next steps for planted tank...

[houndour]

Here is my tank as it is now:

I was advised a while back to stop messing with it, so I have left it for 3 weeks and I think it's an improvement, altho it looks a mess to me.

I found out recently that the light I'm using (interpet t5 lighting...the tropical bulb) is too high in Ks and will prob be the cause of some of the algae, so I plan to get the normal daylight bulb this weekend.

I also want to upgrade my filter to an external filter. I posted on the hardware section and someone recommended the Fluval ones (for the price). Any recommendations you guys have? I like the Eheim ones. Anybody have these? I'm prob going to speak to the guy at LFS on saturday as I have no clue when it comes to mechanical things.

I just want to make sure I don't get one thats too strong for a planted tank.

I'm also going to get a phosphate test kit. I'm determined to try and fix my algae problem.

I already have CO2. 1 of those nutrafin kits. I have a 19 gallon (UK) tank, and last time I measured my CO2 it was around 18. Should I be aiming to get this higher? I wouldn't have thought I'd need 2 ladders in a tank my size, but what do you guys think?

Thanks
Sam

 

[iggy01]

I was advised a while back to stop messing with it, so I have left it for 3 weeks and I think it's an improvement, altho it looks a mess to me.


I already have CO2. 1 of those nutrafin kits. I have a 19 gallon (UK) tank, and last time I measured my CO2 it was around 18. Should I be aiming to get this higher? I wouldn't have thought I'd need 2 ladders in a tank my size, but what do you guys think?

Thanks
Sam

It doesn't look a mess to me! I'm sure your fish appreciate the extra hiding places.

As for the CO2, I would bump it up to 25-30 mg/l if you're still having algae problems.

Good luck!

 

[jimbooo]

hi Sam,

yep 20-25ppm co2 is best.

well done on leaving it alone, it's now time for a wet arm i think.

as to the tubes dont rush into anything, i have about 8 in the cupboard as i keep changing my mind. how many tubes have you got? i cant remember. if you have 2 aim for a 6000K and a 7500K if you have 3 or 4 you may want to include a 3/4000K in your set up etc...

no idea on filters, i just have the juwel internal.

your tank's coming along nicely, a pat on the back to you.

James

 

[houndour]

Thanks for your replies.

So to get 20 to 25 am I going to need to get the extra co2 nutrafin unit?

I will test my CO2 again tonight to make sure it is still around 18 first.

James I only have 1 tube. I bought the interpet t5 lighting thing and it can only take the 55w bulbs, so I'm stuck with 1 tube. I bought it with the aim of upgrading, it'd be smaller for a bigger tank and I'd have more room for more tubes. But I have no room for a bigger tank .

But maybe my light is too strong for the amount of CO2. So perhaps I should work on one variable at a time? Get the CO2 right first?

The one tube I have is the tropical one and gf255 said it is too high in Ks.

My algae is getting really bad. I have the black brushy alage, green hair algae and I'm scared I might have that cyano one. I dont have any algae on the surface of my sand but it grows between the substate and the glass.

Anybody else have an idea on filters? I'm determined not to come home empty handed on Saturday.

Sam

 

[jimbooo]

2.8 WPG is fine, as to tubes you could try an arcadia Fresh water tube.

7500K - Full spectrum

that should do the job nicely without encouraging algae, i think it comes in T-5 but not 100% as i only use T-8's.

as to the co2 question, experiment with more yeast first. it wont last as long but you'll get more output

 

[iggy01]

as to the co2 question, experiment with more yeast first. it wont last as long but you'll get more output

Have to agree with Jimboo there.

More yeast = faster bubble rate = higher CO2.

Sorry, I have no idea on the filter.

 

[tlcbonanza]

We have both a fluval ina 55gallon and an Eheim in a 50 gallon. Personally I have gotten used to the Fluval and think it is great. It does a great job and is so easy to clean. Both tanks are fully planted. I just added some Purigen(sp?) to the Fluval and it made my tank crystal clear. Either filter works great. Sorry, don't think I have been much help.

 

[houndour]

OK, I've been using the sachets that came with the system so far, so this is the first time I will have used my own measurements I have all the ingredients so I'll start experimenting tonight.

Thanks.

Oh and yes that did help, tlcbonanza. if you think the fluval one is easy to clean then that's good for me.