Want to switch to planted, need help

[johnnyr]

I'd like to get a whole bunch of plants in this tank, covering the back, and just giving it that awe-inspiring WOW look of a gorgeously planted tank. On to the questions:

Gravel: Is it too big? If so, how can I change it without screwing all my fish over?

Lighting: 2 15 watt bulbs aint gunna cut it. I've seen these cool looking deluxe hoods before, is that what I should be looking for?

CO2: Any easy way to accomplish this?

Thanks for your help, here's a pic so oyu can get an idea of the gravel size and layout.

Oh, and yes I'm aware the water is horribly discolored. You can thank the now removed driftwood for that.

 

[Dubby]

Sorry, I'm unable to see the pic. How big is your tank and what fish do you have in there? Also some info on your water parameters would help...

If you wish to change the gravel then you should do it in stages so that the tank does not cycle again. Do perhaps a qtr of the tank at one go. You can partition this part with slate or similar plastic pieces so that the newly added gravel/sand does not mix with older gravel.

CO2 can be cheaply achieved by doing a DIY setup. See www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/

 

[johnnyr]

Here is a direct link:

http/img178.exs.cx/img178/7417/tank7sb.jpg

My tank in a 55 gallon, and has 6 congos, 1 large blue gourami, 6 tiger barbs, and a blue acara. I plan on getting better lighting, I'm just concerned if my gravel is too big for the plants. (I've heard that if the gravel is too big, it will trap detrius and rob the plants of nutrients and etc.)

 

[BigC]

If you are really interested in a planted aquaria you really need to start from the beginning johnnyr, have a look at this thread.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=82597
Read various topics & books on the subject, planning is paramount. Research every aspect eg. Substrate,lighting, CO2 etc. etc.

Surf to the following link
http/www.dennerle.de/ENGLISCH/e_frameset.htm
and click on aquascapes along the top,
now click on the different biotopes down the left hand side. Notice the diagrams of the plants and their positioning within the tank.
You maybe think that this is too much effort to go to but believe me it's the only way if you want to have sucess.

Hope this gives you some ideas..

 

[johnnyr]

Hmm....ok..the question is, how can I start from the beginning without killing my fish I need new substrate, and replacing that is no easy task...how can I go about it? My tank is still finishing cycling (I used bio-spira and a filter cartridge from another established tank) I'm guessing I should wait until It's finished to do this...i'm just not sure the best way to go about it, to minimize the stress to the fish. (6 congo tetras, 6 tiger barbs, a blue acara, and a large gourami)

 

[Terrorbyte]

Hmm....ok..the question is, how can I start from the beginning without killing my fish I need new substrate, and replacing that is no easy task...how can I go about it? My tank is still finishing cycling (I used bio-spira and a filter cartridge from another established tank) I'm guessing I should wait until It's finished to do this...i'm just not sure the best way to go about it, to minimize the stress to the fish. (6 congo tetras, 6 tiger barbs, a blue acara, and a large gourami)

Based on your photo, your substrate looks ok for plants (you might want to add a little bit of fine gravel). Start off with plants that are easy to grow in any condition (amazon swords, for example), and move on from there once you see successful plant growth in your tank. As for lighting, your tank requires at least 110W of light (2W per gallon is the minimal requirement). A 6700k full-spectrum flourescent bulb is good for growing plants. Lighting fixtures that produce sufficient light output and are large enough for your 55 gallon tank will run you anywhere from $100-$400 USD at a fish store, whether local or online. You could buy the bulbs and throw together your own lighting system for a lot less $, but it will involve some work on your part.

You can easily setup a CO2 system using a 2L soda bottle, yeast, sugar, and a few tools. There are plenty of links in the DIY section of this forum that will help get you started.

First and foremost, get your water tested to make sure things are in balance. Your tank setup looks pretty good otherwise, it is not necessary for you to replace the gravel or anything like that (beneficial bacteria have probably already made their home in that gravel). Some java moss could grow on your tank decor and would definitely help give your tank that natural "planted" look that you seem to want. Change 20% of your water weekly once you add plants -- invest in a Lees ultimate gravel vac or Python no-spill (if you haven't already) and water changes will be a breeze.

As with any aquarium, don't add too much of anything all at once, that'll just stress your fish and you'll end up with casualties as a result. Add plants a few at a time, making sure to keep similar plant species in groups and not scattered haphazardly all over your tank. Plants tend to thrive when grouped together and will give your tank a more natural (and better) look.

 

[konrad05]

those lights gotta go, and you have to either buy a triple bulb light strip to give you 120 watts, or build your own canopy to fit 4-5 bulbs, then start thinking about what to do next

 

[johnnyr]

Well, I think i'm goign to replace the substrate, and get a compact flourecent kit. I'm probrable going to go with mostly flourite with a small layer of gravel on top. Changing the gravel will be a pain, but I think it's worth the effort. I really want this tank to look amazing. In your opinion, what do think I should put on top of the flourite? Sand? Small gravel? And what colors (of gravel/sand) do you think will give the tank the most natrual or cool look?

 

[Terrorbyte]

If you replace your gravel, you'll definitely have to plan on cycling the tank again, not to forget that you'll really stress out your fish. There are a large number of plants that do well in the substrate that you already have, do a bit more research before making further decisions.

Grey, brown, and beige colors are the most common natural colors of gravel and sand, so stick with that color combination.

Two of these light fixtures (both @ 65W each, 24" total fixture length) would give your tank 130W of adequate lighting, and they run $60 USD each.

 

[johnnyr]

I was planning on keeping the gravel in stockings on top the sand...that way the bacteria can migrate...I shouldent have to cycle if I do that. In fact, I'll probrably just get some bio-spira and add it in just to be safe. The reason i'm going with a smaller substrate is because I would like some carpet plants, and not be limited by my substrate. I appreciate your advice though. I think the gravel change will be worth it in the end. I think I'm going to go with black sand with flourite underneath. Any objections?

 

[konrad05]

I forgot to ask...umm why is your water yellow? When was the last time you did a water change?

 

[Raechal]

I forgot to ask...umm why is your water yellow? When was the last time you did a water change?

It is from his driftwood.

I changed my tank from gravel to sand all in one go and it didn't re-cycle at all. I always thought most of the beneficial bactera was in the filters anyway so why would changing the gravel mess up the whole cycle?

I would think just tying the gravel up in a nylon or sock and place it on the sand would be fine.