LetsGoFishin
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2013
- Messages
- 16
Hi folks, I'm new to the forums here and want to get into planted tanks. Artificial plants and colored gravel just don't cut it for me anymore. It's been quite a learning curve with plants but no more than how a beginner learns how a basic tank cycle works I guess. My goal is a medium light tank that does not require CO2, (at least for now anyway).
I've been researching the forums for a while and have somewhat of an idea what I need. My planted tank will be a 50 gal long. It's the same footprint as a 55g, just a little shorter in height, around 17" actual water column depth. The two existing 18" T8 bulbs I realize are woefully inadequate for even a low tech planted tank so they will have to go.
I've decided on:
Eco-Complete black substrate (three 20lb bags)
Two Fluval 305 Filters (I already have these)
Two 48" T5-HO lights (need to get)
I'm thinking about getting these lights: They seem to be a good deal?
T5-ho 4ft / 2LAMP Aquarium lighting
It's my understanding this fixture with two bulbs at 108w total will be right on the edge of medium-to-high light and borderline for requiring CO2. I will likely use the SeaChem Flourish Excel.
Where I'm a little dark is on the use of fertilizers. I've read about the Estimative Index for dosing but should I be getting test kits for phosphates, potassium, etc? I live in N.Texas where the water is moderately hard. With a reasonable bio-load of fish and plants I'm hoping I can stick with my weekly 25% water changes, or would more be needed?
Once this tank is well established I also plan to continue using my 9w UV sterilizer as well. It keeps my existing aquarium sparking clear so I assume it would be okay with plants too?
Thanks for any input!
I've been researching the forums for a while and have somewhat of an idea what I need. My planted tank will be a 50 gal long. It's the same footprint as a 55g, just a little shorter in height, around 17" actual water column depth. The two existing 18" T8 bulbs I realize are woefully inadequate for even a low tech planted tank so they will have to go.
I've decided on:
Eco-Complete black substrate (three 20lb bags)
Two Fluval 305 Filters (I already have these)
Two 48" T5-HO lights (need to get)
I'm thinking about getting these lights: They seem to be a good deal?
T5-ho 4ft / 2LAMP Aquarium lighting
It's my understanding this fixture with two bulbs at 108w total will be right on the edge of medium-to-high light and borderline for requiring CO2. I will likely use the SeaChem Flourish Excel.
Where I'm a little dark is on the use of fertilizers. I've read about the Estimative Index for dosing but should I be getting test kits for phosphates, potassium, etc? I live in N.Texas where the water is moderately hard. With a reasonable bio-load of fish and plants I'm hoping I can stick with my weekly 25% water changes, or would more be needed?
Once this tank is well established I also plan to continue using my 9w UV sterilizer as well. It keeps my existing aquarium sparking clear so I assume it would be okay with plants too?
Thanks for any input!