Substrate

[Floggz]

Hey guys...just setting up a new planted tank.Had cichlids for years & decided to try something new.
I've done a bit of research & I'm going for a low tech tank,I've got good lighting (three 3 foot t8's grow lux globes)but no c02.
Main question is can I use normal 3-5 mm black gravel as substrate.Would plants grow normal and I really want a carpet,probably mm or baby tears, would they carpet on gravel?



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[Mr. Nowhere]

For a carpet you generally need high light and co2. That substrate would work, you just need to add root tabs.though a carpet would do better on something like eco complete, or a finer substrate. How large is your tank? With 3 t8s your prob In the medium light range.

 

[Mr. Nowhere]

Also what wattage are the bulbs?

 

[Floggz]

Thanx for reply mr nowhere, they're 30 watts each so I'll have 120 watts for 245 ltr tank...roughly 60g.

Also tank is a aqua one 980t

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[Mr. Nowhere]

Ya with 2 wpg you could prob grow NL chain sword. I doubt dbt would grow, to low for light. I believe your on the high end of low/low end of medium lighting.

Look into metracide 14 it's liquid co2 basically. Cheaper and easier than a co2 system.

 

[Floggz]

Yeah I was planning on adding liquid c02 & also root tabs,isn't flourish excel liquid c02?


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[Fishperson]

You could grow a nice staurogyne repens carpet with that lighting.

 

[Mr. Nowhere]

Ya with 2 wpg you could prob grow NL chain sword. I doubt dbt would grow, to low for light. I believe your on the high end of low/low end of medium lighting.

Look into metracide 14 it's liquid co2 basically. Cheaper and easier than a co2 system.

Ya metricide 14 is just cheaper than excel