New User & 3ft Project

[Caddyshack]

Hi All,

I've started this thread to essentially document this project now and I'll be updating it weekly with progress on my new 3ft project if there is any. This will be my first planted tank with CO2 injection, high light etc so I'd appreciate any constructive criticism along the way from those in-the-know.

Bit the bullet already purchasing ADA substrates from SLS. CO2 is on order through Adam, of Global Automotive. I've already started scaping the rock and substrate layout. When the CO2 arrives I'll start planting at the first available opportunity.

The following photo is what I've done so far. Pretty happy with the layout, it is effective in the room but I'm concerned about the depth of substrate used to achieve it on the rear left...

Specs:
204L Tank
Canister filter (haven't decided on media here yet so I'm open to advice)
Light = 2x96W compact fluros.

Plan:
I am thinking:
Riccia + Glosso or HC for fore and middle of tank.
Something fast growing on rear right to absorb nutrients over algae. Thinking mix of crypts and something with a finer foliage.
Something brilliant red behind the "mountain" on the left.
The whole effect I want is like the sun coming over mountains to the left plains in the middle, forest on the right.

I figure some shrimp and tetras (neon or rummys haven't decided) will be the only livestock.

All ideas welcome.

Cheers
John

 

[RadaR]

Something fast growing on rear right to absorb nutrients over algae.

Correct.
Although remember, it's only one nutrient you want the plants to absorb before algae does.....ammonia (NH3).

By the way, what are you planning on dosing in the way of nutrients?

 

[Caddyshack]

I'm not sure what I'll dose yet. I'm thinking I'll follow a system either ADA or EI unless there's a proven cheaper option I get comfortable with.

 

[bagu]

Moss balls slow down algae growth, so maybe on the right, or spread them so it looks like a carpet?

 

[nosoup4you]

Looking good so far, I love the black sand.

 

[Caddyshack]

Moss balls slow down algae growth, so maybe on the right, or spread them so it looks like a carpet?

That's good news, I wanted to use something like java moss balls on the right to keep scale (and they look like tree tops clumped together). I thought all fast growing/algae control plants would be taller which would make the forest section out of scale with the mountains. I was prepared to live with the aesthetic issue for algae control but if I don't need to..happy days!

Is java moss itself a good algae control plant?

 

[nosoup4you]

The "moss balls" referred to earlier are marimo balls, a type of cladophora algae.

 

[Caddyshack]

Thanks soup. If there are any sellers of this plant in Australia Please PM me. I saw some sold on ebay from Malaysia but I figure it will get blocked by our customs.

Anyone want to recommend filter media that works best with heavily planted tanks?

Cheers
JM

 

[bagu]

my java moss is nice, but traps ALOT of dirt etc, so i regularly vac it

But moss balls i think would be best!

 

[Caddyshack]

I've asked these questions of my local fish store but if anyone would like to offer their sagely advice please do

1. Should I follow the attached nutrient dosing schedule recommended by ADA verbatim?

2. I bought Amazonia I (18L Normal), Amazonia II (9L powder) &
6L Power Sand Special on the weekend from your store. salesperson said
something about bacter being in the power sand special. Can I cut out
all “Bacter” products?

3. Do I need to Air Pump? I plan to have fast growing oxygen
generating plants?

4. Isn't Chlor-off like a million other products that just
remove chlorine?

5. Summing all the products on this schedule it is costly what
would be the equivalent Do! Aqua schedule or Seachem product schedule?

6. It doesn't mention what the CO2 and light power requirements
are for this dosage of nutrients, from what I’ve read isn’t this key
to balancing the tank?

7. Will a day or two of not dosing CO2 to refill the cylinder be
catastrophic?

8. What CO2 dosage would you recommend ie bubbles per minute
over what period of the day?

9. In the plant selection above would you recommend anything
else (ie faster growers to control algae) ?

I appreciate the time taken to answer my questions. I'd like to confirm
a maintenance / nutrient dosing schedule that should achieve good
results & value for money.