Planted Tank Advice

[johndoe]

I am doing my first planted freshwater tank. I have a 35 hexagon that is 24 inches (61cm) deep. I have 3 inches (7.5 cm) of "flora max" substrate. I am keeping it simple with some water wisteria, amazon sword, and dwarf hairgrass. I decided to experiment with the light and use an LED spot that is equivalent to 1000 watts and rated in the 5000K spectrum. I got some neon tetras and put in the tank but they just stayed pretty much at the bottom of the tank and around the perimeter so I raised the light up so it is about 18 inches (46cm) above the tank. The fish are now swimming where the should be and very active at it. Any advice if this will work long term?

 

[Sillyfishies]

I am doing my first planted freshwater tank. I have a 35 hexagon that is 24 inches (61cm) deep. I have 3 inches (7.5 cm) of "flora max" substrate. I am keeping it simple with some water wisteria, amazon sword, and dwarf hairgrass. I decided to experiment with the light and use an LED spot that is equivalent to 1000 watts and rated in the 5000K spectrum. I got some neon tetras and put in the tank but they just stayed pretty much at the bottom of the tank and around the perimeter so I raised the light up so it is about 18 inches (46cm) above the tank. The fish are now swimming where the should be and very active at it. Any advice if this will work long term?

Why's the brand of LED? Ferts? Co2? The dwarf hair grass most likely won't do well. Especially because its 24" high.

 

[johndoe]

Thanks, I did not use any special LED just one rated for natural daylight-its a utilitech pro PAR38 flood. I do not have a Co2 set up I was hoping these plants would not be real demanding for Co2. I know the depth and reduced surface area from the hex shape will increase demand. will Co2 be necessary with these plants? I will not get more dwarf hairgrass if it begins to do poorly-thanks for that.

 

[Sillyfishies]

Thanks, I did not use any special LED just one rated for natural daylight-its a utilitech pro PAR38 flood. I do not have a Co2 set up I was hoping these plants would not be real demanding for Co2. I know the depth and reduced surface area from the hex shape will increase demand. will Co2 be necessary with these plants? I will not get more dwarf hairgrass if it begins to do poorly-thanks for that.

Everything but the hair grass should be fine with just liquid carbon. Maybe even the hair grass will be fine.

 

[johndoe]

Thank you! I will post as it matures. It is a week old right now so I am still cycling the fishies. So far water quality is good using the plants and adding Biozyme bacteria daily.