Optimal Set Up.

[CBBP]

So I have a 15 gallon tank and what I get from my readings is that I need a CO2 injector, better light (30+ watts), and (because I am simply a newbie) stock fertilizer. Am I right? If so, I just want to say you guys are the experts. If I want to get everything I need what do I want? (what is the best and such when it comes to equipment)

 

[craynerd]

CardBoardBoxProcessor , i`m not being an ass i`m deadly serious, as i posted before all these questions are answerd in the stickys, hence why you aren`t getting any replies. Granted however, i have been there myself, it is difficult knowing what to do at the start!

IT also completely depends on your overall tank aims: do you want a """planted tank"" or just house a few plants?

Low maintainance or high maintainance?

Yes CO2 would be a good idea, but if you are only having a few plants it would be terrible as it would only contribute to algea.

Tell us your plans....so far i only know you keep moneywort or something similar?

Chris

 

[CBBP]

CardBoardBoxProcessor , i`m not being an ass i`m deadly serious, as i posted before all these questions are answerd in the stickys, hence why you aren`t getting any replies. Granted however, i have been there myself, it is difficult knowing what to do at the start!

IT also completely depends on your overall tank aims: do you want a """planted tank"" or just house a few plants?

Low maintainance or high maintainance?

Yes CO2 would be a good idea, but if you are only having a few plants it would be terrible as it would only contribute to algea.

Tell us your plans....so far i only know you keep moneywort or something similar?

Chris

I suppose this should be moved to the Hardware section.. as I am refering to Hardware... I suppose I should jsut review the "Member's tank" sticky and see their set ups yes?

 

[craynerd]

no, hardware specific to planted tanks is often discussed in here, but we need to know what kind of tank your are planning so we can suggest suitable equipment!

Chris

 

[riverman444]

Cranyerd is not being rude, it's just that it is simply impossible to answer your question without writhing a thesis. The proper way to set-up and maintain a thriving and balanced planted tank is not easy and comes with time. The pinned articles are excellent and I recommend printing them and keeping them in a binder for further reference.

 

[lljdma06]

To give you a better idea of what you may want, why don't you look at the members setups that's pinned in this section? Here's the link below. In it members give exact specifications, plant species, and hardware used, so you can get a good idea of what you'd like to do.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=111385

llj

 

[CBBP]

well it pretty much seems like I will want to go with the Nutrafin Natural Plant System since you can’t OD with them. And it seems simple enough to refill.. Just yeast, sugar, water, and bi-carbonate soda is my water is not hard enough? My water is hard, no figures yet though. I am looking for a GH of 4 degrees right? What else was I looking at? I forget the other figure I must get (must re-read pinned)

Anyway, lighting is my main problem. I might have to do a few modifications to my Eclipse hood. The light fixture appears to be easily removed with screws.. but what would I replace it with? a 40 watt plant light? One light does not add enough spread so I am thinking a reflective backing (like a head light n a car) and then there is the issue of heat, a PC fan might have to be installed haha.

forget all that if I can find a 30+ watt light that will fit in my eclipse 2 hood.

Then plants. From what I gather I need to start with fast growers. What is a good fast growing plant? My locate petSMART never really has good plants. Where can I order these plants?

Thanks,
Kyle.

P.S. I am reading but I get confused so please bear with me.