This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  2. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice
Cookies Aquarium Plant Images Wanted

Starting to plan my next tank - 75 gallons

Discussion in 'Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here' started by Tamelesstgr, Jan 17, 2011.

  1. Tamelesstgr

    Tamelesstgr Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    4:41 PM
    I have settled on a standard 75 gallon for my next tank and I would like to know if I am headed in the right direction with lighting for the plants I would like to grow.

    So, 75 gallon (48x18x21) with a Rena XP3 Canister or equivalent, 2 heaters. I also plan on having additional circulation via a powerhead. Substrate will be Oildri for the open unplanted area and I plan on using some left over colorquartz for the planted areas. I will supplement the substrate with rootmedic tabs as necessary. I plan on dosing Excel and Flourish and the EI method for fertilization.

    Plant list:
    Java Fern "Narrow"
    Crypt Balanese (Background)
    Vallisneria "Nana" (Background)
    Chain Sword (Foreground)
    Dwarf Hairgrass
    Fissidens and other mosses

    I'm trying to emmulate this tank:
    [​IMG]

    I have settled on (1) Solarmax T5HE 2x28W 48Inch Hood w/ Moonlights and thought about adding (1) Solarmax T5HE 1x28W 48Inch Hood to help spread out the light, or to be used for a shorter photoperiod. I could even run 1 light on the dual fixture and the single fixture at the same time if I was running 2 bulbs on a timer.

    With the single T5NO fixture I should be in the Medium range according to Hoppy's wonderful table. Given the list of plants I have selected, these are all "Medium" light plants.

    I have had PC lighting before and really wanted to try the T5's, and for both fixtures from Petblvd it would cost me $100 bucks delivered. Just want to make sure that light will accomplish what I want. I don't need crazy growth, just the normal out of these plants.

    Your thoughts are welcome. Thanks,
    Ken
     
    #1 Tamelesstgr, Jan 17, 2011
  2. Biollante

    Biollante Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,210
    Likes Received:
    1
    Local Time:
    4:41 PM
    Deep Sand Bed

    Hi Ken,

    I think you are on the right track... :)

    I would advise dry ferts for the EI. :gw

    I am not sure the Excel will be necessary and given the mosses and Vallisneria "Nana" might be counter productive.:rolleyes:

    A light layer of Osmocote Plus in the substrate would help get things started.:)

    Should you be the patient sort you can skip the Rena XP3 Canister;

    • I would start with thin layer of peat moss, but then am an evil plant monster and likely nuts :eek:
    • mix 1 part kitty litter to 2 or 3 parts pool filter sand
    • for a depth of (at least) three inches (8 centimeters), your color-quartz as you please
    • lay in a sparse layer of Osmocote Plus before putting the last three-quarter-inch ( 2 centimeters) of substrate.

    If when you say “Chain Sword," if you mean Echinodorus tenellus, I seriously recommend Dwarf Sagittaria, Sagittaria subulata instead.

    Good luck,
    Biollante
     
    #2 Biollante, Jan 17, 2011
  3. Tamelesstgr

    Tamelesstgr Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    4:41 PM
    Thanks for your reply. What do you mean about avoiding a canister filter?

    I have read a little about the Omsocote "ferticles" on TPT forum.

    When dosing Excel I have not had any issues with my anubias, and I have kept italiam vals without melting issues.
     
    #3 Tamelesstgr, Jan 18, 2011
  4. Biollante

    Biollante Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,210
    Likes Received:
    1
    Local Time:
    4:41 PM
    Or A Sump... A Little Wet/Dry Action

    Hi Ken,

    Given your choice of plants and your substrate; a deep sand bed (DSB) along with your plants will provide excellent filtration as long as you do not go overboard with the critters, especially avoiding messy eaters. Though once established the tanks really take off and can handle most, even provide tasty treats, particularly if you inoculate your tank/substrate appropriately.;)

    In this context Osmocote Plus (or not “plused” for that matter) is a bit of cheat, a head start, certainly not a requirement. :)

    Your experience with Excel is what it is, still mosses, primitive plants in general are a potential problem. Glutaraldehyde is a biocide. :eek:

    Biollante
     
    #4 Biollante, Jan 18, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - Starting plan next
  1. Bongox3

    Advice please (starting a new planted tank)

    Bongox3, Apr 9, 2017, in forum: Aquascaping
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    269
    Bongox3
    Apr 17, 2017
  2. Alunai

    Just starting out! 15G Marine planted tank

    Alunai, Apr 3, 2011, in forum: Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    78
    Tom Barr
    Apr 6, 2011
  3. charlesreader

    How much will it cost for starting cement bricks plant?

    charlesreader, Nov 3, 2010, in forum: General Plant Topics
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    31
    Tug
    Nov 3, 2010
  4. pat w

    First planed tank setup ... I'm finally starting

    pat w, Feb 19, 2010, in forum: General Plant Topics
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    49
    pat w
    Mar 9, 2010
  5. Aleksei

    Dry Starting

    Aleksei, Jun 14, 2018, in forum: Emmersed / Wabi Kusa
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    89
    Aleksei
    Jun 14, 2018

Share This Page