New to Potted Tanks

[Doobiedoo12]

So I'm setting up my first potted tank. Is there someone who can give me the low down on equipment needed and chemicals? I'm going with all easy plants and I bought a sick light with 6 different colors n what not. I am just unsure on how many fish to plants to chemicals to thus co2 system you speak of. It's a 90 gallon and I have a 120 gallon eheim filter in it.

 

[flchamp89]

Welcome aboard.

Looks like tank already set up. Lots of stocking options for a 90. You'll want to post your parameters with kh/gh so. As far as how many plants? As many as you want or your wallet can take.

There is a sticky for co2 basics you can read up on.

 

[Doobiedoo12]

What is kh/gh? I've only begun planting. I spent 400 today on new equipment and filter media and what not so I'm strapped for now money wise. I'm not rushing bc the filter needs to re adjust so I want to read everything that I can and really know this. I love everyone's set up here.

 

[Doobiedoo12]

Right now I have 4 plants. I'll be adding a lot more. I want the whole right side to be a jungle and the other side low plants and open for fish to come out and swim

 

[flchamp89]

Gh ...general hardness
Kh...carbonate hardness

That with ph gives a good idea on species work best

 

[Doobiedoo12]

I haven't really thought of that. I didn't know it that these were factors. When I get home I'll take pictures of the plants I bought today. I didn't write down the names of them like I should have. I want to start easy for now though as I learn.

 

[Doobiedoo12]

It's like starting with a beta and not an Oscar. I have a lot to learn I know that

 

[flchamp89]

We all have alot to learn. This is a great place to get started. Great folks here.

 

[Doobiedoo12]

Are there any articles you recommend reading to get me started? Chemicals wise and co2. Basic needs to get me going

 

[flchamp89]

Im a seachem fan. Most prefer EI and PPS. Which on a 90 you probably need to look at dry formulation.

Google EI and PPS pro and start there. Im guessing your low par

 

[Doobiedoo12]

Pps pro just confuses me. There is no pps pro for dummy's on that

 

[Doobiedoo12]

 

[Doobiedoo12]

This is the light

 

[Bert2oo1]

PPS pro and EI are simple. U buy the required salts (kno3,kh2po4,k2so4 etc) and dose them to what it says. With PPS pro u make a solution with the salts and with EI u can make a solution or just dry dose. Google a guide to dosing them and read up. It's really simple once u get going.

For co2 u can use seachem excel but that will become expensive. Your better off with a pressurised system. You'll need a co2 inline atomizer or reactor for a tank that size tho.

Good beginner plants are:
Java fern of all types
Crypts of all types
Amazon swords
Mosses of most types
Bacopa

 

[Doobiedoo12]

Which c02 atomizer or reactor is good for my tank that won't break the bank

 

[Bert2oo1]

Which c02 atomizer or reactor is good for my tank that won't break the bank

Up Aqua inline atomizer or a DIY cerges or Griggs reactor