Hello! The name's Bekkah. I started out my aquarium experience with a 10G tank, and I was going to start a fish-less cycle with some simple plants. I had the whole thing planned out, but never went through with it as my cycle failed due to a few problems I ran into unknowingly.
I then received a 60G tank for free from a friend who was moving some of his stuff out, and it sparked my motivation to try again. I have a few questions regarding how to start the planted tank process, and I wanted to get them clarified before even filling up the tank with water and starting the cycle.
1) The tank I received unfortunately did not come with a hood. I'm assuming I'll have to order one off of the internet somewhere, but I wanted a little more clarification on lighting. I plan on building a Low Light Low Maintenance tank, as I'm a beginner when it comes to plants. How many watts per gallon would I need for my 60G? The Kelvin rating would be between 5000K and 10000K, correct? Is there a certain hood/lighting brand you guys could recommend for my size of tank?
2) I tried gravel substrate when my cycle failed in my 10G, and the entire time I had it I was considering switching over to sand. Since I'm starting fresh with this 60G, I've decided to use a sand substrate. I was going to go with Black Diamond sand, until someone suggested I go with aragonite sand to help keep my pH levels steady and such. Is this something you guys would recommend? If not, what is a sand substrate that's beneficial to planted aquariums? Substrate has to be 3 inches deep at the least, correct? So how many pounds of substrate do you think I'd need for a 60G?
3) I bought your generic, simply Tetra HOB filter for my 10G. I was told for a larger tank I'd be safer with a back up filter along with my main filter. I was also told a sponge filter would help further with cycling my tank. What would be the best brand for my size of tank, in your opinion? I'm trying to avoid CO2 injections, seeing as I don't have as much time as I'd like. I was also told an air stone would be beneficial for planted tanks?
4) I have an API master test kit, as well as a test kit for GH and KH levels. Do I need something to specifically test for phosphate, iron, and potassium?
5) What can I use to feed my plants? I've heard root tabs, brands like Flourish and SeaChem. Do you have any specific suggestions?
6) What kind of plants would fit well in a 60G? I know I have a lot more leg room now than I did with my 10G. The plants I was considering for my 10G were as follows:
Java Moss
Marimo Moss Ball
Dwarf Rotala
Red/Glandular/Red star Ludwigas in five or more
Dwarf/Narrow-leaved Anubias
Anacharis/Elodea
Bacopa caroliniana
Water Wisteria/Dwarf Hygrophila
Would any of those work for my 60G? What are some Low Light/Maintenance plants I can potentially put in my larger tank now?
Any and all feedback can help me out! I do appreciate it.
I then received a 60G tank for free from a friend who was moving some of his stuff out, and it sparked my motivation to try again. I have a few questions regarding how to start the planted tank process, and I wanted to get them clarified before even filling up the tank with water and starting the cycle.
1) The tank I received unfortunately did not come with a hood. I'm assuming I'll have to order one off of the internet somewhere, but I wanted a little more clarification on lighting. I plan on building a Low Light Low Maintenance tank, as I'm a beginner when it comes to plants. How many watts per gallon would I need for my 60G? The Kelvin rating would be between 5000K and 10000K, correct? Is there a certain hood/lighting brand you guys could recommend for my size of tank?
2) I tried gravel substrate when my cycle failed in my 10G, and the entire time I had it I was considering switching over to sand. Since I'm starting fresh with this 60G, I've decided to use a sand substrate. I was going to go with Black Diamond sand, until someone suggested I go with aragonite sand to help keep my pH levels steady and such. Is this something you guys would recommend? If not, what is a sand substrate that's beneficial to planted aquariums? Substrate has to be 3 inches deep at the least, correct? So how many pounds of substrate do you think I'd need for a 60G?
3) I bought your generic, simply Tetra HOB filter for my 10G. I was told for a larger tank I'd be safer with a back up filter along with my main filter. I was also told a sponge filter would help further with cycling my tank. What would be the best brand for my size of tank, in your opinion? I'm trying to avoid CO2 injections, seeing as I don't have as much time as I'd like. I was also told an air stone would be beneficial for planted tanks?
4) I have an API master test kit, as well as a test kit for GH and KH levels. Do I need something to specifically test for phosphate, iron, and potassium?
5) What can I use to feed my plants? I've heard root tabs, brands like Flourish and SeaChem. Do you have any specific suggestions?
6) What kind of plants would fit well in a 60G? I know I have a lot more leg room now than I did with my 10G. The plants I was considering for my 10G were as follows:
Java Moss
Marimo Moss Ball
Dwarf Rotala
Red/Glandular/Red star Ludwigas in five or more
Dwarf/Narrow-leaved Anubias
Anacharis/Elodea
Bacopa caroliniana
Water Wisteria/Dwarf Hygrophila
Would any of those work for my 60G? What are some Low Light/Maintenance plants I can potentially put in my larger tank now?
Any and all feedback can help me out! I do appreciate it.