Recent content by molly100a

Oh I forgot to mention I just started reading the Ecology Of A Planted Tank by Walsted, wish I would have done this years ago when I started.

I switched my 75gal., 29gal., and 20gal to no filters, just heavily planted, I love the natural tanks. I have a hob filter on my 5gal betta only because it's growing pothos and bamboo out of the filter and tank.

I do 2 cups of sugar, 1 tsp or packet of yeast. I think it's a tsp of baking soda but not sure. There are many sites that give you the exact amount. Youtube has a lot of video's, check it out and good luck.

Nice looking tank

6500 k cfl Here's a pic of the bulb I use

Try Lowes, that's where I got 6500k cfl bulbs and use a clamp on shop light. As long as its full spectrum. I don't think they have them at Home depot, at least I haven't seen them there. I have used them on my 29gal and still on my 20 gal. You can either clamp them on the rim or lay them on...

Great looking tank

I use both in my dirted tanks, depends on do you want to rinse the florite or just put the eco complete in. I used florite on top of the dirt because it had a higher iron content, then I capped that with black ecco complete. I think as long as your using dirt it just depends on what you like.

I have three live plant tanks, one is a 75 gallon. My substrate is organic dirt capped with ecco complete or small gravel. Don't push the vacuum tube into the gravel, just hover it over to suck up the waste and left over food, etc. As far as what kind of plants, you need to get proper lights...

In my betta tank I have plant substrate with a sword, but you can float plants. I have some wisteria floating, he likes to sleep near the surface. I'm not sure about planting in gravel, I know some people do but depending on what plants you get. I think it would be better if you replaced the...

I switched all my tanks to organic dirt and I would never go back. Not only is it cheaper, I believe it's actually better for the plants. My plants love it. My 75 gal and 29 gal are capped with fluorite or ecco complete, my 20 gal and 5 gal are capped with pea gravel. Before I started using...

Nice set up, what size tank are you running this on?

Thanks for the input. I will look into it.

Just trying to find out what level of lighting I have. I was having a problem with blue green algae but have seemed to correct this with many water changes and cleaning the substrate gently. I'm considering led lighting but have not made a decision yet. I may try one on my 29 gallon planted...

By loading it up with plants, that will help the ammonia level. Plants love ammonia.