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Thanks Joy! I'll have the fertz ready and CO2. Thanks for all the help.

Neilan, Thanks for the great advice and link! Mineralized soil is the way I want to go. I was trying to avoid CO2 dosing, but I think it's inevitable. I'll probably try a DIY method before investing in a serious set up. How did your DIY on your 125 work out? Makes me wish I lived in NOVA...

Thank you both for the help. I suppose if I go with the Aquatic Soil as a base and a top layer of filter sand or gravel, then that would work. I don't intend on moving plants around or replanting once I have my tank up and running (famous last words), but with the sand/gravel top layer, that...

I read the sticky on substrate for planted tanks (which is great) but I still have a question. I have a 65 gal aquarium, Biowheel 400, Rena XP2 canister filter tank with two 96W PC lights (was once my SW reef tank, but I'm now starting a FW planted tank). I'm wanting the more natural approach...

Thanks for the help and the link. I like the purple urchin / common urchin, maybe my LFS will have one.

I know that adding livestock is not always the answer to control algae. I have also read in a couple of links that part of algae control is PWC, proper lighting, maintenance, and proper livestock. With that being said, I assume that hermits and snails are proper livestock, but what about...

Thanks again for all of the help and the links.

They did go up and have now gone back down. They have been pretty level now for about a week.

Well, I've been going for about 4 weeks now and I have hair algae and still a lot of diatom blooms. I have only been topping off with distilled water and leaving the lights off while the tank cycles. Is this normal or do I need to do something / add something to control the hair algae? Please...

Okay, thanks. Sorry for not being more clear. I have been using the lights but only on a limited basis (6 hrs a day), but I'll stop using them if that won't cause problems. Thanks again!

Thanks. I've read different views on doing PWC's while cycling / curing LR, so I wasn't sure. I appreciate your advice, I'll keep up with the PWC's and go from there.

Back again with another question. When the diatom bloom hits and the brown blooms begin overtaking the LR, should these be gently removed or scrubbed with a brush to remove them or does the process take care of itself? Are there certain supplements that I need to be adding to aid the process...

Thanks for your help and for the welcome. I do have a HOB skimmer with approx 75 lbs of LR as well as a HOB biowheel 400 filter. I've been viewing this site for some time now and now that I'm up and running, I wanted to join. You have a great site and offer excellent advice. Thanks again.

Does anyone use or know if the Rena filstar XP2 canister filter is worth using? I don't really have room for a full "wet-dry" system in the traditional sense and I was curious if a canister filter is an acceptable alternative. I currently have a 65gal reef that I am just now setting up and...