Starting a planted tank...

[rippin17]

OK so heres my dilemma. I wanna do a 55 gallon planted discus tank. But try my damndest and i cant seem to find basically any info on helping me with what type of plants or anything on CO2 that i would need to know for a planted tank.

So if anyone has any info on the Co2 system id need for a 55, and types of plants that would go well, and the lighting id need... please give me some advice or suggestions. I realise the lighting will depend on the plants but im just looking for general ideas.

HELP!

 

[hashbaz]

Have you already read the stickies? They are VERY helpful. Its hard to answer your questions without more information on what you want, and how much time and money you are willing to invest.

 

[workfortheman]

Yup, you have to set your own boundaries in this hobby! You can go all out and get pressurized co2, metale halide lights backed up by power compact fluorescents, ecocomplete substrate, and a glosso lawn, but that's gonna cost a lot of money and time!!

after a google search,
http://www.tropica.dk/article.asp?type=aquaristic&id=453
http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/People/opsomer.html (low-tech)
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i2/plants_discus/plants_discus.htm
http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/Articles/PAM_Discus.htm
http://www.brainyday.com/jared/aquarium/discus/

another thing to think about: what plants will do well with a discus' heat levels? try
http://www.azgardens.com/habitats_discus.php

by limiting the amount of species of plants you can keep w/ the discus, you will get a better idea of what kind of lighting and/or co2 you will need.

Honestly, with such a sensitive fish as discus, I would completely discourage any thoughts of DIY co2, especially in a 55. Chances are, you will either have no impact at all or end up poisoning them!

GL, keep asking questions and reading up!

 

[Purrbox]

Here's an article specifically on Pressurized CO2, which is what you're probably going to want for that size tank if you go for the higher light levels.

 

[aviran]

Ouch! I have a 55g tank and was looking for a more affordable way to get co2 into the tank. Are there any other options?

 

[Jchillin]

It all boils down to the level of light and types of plants you want. I have been pretty fortunate with my low-light 75 gal (pics included in my sig).

 

[rippin17]

ouch! i think i may downgrade this tank to a 29 gallon or a 42 bowfront. i had no idea planted tanks were THIS expensive. cuz if i do it im gonna go all out. im not gonna do a half assed job. it seems like as much work as a reef tank actually. but im up for the challenge. I have an african cichlid tank and thats some upkeep but doesnt seem near as much as this.

but yeah everything in the tank plant wise will be what goes best with discus' i dont have time at the moment to read the articles posted above but thanks for the inof... i will probably post later on in the day after i read all the articles and sticky's.

reading the sticky's slipped my mind actually.... im a lil abscent minded sometimes... but thanks and ill robably post again with more specific questions later today or tomorrow