A Little Help PLEASE...

[Franko44]

Hi Guys,

Yes I am looking at putting in a new CO2 rector, was think of making one, like the one I have seen on the site here... I am looking into getting the bits to make it next week...

 

[Franko44]

The tank is now running with the new filter and extra flow rate..

I am going to build a inline co2 diffuser unit like ed's on this site...

I am thinking about putting in new substraight and having a new lay out... Please couls some one tell me what is the best substraight to use, not the cheapets but what is the best to make the planet grow the best, any one got any input on that little project... I just what a great looking planeted tank...

 

[chilled84]

Special Substrates are not essential, Most plants take the nutrients from the water column. But i would advise a decent sized grain to allow water to flow through more easy to get the nutrients to the roots also. I use soaked akadama, Others spend loads on high end soil, Some even just use cat litter mate. Go with what you like the look of more.

 

[a1Matt]

I use akadama too, and am very happy with it.
Although I used gravel before that and was happy with that too

...I'm with chilled, if you keep up with your dosing you do not need to spend money on fancy substrates.
If you stop dosing, then the substrate can provide ferts for the plants instead.
Why stop dosing though? 😉

 

[chilled84]

I use akadama too, and am very happy with it.
Although I used gravel before that and was happy with that too

...I'm with chilled, if you keep up with your dosing you do not need to spend money on fancy substrates.
If you stop dosing, then the substrate can provide ferts for the plants instead.
Why stop dosing though? 😉

Plus 1! I also used gravel first. As long as your dosing, That's all you need! 😀

 

[Franko44]

Well Guys,

After all your help and days of reading bits and bobs on this site, I am going for the full read build..

New Substrate the works... I am going to build a new co2 diffuser as well..

I think you guys should write a book with all this information you have, co there is not one out there I have found that puts it so well...

Thank you for all you help and I will keep you posted with how it all goes...

If you guys have any more input please fell free to fire it at me before I start shopping...

I will post a list of what I am up to shortly... need to read a bit more of Ceg and James websites and articals...

THANK YOU...

 

[Franko44]

This is where I went to be...

What do you guys think about bog wood in a tank...

Can this be done....

My Discus would love it in there... I think I could get some think Like this off the ground... with a little help!

Please let me now your comments on the BOG WOOD... is it a problem, does it need to be sealed.. Can it mess up my PH and give me Nitrate issues?

 

[a1Matt]

It is nice to see you inspired 🙂

Bog wood is no problem at all. I would not worry about ph and nitrates one little bit.

It will take time, but IMO if the effort is put in (which in your case it clearly is) then it is quite feasible for anyone to grow plants as healthy as the ones in that picture appear.

Whether you have the artistry to make the layout as stunning... you might 😉 (I know I don't have it!)

This tank here was a first time scape... http://www.ukaps.org/featured-scape.htm
and so was this... viewtopic.php?t=7750
so it is entirely possible 😀

 

[Franko44]

Well guys here we go with the full on rebuild...
Equipment list:
Rena 300lt Corner Tank.
JBL 1500e Filters, 2 off.. water turn over about 3000LT per hour.
300 watt Rena Heater.
2 T5 39watt and 2 T5 24watt with reflectors separate timers 24watts on two hours before 39watt, and same on off time, total light time ten hours.
Home made inline CO2 Reactor (as per Rex Grigg website)
JBD AquaBase and JBL Manado and sharp Sand...
Under Gravel Heater Cable JBL 4 Meter
JBL CO2 Gas Bottle and Regulator.
Small power head to help water flow...



Plants:
Anubias barteri var. nana

Cryptocoryne undulata 'broad leaves'
Cryptocoryne beckettii 'petchii'
Cryptocoryne wendtii "brown"
Microsorum pteropus "Petit"
Microsorum pteropus

This is as far as I have got.. any input PLEASE...