Search results

Most welcome, best of luck and feel free to holler if you need help. Rivercats, though, is the bomb and totally helped me rescue my tank, so anything I offer comes from that experience

You might struggle, because of the size and dimensions of the tank, to find a right out of the box light that works well, so think about rigging up a way to hang it above the tank or attach it, etc

This might help you learn about lighting, I personally prefer HO lights http://www.aquarium-lighting-guide.com/planted-aquarium-lighting

Substrate is a frequently argued concept lol I use Eco Complete http://www.amazon.com/CaribSea-Eco-Complete-20-Pound-Planted-Aquarium/dp/B0002DH0QM But substrate isn't all you need to consider. Starting a planted tank you should consider a fertilizer, maybe CO2 as well. Some folks prefer...

Also, I forgot to answer your other questions...many plants require a trim over time and some plants that are less fussy tend to be low light plants or more resilient plants. Just in my experience plants like amazon swords, java moss and pennywort are pretty simple.

They are more work up front than a non-planted tank. They do require maintenance - ensuring the right water quality and balance of nutrients, along with making sure you have the right balance with your aquatic creatures. However, they can make for a healthy ecosystem that nearly manages itself...

It really depends on what you're willing to invest, how much space, what type of setup and fish, etc.. I will glad to help out with specifics. Personally, I'm a fan of live plants for several reasons

Nitrates 20, nitrite 0, hardness 300, alkalinity 120, pH 7.2

Here are the results I mentioned. Our water here is very hard. But other than that, safe ranges

Word Sorry for the mixup. See...told you I wanted to make CO2 a thing lol

So add more light at a shorter interval would be a good balance, in addition to changing my supplements?

Oh I meant to tell you the T5 is an HO bulb and it's a single bar. I'll get the rest of the info for ya when I get back home tonight :)

I can give you a better and more thorough break down of the tank when I get home from work if needed... This particular tank is 20 gallons. I have 3 platy, 3 guppies, 2 lace catfish, 2 mystery snails, a couple red cherry shrimp and 4 harlequin rasbora. I'll include a pic of the plants in the...

Also I like the idea of calculated doses and daily maintenance. It seems to me that, in my logic, it would ensure better absorption.

Here's what I'm thinking - Compiling the info you folks have presented, I'll add the nutrients I need. And it makes sense to me if I think of it like a body. I can set up an infusion set, almost like a tank IV in a way, and infuse the environment. I can get a flourish tank kit and add flourish...

I use Kent brand pro-plant and flourish iron supplement, Eco complete makes the substrate. I have an aqueon T5 color max lamp and it runs about 10-12 hours a day.

Never had wisteria look this way. Any thoughts on what the issue is if there is an issue at all? Levels are good in the tank, it isn't overstocked, the substrate is a plant substrate and the rest of the plants appear healthy