exodus
Aquarium Advice Freak
So I got my tank setup, running, and cycled. I got a few plants and some rocks in there too, but now I really don't know where to go from here.
Basically, here's my setup as of now:
55g kit from walmart
stock aqua-tech filter
~1.5 bags of PFS
lighting upgraded to 2.5wpg, running 1.25 (1 bulb) until I get CO2.
I'm really looking to have a medium-high light setup here. I know the filter needs upgrading, I'm going to need CO2, but the one thing I cant figure out is the whole plants/feeding thing.
As usual, I'm trying to keep everything as low-cost as possible, which is why I went with the PFS. But now that I read about it, a lot of people say that PFS doesnt work well for heavy root feeders, which I know I'm bound to throw in there at some point. Then I ask myself, do I need to redo my substrate, or can I just use root-tabs or something similar?
I really don't want to have to track down eco-complete, but are root-tabs even a viable option for a medium-high light tank?
Another thing that has had me confused, is when adding fertilizers becomes necissary, and basically I cant figure out what would be the simplest, yet most cost effective route to go with that. Can anyone provide some suggestions?
I've been thinking about this all day, and I think the best upgrade route is -
1) Pressurized CO2
2) Lighting (which is already done, just running at 1/2 capacity to fend off algae)
[add most plants here]
3) Nutrients
4) Filtration upgrage (canister over stock HOB)
From what I've read here, that's what I'd guess the best way to go would be. If plants dont have any nutrients available in the water for a period of a few weeks or so inbetween upgrading, their growth will just be stunted, correct?
But then that still brings back the question of substrate quality.
I guess this is just kind of me jotting my thoughts down and trying to bounce ideas off you guys, but really, if anyone can offer some good suggestions/advice/pearls of wisdom, please feel more than free.
Planted tanks seem to have an extremely steep learning curve 8O
TIA though!
Basically, here's my setup as of now:
55g kit from walmart
stock aqua-tech filter
~1.5 bags of PFS
lighting upgraded to 2.5wpg, running 1.25 (1 bulb) until I get CO2.
I'm really looking to have a medium-high light setup here. I know the filter needs upgrading, I'm going to need CO2, but the one thing I cant figure out is the whole plants/feeding thing.
As usual, I'm trying to keep everything as low-cost as possible, which is why I went with the PFS. But now that I read about it, a lot of people say that PFS doesnt work well for heavy root feeders, which I know I'm bound to throw in there at some point. Then I ask myself, do I need to redo my substrate, or can I just use root-tabs or something similar?
I really don't want to have to track down eco-complete, but are root-tabs even a viable option for a medium-high light tank?
Another thing that has had me confused, is when adding fertilizers becomes necissary, and basically I cant figure out what would be the simplest, yet most cost effective route to go with that. Can anyone provide some suggestions?
I've been thinking about this all day, and I think the best upgrade route is -
1) Pressurized CO2
2) Lighting (which is already done, just running at 1/2 capacity to fend off algae)
[add most plants here]
3) Nutrients
4) Filtration upgrage (canister over stock HOB)
From what I've read here, that's what I'd guess the best way to go would be. If plants dont have any nutrients available in the water for a period of a few weeks or so inbetween upgrading, their growth will just be stunted, correct?
But then that still brings back the question of substrate quality.
I guess this is just kind of me jotting my thoughts down and trying to bounce ideas off you guys, but really, if anyone can offer some good suggestions/advice/pearls of wisdom, please feel more than free.
Planted tanks seem to have an extremely steep learning curve 8O
TIA though!