Hello everyone. I was hoping I could get any advice necessary. After browsing the forums a bit and researching some I've got some ideas and just need clarifying.
I've got a 75 gallon community tank (10 buenos aires tetras, 7 tiger barbs, 10 zebra danios, 1 featherfin catfish, 10 male guppies). My current setup has no light to speak of, about an inch of play sand substrate, and lots of large rock cave formations. Cycled for several years now. Eheim 2026 filter, temp 78, ammonia/nitrite 0ppm, nitrate 15-20 ppm consistently. weekly 30% water change.
I'm moving in a couple months and decided since I have to break down my entire setup and move it, now would be a good time to change things up! I want to try my hand at going planted, but don't want to spend alot of money. As little as possible to be honest. I will naturally have to go low tech.
Being as cost conscious as possible, I've got a list of potential items needed.
Light (either a coralife T5NO 54W dual bulb fixture, or a single bulb 54W T5HO fixture? Advice?)
Flourite substrate to add under the sand where the plants will go (how much is necessary?)
Removing most of my rocks, and finding a couple large pieces of wood
Hardy, beginner, low light plants (suggestions welcome!)
I don't want to fuss with CO2 or ferts right now. And as I have seen countless threads and posts about people who have lush looking setups without those I assume it is easily do-able.
My main concern is compatible plants with my fish. I understand buenos aires tetras like to eat certain plants. Which ones should I stay away from? My LFS is bad about taking fish so getting rid of them isn't an easy option.
If anyone can give me a bit of advice to point me in the right direction that would be fantastic. I'm afraid I'm missing something. Thanks!
I've got a 75 gallon community tank (10 buenos aires tetras, 7 tiger barbs, 10 zebra danios, 1 featherfin catfish, 10 male guppies). My current setup has no light to speak of, about an inch of play sand substrate, and lots of large rock cave formations. Cycled for several years now. Eheim 2026 filter, temp 78, ammonia/nitrite 0ppm, nitrate 15-20 ppm consistently. weekly 30% water change.
I'm moving in a couple months and decided since I have to break down my entire setup and move it, now would be a good time to change things up! I want to try my hand at going planted, but don't want to spend alot of money. As little as possible to be honest. I will naturally have to go low tech.
Being as cost conscious as possible, I've got a list of potential items needed.
Light (either a coralife T5NO 54W dual bulb fixture, or a single bulb 54W T5HO fixture? Advice?)
Flourite substrate to add under the sand where the plants will go (how much is necessary?)
Removing most of my rocks, and finding a couple large pieces of wood
Hardy, beginner, low light plants (suggestions welcome!)
I don't want to fuss with CO2 or ferts right now. And as I have seen countless threads and posts about people who have lush looking setups without those I assume it is easily do-able.
My main concern is compatible plants with my fish. I understand buenos aires tetras like to eat certain plants. Which ones should I stay away from? My LFS is bad about taking fish so getting rid of them isn't an easy option.
If anyone can give me a bit of advice to point me in the right direction that would be fantastic. I'm afraid I'm missing something. Thanks!
