Help in setting up new tank!

[adman76]

HI Guys, I just got a five foot tank from my father in law. To be exact it is 5X2X1.5. So, my question is, how many gallon does this equate to? So how many wattage of lights do I need? Would four FL lights do? Second question is, If I want to set up a planted tank, using ADA Soil, how long would it last? I heard the soil would disintegrate after two years. So, does this mean after two years I have to rescape my whole tank??
Thanks in advance guys.

[CT]

[quote:c43f93aa7b="adman76"]HI Guys, I just got a five foot tank from my father in law. To be exact it is 5X2X1.5. So, my question is, how many gallon does this equate to? So how many wattage of lights do I need? Would four FL lights do? Second question is, If I want to set up a planted tank, using ADA Soil, how long would it last? I heard the soil would disintegrate after two years. So, does this mean after two years I have to rescape my whole tank??
Thanks in advance guys. [/quote:c43f93aa7b]

You can try the tank calculator frm this forum at the homepage..

[|squee|]

Are you planning on ADA Aquasoil?

If so, it's a good substrate, but the fact that it lowers pH and kH poses some problems for calculation of c02, and the maintainence of 30ppm c02 in the water. Probably because of this you might want to give Aquasoil a miss and go for inert gravel and base fert instead.

[vinz]

You'll burn a hole in your pocket buying enough ADA Aquasoil for a 5 footer. Go with normal soil and gravel. Simple and cheap.

US Gallons = LxHxW (all in cm) divide by 3785.

Lights... 3 rows of PL or 4 rows of FL.

[David]

or 2x150 watts worth of MH or 3x125 watts of MV

[adman76]

The problem is, I am now using aquasoil on my three footer and it's working so well! I used regular gravel before but it seems that the foreground runners just can't grow as well as using Aquasoil. It just can't seem to cover the whole foreground. I was thinking maybe the holes between the aquasoil allows the roots to breathe better thus facilitating growth. But then again, maybe I was not fertilising enough then. I mean I can still slowly save up for the soil but I am just concerned that if I were to save so much and the have to replace everything after two years then it would be such a hassle. The main problem is not the money though. It's more of having to move my fishes around. Ok please let me know what you guys suggest.

[|squee|]

The fact that Aquasoil sorts of turns into "dust" over time will be a factor to consider. I'd suggest something like Lapis gravel still, because of Aquasoil's kH and pH affection ability.

[vinz]

I use pond soil topped with gravel... haven't had problems growing Sagitaria subulata, E. Tenellus, E. Quadricostatus, Elatine triandra. I never use extra substrate ferts for foreground plants. You don't really need ADA Aquasoil.

[foxxkat]

[quote:3ce547f80d="adman76"]The main problem is not the money though.[/quote:3ce547f80d]


how i wish i can say the same thing..