Dry setup for planted need help

[JasonChan]

Hi all,

Trying to start a planted aquarium with dry setup

Date started:11-sep-2013
Plant: hairgrass
Tank size: 37cm x 25cm x 37cm
Light: t5 2 x 6w (12hrs daily)
Soil: ADA subtrade

Been misting it every night and morning(as im working)

On 24th sep 2013
My hg start to turn brown any advise what could be done for a successful dry setup?
https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi...user=753460830

[thebaldingaquarist]

I feel the lighting may not be enough. 12 W for 8 gallons (approx) and 37 cm high tank.. i would do with 16W or more.

[JasonChan]

I have another 18w pl light , will on is tonight, but will i over kill?

[thebaldingaquarist]

Should be ok. But note the temperature. Too warm (above 31 degrees?) will have adverse effects.

[greenie]

I've keep HG before since 2001 in a 4ft tank to the Dymax IQ5 recently, submerse. I strongly believe HG don't need to grow in DSM or emerse.

Just start growing them in water.Also you will allow yourself to cycle the filter at the same time. Dose excel to kick start the growth process faster if you want on top of CO2 injection.

I've kept HG at ambient water temp with no problems. If you would want to continue growing in DSM do take note of the temp as mentioned.

Believe me, HG don't really require to grow in DSM unlike HC which I successfully grown only if only I start with DSM.

For me, I use DSM for plants that is difficult to take root on substrate, HG can take root if you plant them properly in substrate and fill up tank immediately after that. With enough lighting, C02 and nutrients,
of course, they'll grow like weeds.

[felix_fx2]

No need mist twice a day actually, just the substrate moist will do.

you might want to cut down light period to 8-10 hours and give a better lighting power. (the PL light will suffice.)

[Xatriaz]

Dry setup mean only for panted tank?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free

[Urban Aquaria]

Dry setup mean only for panted tank?

Dry setup (aka Dry Start Method/DSM) just means growing the plants in a tank without filling it full with water for an initial period of time, basically growing them emersed like house plants.

The plants usually grow faster due to better access to Co2 and light, without the issues of algae... and it saves water too.