Electrobes
Aquarium Advice Addict
So the short story is that I started out freshwater, then went into Reefkeeping and now that I have moved and realize I won't have as much time to devote to that part of tank keeping, I've decided to go back to a planted freshwater tank. The best part? I'm devoting a small open room to this tank "A relaxing room" if you will.
I've kept quite a few things from my saltwater days but would like to run by you more up to date plant aquarists my plan for the tank.
Tank: Is a 40G Breeder. The canopy and stand is of cherry wood and is brand new.
Lighting: I used to have a metal halide but decided to trade it in for 2X95 watt VHO but I also kept my 2X39 watt T5's. I plan on keeping Glosso with a medium size piece of driftwood (In in the corner of the tank... I will explain later) and that's about it. As for fish it's still somewhat in the air but I was thinking a group of neon tetras or maybe a pair of exotic angelfish. The two VHO's alone would produce 4.75 watts per gallon in a shallow tank which should be enough to keep Glosso happy but I would rather an approval form y'all (I live in SC now, learning the language). If need be I can install the T5's. I also would like to know if I do stay with just the VHO's what bulbs to get, and if I add the T5's... what four bulbs should I get?
I forgot to mention the ventilation for the lights isn't a problem... I've got a very nice "vent" fan that took care of the halide and the T5's.
Filtration: For now I have an AC 500 and an Emperor 400. I plan on getting a canister filter and either operate it alone or in conjunction with a lower set AC 500. Again I would like to hear your opinions
I also have a Phosban Reactor. If the AC500 alone was enough I was thinking of using this in conjunction for.. well.. I have no idea. I don't know anything about fertilizers or if I even need them for my glosso tank or if I can use the Phosban Reactor for anything. It was just a thought.
CO2: After reading around a bit I plan on doing the method listed here: http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html I plan on hiding the diffusion area inside the driftwood so as not to be seen by viewers. I can already feel the reply from more experienced plant keepers about getting a pressurized system, and I am sure I will in the future but I figured this would be a good re-intro to CO2.
Livestock: Though I already mentioned it in lighting, I plan on going with Glosso as just about the only plant in the tank. As for fish I am still deciding betweena group of neon tetras, a pair of angelfish, or something suggested by you guys. Again the theme of my room and tank is relaxed.. so if that helps.. great
Heater: I have a 150 watt Ebo-Jaguer that will be housed in the AC500 as I had it in the Reef Tank. When I do get a canister filter I plan on getting an in-line heater and attaching it to the output of the filter.
Substrate: I was planning on going with either Eco-complete or Shultz pond substrate. I am not aware of the differences from the two but have seen both of these used widely by aquarists on this site and others. Seeing as this is important as is lighting I would definitely like to hear what you have on this topic.
Thanks for reading!! Look forward to your responses.
I've kept quite a few things from my saltwater days but would like to run by you more up to date plant aquarists my plan for the tank.
Tank: Is a 40G Breeder. The canopy and stand is of cherry wood and is brand new.
Lighting: I used to have a metal halide but decided to trade it in for 2X95 watt VHO but I also kept my 2X39 watt T5's. I plan on keeping Glosso with a medium size piece of driftwood (In in the corner of the tank... I will explain later) and that's about it. As for fish it's still somewhat in the air but I was thinking a group of neon tetras or maybe a pair of exotic angelfish. The two VHO's alone would produce 4.75 watts per gallon in a shallow tank which should be enough to keep Glosso happy but I would rather an approval form y'all (I live in SC now, learning the language). If need be I can install the T5's. I also would like to know if I do stay with just the VHO's what bulbs to get, and if I add the T5's... what four bulbs should I get?
I forgot to mention the ventilation for the lights isn't a problem... I've got a very nice "vent" fan that took care of the halide and the T5's.
Filtration: For now I have an AC 500 and an Emperor 400. I plan on getting a canister filter and either operate it alone or in conjunction with a lower set AC 500. Again I would like to hear your opinions
I also have a Phosban Reactor. If the AC500 alone was enough I was thinking of using this in conjunction for.. well.. I have no idea. I don't know anything about fertilizers or if I even need them for my glosso tank or if I can use the Phosban Reactor for anything. It was just a thought.
CO2: After reading around a bit I plan on doing the method listed here: http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html I plan on hiding the diffusion area inside the driftwood so as not to be seen by viewers. I can already feel the reply from more experienced plant keepers about getting a pressurized system, and I am sure I will in the future but I figured this would be a good re-intro to CO2.
Livestock: Though I already mentioned it in lighting, I plan on going with Glosso as just about the only plant in the tank. As for fish I am still deciding betweena group of neon tetras, a pair of angelfish, or something suggested by you guys. Again the theme of my room and tank is relaxed.. so if that helps.. great
Heater: I have a 150 watt Ebo-Jaguer that will be housed in the AC500 as I had it in the Reef Tank. When I do get a canister filter I plan on getting an in-line heater and attaching it to the output of the filter.
Substrate: I was planning on going with either Eco-complete or Shultz pond substrate. I am not aware of the differences from the two but have seen both of these used widely by aquarists on this site and others. Seeing as this is important as is lighting I would definitely like to hear what you have on this topic.
Thanks for reading!! Look forward to your responses.