Most economical way to maintain planted tank?

[yhbae]

So what is the most economical (==> cheaper) way to maintain a heavily planted tank? So far, I only own low-light plants and I'd like to try some harder ones that looks nicer.

- Tank - I have a 15g long, which is a 2ft tank. Since the height is only 1ft, hopefully this will help light reach further and stronger.

- Light - I have one already. This strip can handle two 30w bulbs. Electricity over here is super cheap too...

- Substrate - I have no idea, which is cheap and works relatively nice?

- Filter - it currently is driven by a combo of Aqua Clear 200 and a Sponge Filter. I'd imagine both will contribute a great deal to reduce the level of CO2 (which was intentional) but not good for plants? I could take the sponge filter out and fill up the water all the way to the top to reduce the surface disturbance if necessary.

- Heater - I suspect this makes no difference, it's a 100w Ebo Jager.

Have I forgotten anything?

This tank is currently a platy grow-up tank, and I intend to keep the 30-odd platies in that tank. This should inject good dosage of nitrates...

I only have java ferns and java mosses in this tank, they seem to grow very nicely.

 

[Lateral Line]

Your light, it is fluorescent? It can take 2 30Watt fluorescents?

 

[yhbae]

Your light, it is fluorescent? It can take 2 30Watt fluorescents?

Yes, it is s 3ft strip light though... So it takes in total 60w worth. The strip will be wider than the tank, which is ok as I have more tanks right next to each other so the remaining lights will go to other tanks.

So technically, I guess this tank will end up with 60 * (2/3) = 40w, although since it will take the center of the 3ft strip, it will probably be greater than that. Lets say I will have about 3w/g, but only 1ft in depth.

 

[Silly me]

planted tank cost more, mostly because of the lights..

most people have to make a new bigger canopy get more better lights..

the tank is the same, filters is the same , dont add carbon, heater is the same, gravel , well an iron rich substrate is great but not needed you can add plant sticks or tablets,

sound to me you have the hardest part all figured out.. lights..