megwattscreative
Member
Hi all,
Lovely to be here!
I have decided to set up my very first planted tank. I've been around the hobby since childhood, but have never taken the plunge, so here goes 🙂
My plan is to start with a planted only tank for at least 6 months, to ensure everything is working as it should. Then to introduce shrimp and inverts, monitor progress for another 6 or so months, and potentially introduce fish at a later date. I will potentially introduce snails prior to the six month mark if algae presents itself as a big issue.
I live in a top floor flat and don't have access to a rainwater collection system, so will be relying on soft tap water. I know there can be some issues with soft water - any recommendations for what to do re inverts?
I'm currently looking at purchasing a second hand juwel lido 200L tank. It comes with the original juwel led light, bioflow filter and aqua heat heater. I know this is a reasonably big beginner tank (I was originally looking at nano setups), however it's a good price and from what I understand, bigger tanks can be easier to maintain in terms of water quality etc.
I would eventually like to experiment with different lighting set ups and emergent plant growth, however in terms of having a complete package from the get go, I can see the positives of purchasing this tank. Depending on the ease of set up (and availability of second hand spot lights), I might go in for emergent growth sooner rather than later. I've got a few houseplants that will adapt well to this setup.
I will be going heavily planted and relatively low tech, with no cO2 dosing.
Although I do have background knowledge, I am a complete beginner with aquatic plants and would love to get this right! Any recommendations on guides for set up and first time tanks are very welcome.
What do you all think?
Lovely to be here!
I have decided to set up my very first planted tank. I've been around the hobby since childhood, but have never taken the plunge, so here goes 🙂
My plan is to start with a planted only tank for at least 6 months, to ensure everything is working as it should. Then to introduce shrimp and inverts, monitor progress for another 6 or so months, and potentially introduce fish at a later date. I will potentially introduce snails prior to the six month mark if algae presents itself as a big issue.
I live in a top floor flat and don't have access to a rainwater collection system, so will be relying on soft tap water. I know there can be some issues with soft water - any recommendations for what to do re inverts?
I'm currently looking at purchasing a second hand juwel lido 200L tank. It comes with the original juwel led light, bioflow filter and aqua heat heater. I know this is a reasonably big beginner tank (I was originally looking at nano setups), however it's a good price and from what I understand, bigger tanks can be easier to maintain in terms of water quality etc.
I would eventually like to experiment with different lighting set ups and emergent plant growth, however in terms of having a complete package from the get go, I can see the positives of purchasing this tank. Depending on the ease of set up (and availability of second hand spot lights), I might go in for emergent growth sooner rather than later. I've got a few houseplants that will adapt well to this setup.
I will be going heavily planted and relatively low tech, with no cO2 dosing.
Although I do have background knowledge, I am a complete beginner with aquatic plants and would love to get this right! Any recommendations on guides for set up and first time tanks are very welcome.
What do you all think?