Hello,
I’m new to this forum and have recently jumped back into keep fish and live plants. About 3 months ago I set up a 56 column tank with plants and fish. After running for about 2 months I found that the tank was not exactly what I had hoped for so I upgraded to a 72 Bowfront tank which I love!
I have a couple questions, but first here is all the pertinent information on the current tank.
Lighting:
48” Finnex Planted plus…runs on timer 8AM-8PM
30” Double T5 HO 31W 10,000K and 31W 6700K ….runs on timer 6am-5pm
I am considering adding a Finnex Monster Ray for color enhancement as well.
Filtration:
Fluval 305 (260GPH)
Marineland 400 (400gph)
I do 50% water change once a week (due to fish I keep)…”Prime” as de-chlorinator
Temp 84-86 F
PH 7.0
Water quality. ~10ppm Nitrate, 0 nitrite
Substrate:
Eco Complete and pea gravel
Plants: varying depth from 18”-21” from lights
Variety of Crypts
Amazon Sword
Brazillian Micro Sword
Hornwart
Valisneria
Water lettuce
Water hyssop bacopa
I am trying a variety of plants to see what thrives and what may not.
Suppliments:
Excel- 2 times a week
Flourish- 2 times a week…same day
Fish:
Discus
Rams
Celebes rainbows
Clown loaches
My questions are;
1. With this amount of light should I consider the addition of CO2?
2. If I add the Monster Ray does that change things, though it has a low PAR and is mostly for fish enhancement?
3. Should I consider the addition of other lighting for the plants I have?
4. Should I consider addition supplements?
Any other feedback or suggestions are welcome. I want to have success with the plants, and have a lush tank.
I’m new to this forum and have recently jumped back into keep fish and live plants. About 3 months ago I set up a 56 column tank with plants and fish. After running for about 2 months I found that the tank was not exactly what I had hoped for so I upgraded to a 72 Bowfront tank which I love!
I have a couple questions, but first here is all the pertinent information on the current tank.
Lighting:
48” Finnex Planted plus…runs on timer 8AM-8PM
30” Double T5 HO 31W 10,000K and 31W 6700K ….runs on timer 6am-5pm
I am considering adding a Finnex Monster Ray for color enhancement as well.
Filtration:
Fluval 305 (260GPH)
Marineland 400 (400gph)
I do 50% water change once a week (due to fish I keep)…”Prime” as de-chlorinator
Temp 84-86 F
PH 7.0
Water quality. ~10ppm Nitrate, 0 nitrite
Substrate:
Eco Complete and pea gravel
Plants: varying depth from 18”-21” from lights
Variety of Crypts
Amazon Sword
Brazillian Micro Sword
Hornwart
Valisneria
Water lettuce
Water hyssop bacopa
I am trying a variety of plants to see what thrives and what may not.
Suppliments:
Excel- 2 times a week
Flourish- 2 times a week…same day
Fish:
Discus
Rams
Celebes rainbows
Clown loaches
My questions are;
1. With this amount of light should I consider the addition of CO2?
2. If I add the Monster Ray does that change things, though it has a low PAR and is mostly for fish enhancement?
3. Should I consider the addition of other lighting for the plants I have?
4. Should I consider addition supplements?
Any other feedback or suggestions are welcome. I want to have success with the plants, and have a lush tank.
