My Planted Journal

[Rodders]

Well I've finally got my huge tank I've always wanted.
Had to reinforce the flooring with concrete as it just wouldnt have taken the weight before.
Its a Rena tank.
I've got a 2kg Dupla CO2 system (waiting for the regulator and diffuser) the diffuser I like because it can have water pumped in from the filter so you are always supplying fresh water to the chamber and it gets the CO2 pumped round the tank better. This should turn up next week and also the uprated tubes.
I have 75kg of corse sand so I hope thats going to be enough. I also have root nutrient suppliment to add to the substrate.
I got two of the biggest filters Rena make, one just didnt seem enough for such a big tank. I've oppted for some ehinem internal filter media instead of the Rena sponges as they were highly recommended for an upgrade.

So far I have the back of the tank painted black and will be put in its final place tonight. I can set up filters but as for the CO2, it will have to wait. Ill probably wait to fill up the tank till the CO2 is plumbed in, I need to plumb the diffuser into the filter outlet anyway. I spose I could run the other filter and get the tank cycling on the one filter, but I was going to add fish and let the plants do the cycling for me. This will also give a little extra time for the concrete reinforcing to go off.

Also a large amount of plants will be on there way when the tanks filled.

As for pictures, Im currently waiting on broadband connection at home and cant get any pics on at work where im typing this. So in a couple of weeks there'll be plenty of pics for you all....

All I can say its its massive lol and takes up loads of room, but it fills the gap we had nicely and couldnt think of a better thing to put there.

 

[George Farmer]

Sounds wonderful Rodders. I have a few questions if I may?

What fish do you plan to stock?
What lighting - type and quantity?
Have you figured a fertilising regime?
What substrate additive do you have?

I look forward to seeing the progress, you must be very excited.

 

[Rodders]

Stock - Community, huge shoals of fish!!!

Lights - upgraded tubes, Cant remember names now, but they are spose to give a a more intense light for planted tanks, eventhough they are the same wattage.

Ferts - No plans yet. I've read up and dont really want to do 50% water changes a week on a tank that size, so may just rely on CO2....

Substrate additive - again, i've forgot the name (my memory is awful!!!!) Root something....I cant even remember the manufacture, doh!!! Ill have to have a look and repost when im back at work again.

Most things were recommened by my mate in the fish shop, so I hope hes right!!! (but im not saying I've done no research etc...before anyone goes down that path....)

Cheers Mark

 

[George Farmer]

I love the idea of massive shoals. I hope you're rich or are friendly with a breeder.

What volume is the tank?

Lights - How many tubes are supplied and what power rating are they? Are they T5 or T8? I fear that most light fittings supplied with aquariums are inadequate for growing most plants i.e. normally supply only 2 tubes where 4 are really necessary, especially as you will have pressurized CO2.

Ferts - Depending on your lighting you will almsost definitely need ferts. Unless you stick to less than around say 1.5 WPG (the WPG rule becomes more leanient with big tanks) your plants will grow quickly as you have CO2. Plants that grow well consume plenty of nutrients that need replenishing regularly. I highly recommend EI principles - you won't need to do 50% water changes. EI can be tailored to suit. But I strongly recommend at least reading up zig's EI article. My algae article should prove useful too.

Is your mate in the fish shop clued up on planted tanks - chances are he'll not have heard of EI?

If not you'll get all the decent advice you need right here.

 

[Rodders]

Volume is about 660 usable.

Lights - there are 4 tubes, not sure on T5 or T8, all I know is they give out a more intense light. They have a tank almost as big set up with the same lights and its doing great.

It does work out at around 1.5WPG, so hoping its all ok.

Filled it up yesturday, too a while lol. Just waiting for the CO2 fitting kit then I can plumb all that in. Got one filter working and i've started fishless cycling as theres nothing else I can do so I thought why not...
Bits should turn up this friday, so then can get plants in the week after.

Should be getting internet in the next few weeks so can get some pic on here for you all.

 

[Walt]

660 liters?


sweeeeta.. B)

 

[Rodders]

Plumbed the CO2 unit in.
Its a JBL 2kg kit.
All seems ok.
Been going for a few days now and my little CO2 indicator is still blue.
Any idea on how long it will take a 600+ ltr tank to get enough CO2 into the water
I've got a bubble about every 5-7 seconds at the moment.