; are you going to go high-tech, heavily planted, plants needing a prune every week route, or the low-tech, easy to maintain route? The answer to this question will determine what you need or dont need.

Sam

 

[craynerd]

I`m a nooby so take my advice with a pinch of salt, but i`ve just been after setting up a tank with sump for a second tank project, and all the marine owners have said that the sump will cause too much gas exchange and basically you want be able to hold the CO2 in the water.

Maybe something to think about and research further.

The only thing i do remember seeing is someones journal. It was started ages ago by some guy who had plenty of £££££ to spend on setting up a perfect planted tank! He never got around to finishing the project but i remember he has a sump on that tank, so maybe it is useful!

Chris

 

[donkey]

i am also using a sump on my tank ( x marine set up ) and i have no problems with my co2 at all .go for it mate