36 gallon plant tank build thread

[partobe]

Thanks Jeff
I bought flourish tabs and put 3 in it called for more but I figured my sand was supose to have fert in it. I also picked up the wrong bottle of flourish I meant to buy excel and picked up the bottle next to it flouris comprehensive supplement for the planted tank. It has trace elements iron mag calc and alot of other stuff. I been doing half of the recomended everyother day

 

[jeffvmd]

The sand is specific for planted tanks as it is supposed to hold on to the ferts that you put in.
Flourish comprehensive contains only the micronutrients needed by plants. It does not have the macros (NPK Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) which is also needed for proper plant growth.
Here is the line of seachem for the plant ferts. http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Flourish.html

I tried using just comprehensive before and it was not enough to make the plants look great. You can notice that they have nutrient deficiencies without the macros.

It may be a bit pricey to get all the fert line so you might want to consider this one.
http://rootmedic.net/
This is what I personally use as it is easier as the macros are just in one bottle.

 

[partobe]

Thanks Jeff I will pick up some excell tomorrow I just dont want to over do it. How often should I add ecell? Should I put the rest of the fert tabs in?

 

[partobe]

wouldnt you know neith lfs here have it. Ill have to see if there is lfs near wing tomorrow when Im over at his place

 

[howze01]

Now that you guys are mentioning ferts, I remember using the Flourish and Excel. I also tried those tabs that you stick in the substrate but didn't see much of anything from them. If you don't want to deal with a pressurized CO2 system you may want to consider something like this: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=co2+reactor&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3412265159179349330&sa=X&ei=JHdEToOhJKXj0QGEpoXyBg&ved=0CEkQ8gIwAg

I used it and definitely saw results from it. I had 2 of them in my 55.

 

[jeffvmd]

Win and pacific has flourish excel in their store. Better to call though just to make sure.
I personally have no experience with excel as I used DIY CO2 sugar+yeast concoction in a 2L soda bottle initially then I went to the paintball CO2 set up.
You might want to consider the cheap DIY paintball CO2 rig. I have been using it for almost a year now and it works fine. Only had to refill the 20oz paintball tank every 5-6 mos. Which reminds me that I may have to get my tank refilled in a couple of weeks. its only around $6 bucks for a refill.

 

[partobe]

Thanks Jeff and Howze
I guess its the fear of the unknown. Once I get comfortable with plants and planted tanks maybe then the c20 wont seem so taunting to me.

 

[partobe]

Hi Everyone! Just picked up some plants that Mike, Philip and Wingo donated to my tank. I went over to Wingo's house this morn and he has some of the most incredible fish and tanks Ive ever seen. I could have stayed all day just looking at his tanks. He has tons of new babies as well. I also bought a light from him to go over a plant that I guess needs more light than I have to offer. Here are the pix. Thanks Guys.

 

[howze01]

That low stuff in the front is Watersprite isn't it? I would thaink that eventually that's going to grow higer and block out the back of the tank. If it's not Watersprtie, nevermind

Didn't take too long to fill that tank up did it?

 

[partobe]

Thanks Howze
I have no idea what it is. Do I need to move it back or just keep it trimmed? No didnt take long at all now I just have to wait a cpl more weeks for fish. Still have no idea what kind of fish I want.

 

[jeffvmd]

Tank is filling in nicely.
Now its just the wait before filling it with some fauna.
I posted up a tank pic back on the first page since I owe you a FTS of my tank.

 

[partobe]

Thanks Jeff
wow man your tank is off the hook. I love all the little ins and outs with the trees. Just beautiful!!!

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Jeff,
what's the light in the can?

 

[howze01]

Really nice tank Jeff! Love the Java Moss growing everywhere!

 

[jeffvmd]

@partobe - glad you liked it. thanks.

@wingo - those are just the regular clip on desk lamps with 9 watt spiral daylight CFL's in each lamp.

@howze01 - thanks. Its actually peacock moss and Fissidens moss on the driftwood and trunk.