The Perfect Setup?

[Bobdole10]

I wanted to ask the experts this one,

I am getting ready to setup a 75 gallon tank lets say for March. I am going to have a heavy planted tank.

So here is what I need to know if you can help me out.

1. Lighting - If I follow the 2WPG rule I would need 150W of light , Plus I dont have any one manufacter that I can find for a "Good" Light setup.
(Just side note I am not worried about the blubs because i think I am going with T-8 system if I can)

2. Substrate - I have seem so many posts and reading more and more, Sand seems to be great but for me I really like the stone bottom look so can I do something like florite on the bottom covered in stone?

3. Plants - Now this one I have found nothing on but do you put them in while filling or after the tank is going? Seems everyone is different on this one just looking for some advice.

The fish end is covered and I will be using a fuval 405 or something of that nature.

Thanks for any advice but I am really focused on the lighting just want a good setup and something with legs would be nice.

Thanks Jeremy

 

[vonjankmon]

Well if you want to do more of a stone substrate and are going for the perfect tank (ie. willing to spend some cash) check out http/www.adgshop.com/

They have three different substrates that aren't sand that are designed for plants. I've ordered some of the Malay substrate but have never used it before so we'll see how it goes I guess.

 

[Castellop123]

''

 

[aaronnorth]

you would need co2 with 2wpg and if you want your plants to thrive, pressurized is the better option

 

[Bobdole10]

I am very thankful for the advice, that helps out alot but for the lighting and CO2

But from the experts I am looking for brand names for the products , My LFS is good at getting orders but If I dont know what to tell them I am hung up on getting the right equipment.

Thanks for the link on the substrate I will check them out.

 

[TribeOfShroom]

Not that I'm ready to go down the CO2 route, but this whole thing about ferts and lighting etc has got me curious. Now I run my 125L off 2 x 36W Aquaglo bulbs for 12hours a day. (tank measuring 121cm x 35cm x 30cm) Going by your WPG rule, would I need CO2, ferts, etc and what is my WPG??

 

[Themuleous]

Right,

Lighting - as you're in the US check out http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_...cfm?c=3578+3733 for lighting options.

Substrate - its a big tank, base layer as suggested is prob the best option, with your choice of gravel or sand over the top depending on what look you are going for. If you have the cash eco-complete or ADA aquasoil are excellent.

Plants - if you do achieve 2WPG or over than you can have pretty much any plant you want. Things to keep in mind are the position of plant in the tank, i.e. fore, mid and back ground. Check out Troipca.com, http/www.cau-aqua.net/index.php?lang=en and http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2007.cgi for ideas and some truly amazing tanks.

I would also suggest you read the pinned topics in the planted forum, especially the estimative index, lighting and CO2 ones

Sam