Planting a Rio 400

[Supersalmon]

I would like to convert my Rio 400 to a planted tank but am wondering how I can incorporate enough light in the hood and also how much CO2 I need to inject. I currently use the standard lighting with the Juwel hood but would like to replace this with the I-bar incorporating 2 T5 52 Watt Arcadia tubes. I dont think this would still be enough lighting so how can I physically add more lighting. Also what CO2 injection would I need for this size of tank,
Thanks

 

[George Farmer]

Hi,

The T5 lighting you plan will give you approx 2 WPG which is fine for most plants, use plant growth tubes and reflectors for best results.

CO2 would prove beneficial and help your plants out-compete algae for nutrients. For a tank this size you will be best going for a compressed setup; cylinder, regulator, and bubble counter/diffuser.

I'd strongly recommend some fast, easy growers to start with as the increase in lighting will leave your setup vulnerable to algae.

HTH

 

[Sanj]

I have a planted Rio 400

I added 4x54w T5 in addition to the existing lighting a total of 288watts. You could get away with less but aim for at least 2wpg if you can. I use JBL pro flora 2 for co2 injection, I used a rena heater cable to go under the substrate and use fertile substrate (Aquabasis ) topped with gravel. There are several fertile subsrates you could use.

Like george says cram with planting especially fast growing stem plants, gives a good start and out competes algae which often new tanks can succumb to.

 

[Supersalmon]

How did you add the extra lighting? Did you permanently remove the hood

 

[Sanj]

Nope hood still there, i used tube clams to attach them to the main ballast. It wisnt the best way and you have more options now than last year.

You can get T5 Ibars from arcadia which can replace the juwel ballast and you can fit two in. However i think they are a bit too pricey atm.

you could get the 60" 80w T5 tubes they should be able to rest on the the small lip inside the hood.

Or you could just stick with T8s and get another Juwel ballast and smaller hood flaps which Juwel do.

However ithink T5s are better for planted tanks.

The other resort is to discard the hood and get over tank Luminaires...definatley would need T5s then for decent lighting.

My situation is a bit Heath Robinson, but are holding in place for over a year and not suffering from over heating...lucky UK climate.

I managed to fit them in with reflectors aswell.

I might try draw it in a bit.

 

[Supersalmon]

Do you manage to grow the more difficult plants successfully in this set up?

 

[Sanj]

I keep a variety of plants some of which require stronger light, but sometimes more demanding plants require other parameters besides strong light like softer water.

Your scope will definatley improve if you upgrade.