Exigenn
Aquarium Advice Freak
Im thinking about converting my 30 long to a high tech(ish) planted tank. The tank will need several things and the planning is still in the infancy stage but i definitely want to try it. There is a few things im wondering/need to know.
1. Substrate - I was thinking either dirt capped with either sand or eco-complete. Or just straight up eco-complete. If dirt then what type and how much (Cubic feet/pounds) and how much of a cap for dirt?
2. Lighting - Im not sure here, i just recently bought my first LED light. Im not sure what would be better though, a T5Ho fixture or a LED fixture. This is one i found in a quick search on ebay, Thoughts? 36 48 Multi 113233 | eBay
3. Carbon - I currently have Excel and would really like this to be my main source as DIY co2 is kind of a pain and i don't have the money for a pressurized system. If you DIY co2 is going t be exponentially better i will try that route.
4. Plants - I have a lot of issues with plants at my house due to having very high PH as well as pretty hard water. I really want some type of carpeting plant. This doesn't have to be the best looking plant it just needs to not die and grow lol.
I still need to buy a glass top for this tank as well as any substrate and lighting but this is going to give me at least an idea of what im going to need and a price point. Also bare in mind im trying to keep this as cheap as possible for the most part. So instead of maybe the best plant LED thats going to run me $100+ maybe something that will do the job needed, maybe isn't the absolute BEST quality but will still get the job done. I would like to keep the LED under $60 and substrate under $30 if possible.
Any advice/input is greatly appreciated.
1. Substrate - I was thinking either dirt capped with either sand or eco-complete. Or just straight up eco-complete. If dirt then what type and how much (Cubic feet/pounds) and how much of a cap for dirt?
2. Lighting - Im not sure here, i just recently bought my first LED light. Im not sure what would be better though, a T5Ho fixture or a LED fixture. This is one i found in a quick search on ebay, Thoughts? 36 48 Multi 113233 | eBay
3. Carbon - I currently have Excel and would really like this to be my main source as DIY co2 is kind of a pain and i don't have the money for a pressurized system. If you DIY co2 is going t be exponentially better i will try that route.
4. Plants - I have a lot of issues with plants at my house due to having very high PH as well as pretty hard water. I really want some type of carpeting plant. This doesn't have to be the best looking plant it just needs to not die and grow lol.
I still need to buy a glass top for this tank as well as any substrate and lighting but this is going to give me at least an idea of what im going to need and a price point. Also bare in mind im trying to keep this as cheap as possible for the most part. So instead of maybe the best plant LED thats going to run me $100+ maybe something that will do the job needed, maybe isn't the absolute BEST quality but will still get the job done. I would like to keep the LED under $60 and substrate under $30 if possible.
Any advice/input is greatly appreciated.