New Tanks

[emo]

I've already got a medium/heavy planted 10g, which is thriving at the moment. And I just got my hands on two 15g's.
I'm hoping to have a completely different look to both of these, but for now i'm concentrating on heavily planting just one of them.

I'm going to have a 36w T5 power compact, so about 2.4wpg (DIY hood will be coated on the inside with tinfoil, so it'll be a little higher than this). I'm also hoping to get into DIY C02, and might use some ferts this time.
Substrate, i'll probably be using play sand... but might use a mixture of play sand and gravel if it's needed.

I was just wondering if anyone had some ideas of the plants I should look into, any reccomendations, that sort of thing. I don't *think* i'm going to be putting bogwood in this one (so no java fern/moss e.t.c..), i'm a bit tired of low pH and tannins... then again, i'm not ruling it out entirely.

My idea is to cover the entire back wall and sides in plants, I realise this will take a while to fully grow in, but that's my goal. I'd really like a mixture of textures, and colours... so reds as well as greens!

I have been really inspired by a number of people on this forum, and would be over the moon if I could acheive 1/2 as good as some of these tanks...

These pictures show the look i'm after

gf225

konrad05

(sorry for using these, but you both have some beautiful tanks)


So there's a lot of information there... but any ideas would really be appreciated.


Thanks

 

[BigC]

Click on the Dennerle link below, and click on aquascapes at the top. Down the left-handside there are biotope names, click on each one in turn and you will be presented with an overall tank view and a planting plan with all the names of the plants so as you can see where to position them in your tank.

http/www.dennerle.de/ENGLISCH/e_frameset.htm
Hope this is of some inspiration and help to you..

BigC

 

[George Farmer]

(sorry for using these, but you both have some beautiful tanks)

No worries. It's a pleasure to help people and they do say imitation is the highest form of flattery.

As advice goes - firstly I would consider going for a nutrient-rich substrate with the possibilty of a heater cable too if you can afford it (15W Rena-Cor for about £20). These will give your tank a better chance of long term success. You could add laterite to your play sand - the heater cable would prevent compacting too.

As far as planting goes - plant really heavily with easy, fast growing stem plants initially to quickly acheive a balance and limiting algae takeover. Stock algae eaters too fro the start and don't feed them for a while.

Once your plants are doing well i.e. growing like mad into a wild thicket needing pruning almost daily - then switch to the more demanding plants you wish to acheive to make your final layout.

BTW - low pH and hardness is generally better for plants

 

[emo]

Thanks alot guys!

I think i'll invest in a heater cable for sure. If I get a 15w one, and have a regular 100w heater... will there be any problems about unstable heat, Or should it be ok?

In terms of ferts and C02... is there anything you would reccomend? I.e. root tabs, liquid ferts e.t.c... or should I just stick to C02, and maybe laterite mixed with the sand?



Thanks again

 

[George Farmer]

Put the heater cable on a timer. I put mine on with the lights (5 hours on, 2 off, 5 on). The gap in photoperiod helps prevent algae - the plants still "think" they've had 12 hours light but the algae doesn't adapt so well.

CO2 - I'd recommend the Nutrafin systems. They're cheap (£16) and work really well. You can use a DIY recipe when the supplied sachets run out and get even more CO2 output. Try this link. Scroll down to see the Nutrafin model.

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...rent=79&seq=190

Fertilisers - Don't use any liquid ferts until you show good growth. When the plants show signs of nutrient deficiency then use any of the commonly available products i.e. Leaf Zone, Florapride etc.

Mix a small packet of laterite in with the lower third of your sand - it will need rinsing loads. Try this link. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the laterite.

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...=221#product646

HTH