Hi Tom & team,
I have a new set up and I want the advice of experts before I move forward in any one direction. Here is the equipment I have so far:
ADA 8 gallon L tank
Archaea 27w Mini Aquarium Light
2 bags ADA Aquasoil
Fluval C2 Power Filter (Chemi-Pure in filter and sponge over the filter intake)
Seachem Prime
Dr. Tom's One & Only (to cycle tank)
My goal is to have a tank that looks great in my living room and I want to use the tankwater to water my houseplants. I have Calathea houseplants, which are jungle plants that love aquarium water (http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/69483/#b). They are generally light feeders, however, and chemical fertilizer can cause more harm than good. My question is, what kind of setup and plants would work best with the equipment I already have, keeping in mind my goal of not adding in too many strong chemical fertilizers? I'm partial toward an Iwagumi setup, but open to other nature styles as well. I'm also open to fish, shrimp, or none of the above. My goal is about a 1-2 hrs of maintenance a week, once established. During the initial setup, I'm willing to put in daily work (water changes, etc.).
I understand that I have high light at about 3.4 watts per gallon. Could I add CO2 and simply grow dwarf hairgrass with some stem plants, without ferts or with very low ferts? Last point- my tapwater has undetectable levels of organics, is slightly soft, low alkalinity, and a neutral ph. I appreciate your opinions!
Thanks,
T
I have a new set up and I want the advice of experts before I move forward in any one direction. Here is the equipment I have so far:
ADA 8 gallon L tank
Archaea 27w Mini Aquarium Light
2 bags ADA Aquasoil
Fluval C2 Power Filter (Chemi-Pure in filter and sponge over the filter intake)
Seachem Prime
Dr. Tom's One & Only (to cycle tank)
My goal is to have a tank that looks great in my living room and I want to use the tankwater to water my houseplants. I have Calathea houseplants, which are jungle plants that love aquarium water (http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/69483/#b). They are generally light feeders, however, and chemical fertilizer can cause more harm than good. My question is, what kind of setup and plants would work best with the equipment I already have, keeping in mind my goal of not adding in too many strong chemical fertilizers? I'm partial toward an Iwagumi setup, but open to other nature styles as well. I'm also open to fish, shrimp, or none of the above. My goal is about a 1-2 hrs of maintenance a week, once established. During the initial setup, I'm willing to put in daily work (water changes, etc.).
I understand that I have high light at about 3.4 watts per gallon. Could I add CO2 and simply grow dwarf hairgrass with some stem plants, without ferts or with very low ferts? Last point- my tapwater has undetectable levels of organics, is slightly soft, low alkalinity, and a neutral ph. I appreciate your opinions!
Thanks,
T
