Need Advice for New Setup Plan

[Steven]

Hi,

I'm thinking of starting a new tank and would like to ask for your opinion on my equipment planning.

Tank : 90x45x45cm
Lighting : 4x21watt T5NO (9 hours/day)
CO2 : Pressurized, diffused with an inline diffuser and goes through a reactor
Substrate : ADA AS mix with AS II
Filter : 1500L/H and 950L/H

Initially I will light 3 bulbs and after the first or second weeks then all of the 4 bulbs. For dosing level, I will target :
- KNO3 : 20ppm
- KH2PO4 : 3ppm
- K2SO4 : 30ppm
- CSM+B and Seachem Flourish : 1ppm
- Weekly 60-70% water change and add 17.5ppm CaSO4 and 2.5ppm MgSO4

For the first week, maybe I will dose 1/2 of the amount above and right after the second week to full amount. I have Ferrous Gluconate lying around, do I need additional Fe? I read it will not last long in harder water and I will use Seiryu stones that is known to raise both the kH/pH. The water that I will be using in this tank has the parameter like this :
Aluminium 0.04
Arsen 0.003
Iron

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

Overall it all sounds fine. One or two items stand out...

Lighting

If memory serves your volume is < 200 liters correct?

I PERSONALLY think that 4 bulbs is overkill and that using 2 if possible and still provide good spread, would work better esp at first. You can always add the other bulbs..

Dosing:

Since you are using ADA you can go lighter here with water column dosing. But it can;t hurt either to go EI from the start...

c02:

The performance of the reactor is dependant on the flow in and out of it and also how clean the filter that runs it is...

I personally would let the filters do their thing and just filter. Run the reactor another way, use a disc or two, needle wheel, etc.

You may need to do some experimenting with your flow to get it to as you like. Hardscape and plants will affect flow...Loc-line is a nice option to use for your outlets as they are configurable....

Keep us posted.

 

[Steven]

Thanks Gerry,

Anyway, how much ppm will you suggest on my EI? How much is lighter?

About CO2, I can't think of any better idea, I don't like using separate powerhead to run that reactor, unsightly and too many equipments on the tank. I can't get Loc-line here. I used glass diff before and had problem with CO2 deficiency. Ok, if this is your tank, how will you set the equipments?