Starting A Planted Tank (again)

[sfgiants13]

I tried planted in my first 29 gallon, scrapped that, then spent money on an AH system 2x55 watt system for my 55 gallon. Added a DIY C02 System, and som elaterate. That all went to hell. Now, I'm getting a new 20 gallon to clear out some space. I will use my 55 gallon AH Supply Bright Kit (I think it fits on the 20 gallon) to light it. But, I have a few questions. I have heard of sand for substrate, but I also heard that lacks nutrients. Should I get a fertilizer from the LFS, or some laterite to mix in with the sand? Also, what is a good brand of substrate to get that is cheap (sand, or whatever is recommended for the bed).

 

[Underwurlde]

I have heard of sand for substrate, but I also heard that lacks nutrients.

It has NO nutrients.

Should I get a fertilizer from the LFS, or some laterite to mix in with the sand?

Regardless, you'll need to be dosing a fertiliser of some kind on a regular basis. Don't mix substrates, layer them.

Also, what is a good brand of substrate to get that is cheap (sand, or whatever is recommended for the bed).

Soil dug up from the back garden...

If I were you, use EcoComplete or something like that. Invest in a good substrate, will help to greatly simplify plant growing IMO.
Some substrates are capped with fine gravel (or sand if you like)... depends also on the look you are after.

Andy

 

[nry]

That would be a serious (SERIOUS!) amount of light for a 20-gallon tank, is running a single 55w an option? 2x55w without very stable CO2 and fertiliser (likely Estimative Index needed for 55w or 110w) is asking for algae!

 

[sfgiants13]

That would be a serious (SERIOUS!) amount of light for a 20-gallon tank, is running a single 55w an option? 2x55w without very stable CO2 and fertiliser (likely Estimative Index needed for 55w or 110w) is asking for algae!

I'm only using one of them (or so I think...I'm 95% sure I only have the 1x55 kitx2 for my 55 gallon, so I'll just run one of them in the 20).

 

[sfgiants13]

I'm looking into Eco-complete...how much would I need? I'm trying to be a penny pincher here and keep the cost of the setup under $150 if possible (since I have the lighting and all...).

 

[Underwurlde]

What are the dimentions of your tank?

Andy

 

[sfgiants13]

24" x 12" x 16"

And when I start it up, should I place plants in the tank originally, or let it start to cycle then add them. Also, with plants, I have no reason to add an airstone or anything right?

 

[Underwurlde]

Sorry,I need to know length, width, height....
Anyway, assuming L=24" and W= 12", with a substrate depth of 1", thats a volume of substrate equal to 4.7 litres - work the rest out from there.

And when I start it up, should I place plants in the tank originally, or let it start to cycle then add them

Plant first in shallow water, fill up and then cycle. Just easier to plant this way.

Also, with plants, I have no reason to add an airstone or anything right?

No airstone as it dispells CO2 from the water that is needed by plants (unless you grow emergent of course).

Andy