My first planted tank.

Patrik

New Member
Dec 28, 2011
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SWEDEN
Hello Tom,

Happy New year!

I'm a beginner to high tech planted tanks.
I'm putting up a tank at work and would like to get stuff reasonably right from the start.
Below are my info and lot's of questions.
I've really tried to read all I can and looked around on many forums. But it would be nice to get these questions answered before I start.

--My planted tank project--

TANK
120x40x50 cm
240 liter 63.4 g (US liquid)

LIGHT
4x39W T5 with reflectors
2.46W/g
The lights are paired so I can turn on/off two at a time.
- What lights should I have?
- If a different mix of lights how to place them?
- What photo period should I use?
- What water temp should I have?

CO2
Pressurized 6Kg tube
This is the regulator
http://www.us-aquaristikshop.com/co2-druckminderer-us3-mit-nachtabschaltung.html?opt={15}3
This is the reactor
http://www.us-aquaristikshop.com/co2-reaktoren/co2-aussenreaktor-ar-us50-16mm-mit-blasenzaehler.html
- What bubble count should I start with?
- What CO2 time should I have compared to the photoperiod?

FILTER
EHEIM 2217
I read that you should have the circulation of 10x the water volume.
The 2217 pumps 1000L/hour so I only have 4.17x water volume.
The 2217 has 6 liter filter media.
- Do I need another filter?
- OR should I add a powerhead for more circulation? (What size?)
- If using a powerhead how should I place the powerhead and the spraybar from the filter?

SUBSTRATE
Not decided yet. I’ll try to get ADA Aquasoil or something similar.

FERTILIZATION
I’ll do EI style fertilization.
I will use a dosing pump and add liquid fertilization once per day.

WATER
My water parameters: http://www.borasenergimiljo.se/down...056593/Utvidgad+undersökning+Sjöbo+110208.pdf
It looks like I have soft water. Do I need to add Mg?
Please comment on this I don’t know what to look for really!

FISH
Low to medium stock of fish

PLANTS
Not decided yet

STARTUP
I would like to try the dry start method
- The filter is brand new so do I just connect the filter after the dry start or do I need to cycle the filter before?
- After flooding the tank should I start with 50% water changes once a week or do I need to change water more often in the beginning?

COMMENTS
If you have any other comments or advice please let me know.

Best Regards,
Patrik
 
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