I'm getting everything set up my first true planted tank, and just wanted to see if I'm going about it the best way. I have had tanks with a few plants in them before (java moss, etc.), but I haven't had a full-on planted tank.
First some background on the equipment. The tank is a 25gal. (24 x 12 x 20), which I understand is a bit tall for a planted tank. I'll be using Fluorite black for the substrate, about 3"-4" deep. Filtration will be provided by an Eheim Pro II canister. The lighting is a 2x65w power compact fixture, which seems like it would be too much light from what I've gathered (more about this below). I have a pressurized CO2 setup with a reactor that will be used as well.
The goal is to have a nice looking tank where I can have a variety of plants. I have a nice tall driftwood stump that I'd like to have plants growing on and I would like the rest to be fairly densely planted. I'd like to have a number of small fish (neons, etc.), as the tank is going to be in my daughters' room (17 month twins), and I know they would be fascinated by watching the fish. I don't mind having to do a fair amount of work to keep the tank up. I plan to use the EI method to fertilize the plants.
My first question has to do with the lights. I know the answer will depend on the plants I use, but should I just run one 65w bulb and get things going that way, or would it be better to have the second bulb only come on for a short noon-burst (1-2 hours)? I know that 130w is a lot, but the tank is deep as well.
My second question has to do with the initial tank setup. I am very interested in the "super easy method" outlined here. This method seems like a good way to avoid any initial algae bloom while the plants get a good start in the substrate. What are some good species of plant that a newbie like me would have a high-success rate with for this method? The article mentions Glossostigma and HC. Are these suitable for a beginner? Are there other species that you would recommend? If sounds like I would need to cover the whole substrate with plants with this method, which makes me concerned about having no more room for other plants once the water is added. I would like some initial variety if possible. I suppose I could also pull some plants out and replace them with others once water is added.
If anyone has any other advice or pointers to articles that would help me avoid pitfalls, it would be much appreciated!
First some background on the equipment. The tank is a 25gal. (24 x 12 x 20), which I understand is a bit tall for a planted tank. I'll be using Fluorite black for the substrate, about 3"-4" deep. Filtration will be provided by an Eheim Pro II canister. The lighting is a 2x65w power compact fixture, which seems like it would be too much light from what I've gathered (more about this below). I have a pressurized CO2 setup with a reactor that will be used as well.
The goal is to have a nice looking tank where I can have a variety of plants. I have a nice tall driftwood stump that I'd like to have plants growing on and I would like the rest to be fairly densely planted. I'd like to have a number of small fish (neons, etc.), as the tank is going to be in my daughters' room (17 month twins), and I know they would be fascinated by watching the fish. I don't mind having to do a fair amount of work to keep the tank up. I plan to use the EI method to fertilize the plants.
My first question has to do with the lights. I know the answer will depend on the plants I use, but should I just run one 65w bulb and get things going that way, or would it be better to have the second bulb only come on for a short noon-burst (1-2 hours)? I know that 130w is a lot, but the tank is deep as well.
My second question has to do with the initial tank setup. I am very interested in the "super easy method" outlined here. This method seems like a good way to avoid any initial algae bloom while the plants get a good start in the substrate. What are some good species of plant that a newbie like me would have a high-success rate with for this method? The article mentions Glossostigma and HC. Are these suitable for a beginner? Are there other species that you would recommend? If sounds like I would need to cover the whole substrate with plants with this method, which makes me concerned about having no more room for other plants once the water is added. I would like some initial variety if possible. I suppose I could also pull some plants out and replace them with others once water is added.
If anyone has any other advice or pointers to articles that would help me avoid pitfalls, it would be much appreciated!