Plated 60x24x24

[Ian H]

Well im looking at getting a 60x24x24 tank for discus. I want it to be heavily planted so what are my best options for substrate/light/co2?

I was thinking fire extinguisher for co2 with external reacter, lighting is whatever since the hood will come with nothing, was thinking some (maybe 2 or even 3) 48" t5's with reflectors??? not even sure if T5's goes to this size? no idea on substrate maybe the Akadama route? as i want some sort of carpet going on. Either glosso or HC im thinking? ferts will either be TPN+ or a diy version with powders.

Any input would be great!!

 

[RadaR]

Lighting, I would go for the Arcadia 150cm Freshwater with T5 lamps 4x54W. How much easier is that eh?

CO2 sounds good. Because it's a large tank anyway, you should have no problem obtaining a powerful enough filter to work with a external reactor.

Ferts, I wouldn't use TPN+ on such a large tank. It will be far more cost effective to use EI dry powders.

Substrate is going to work out expensive anyway you do it.
To achieve a depth of 2 inches in a tank 60 inches long and 24 wide, you will need to purchase 160 lbs of Eco-Complete. That's 8 bags I think, therefore around...£200.
You can also try ADA Aqua Soil.
Also, you could use the Tropica Substrate and lay over an inert black gravel.
Calculate up some costs and whatever is cheapest out of those, I would do. They are all good substrates, so price really makes up my mind.

 

[saintly]

hi ian, did the hc arrive?

i use the arcadia 4 x 54w hot5 awsome.

its a rather large tank you have. if you go down the ADA route it will cost a fortune, but well worth the money. im talking in the region of £400!

it cost me £350 on my 48" but i do you have it deep at the back!

tpn+ for the ferts.

theres numerous ways of introducing co2.

you'll need good filtration. i use eheim 2028 and i want another in the same tank!

 

[drtim]

Well im looking at getting a 60x24x24 tank for discus. I want it to be heavily planted so what are my best options for substrate/light/co2?

I was thinking fire extinguisher for co2 with external reacter, lighting is whatever since the hood will come with nothing, was thinking some (maybe 2 or even 3) 48" t5's with reflectors??? not even sure if T5's goes to this size? no idea on substrate maybe the Akadama route? as i want some sort of carpet going on. Either glosso or HC im thinking? ferts will either be TPN+ or a diy version with powders.

Any input would be great!!

I have the same size tank a use the hagen glo light, only just got it, but the penetration is good which gives 108watts (2x54W) which i think will be adequate for most plants.
Tim.