My first 2ft low tech planted tank

[Royston Low]

Hi All,

This is my first 2ft low tech planted tank.

ANS Opticube 60 x 30 x 36cm
Eheim 2215
ADA Amazonia soil (normal type)
Will be dosing Seachem flourish and flourish excel

Plants are:-

Monte carlo
Mini fissiden
Christmas moss
Anubias (type i'm unsure)
Rotalas (think there's a couple but i do not know their actual names)
Windelov ferns
and some others i'm unsure (maybe fellow members can ID for me)

Think my dw needs more mini fissiden.

Anyway, i am able to be at this stage is mainly due to alot (it's really alot) of guidance from Urban Aquaria - UA, always answering my noobie questions and my many many questions. Thanks Bro.

[happydanio123]

Looking good! However, Monte Carlo will require more CO2 in the water so be prepared. You will notice that a lot of leaves will begin to melt and an algae bloom might occur. Therefore, do once a week 20% water changes for about 6 months before you can do Bi weekly water changes. You may Aldo. need to upgrade or buy another light if you feel that the plants are too light demanding.

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[Royston Low]

Noted. I'm normally doing weekly wc of 20-40% for my currebt smaller tank.

So you mean i should dose more excel as there's no co2 system.

[happydanio123]

Sorry for my atrocious spelling. It is so min harder to type on phone than it is to type on a computer. Please do not mind my spelling......

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[happydanio123]

Noted. I'm normally doing weekly wc of 20-40% for my currebt smaller tank.

So you mean i should dose more excel as there's no co2 system.

I'm not so sure about using Excel as Co2 suplement because I only use it for algae Removal. I guess follow the instructions on the bottle.

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[ymk87]

Definitely co2 injection for carpet plants. Moss might not react well to excel. Even though plants can adapt, be sure not to overdose excel.

With co2 injection, you will see your mc creep very rapidly. Then you will need to balance out your lighting and co2 to prevent algae growth.

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[tetrakid]

Noted. I'm normally doing weekly wc of 20-40% for my currebt smaller tank...

I have the impression that strictly speaking, plants do not require water change and that it may indeed be detrimental to their health, whereas for a fish tank, it is necessary in order to dilute the toxic nitrates produced. As far as I know, nitrates are good nutrients for plants.

With good nutrients present, algae naturally grows, so it's better cultivate an algae scrubber to keep the tank algae-free.

Also, CO2 equipment is a must for water plant gardeners.

I may be wrong though.