What do I need?

[Ong]

Hello to all experts, I'm a newbie to planted tank. I would like to setup a 2.5 feet tank. What equipments do I need and what is the price for such an items? Where can I get all these items at a cheaper price?
Thanks in advance for all replies.

[binbeto]

Depends on what you wanna grow and how much is your budget.

If money is available, do invest in a light and CO2 system.

I am not sure how much is a 2.5 light with hood as I DIY mine. A vist to LFS should give you the price.

CO2 can be DIY or cylinder system. DIY is very cheap but troublesome.

Cylinder system should cost abt $300. With CO2 cylinder, regulator, needle valave, solenoid, bubble counter and difusser/reactor.
Read up more at www.thekrib.com

To get cheap stuffs, classified is a good source but have some risk.

Do post your question and others will be galdly to help.

[benetay]

click here for your answers

[hwchoy]

Nature selling 2.5ft light unit (18+36W and e-balast) for $90 but the balast is outside the unit. You need 2 of these if you intend to have planted tank. You don't really need that much wattage but a single 36W PL tube will cause the plants to aim for a spot in the middle of the tank cos the two sides are too dim.

Got my 2.2 litre steel CO2 cylinder (with german solenoid) but without diffusor and counter at $240.

[benetay]

is yr solenoid JBJ?

[hwchoy]

----------------
On 3/17/2002 10:32:05 PM

is yr solenoid JBJ?
----------------

the regulator and everything is JBJ, but it states that the solenoid itself is german.

[benetay]

JBJ is a good brand =) ya i know it stated there.

[Ong]

Hi binbeto & hwchoy, million thanks for the info. BTW, where is petmart and Nature? Do you have the address for the two shops? What is the ideal width/height for a 2.5 ft tank?

Thanks.

[benetay]

ONg i suggest you doing a 2ft cube , 60 60 60 then getting a 2.5ft.

[tawauboy]

petmart is at serangoon north

nature is opposite thomson medical center.

[spilopterus]

All the equipment. Try to make a list. Add in whatever is missing people. I just hope I got it all covered.

Basic:
tank
lights
CO2 system
gravel
base fertiliser
liquid fertiliser
filter system

Add-on:
fan
thermometer
time switch
surface skimmer
planting tweezers

Too much money to spend:
UV filter
Undergravel heater
entire range of ADA liquid fert
Chiller

I got everything right?
[]

[benetay]

plants fishes?

[hwchoy]

I'd put fan and skimmer as optional. If temperature is manageable don't need to get fan. I'm still not using a skimmer, seems to be ok.

[benetay]

skimmer is important to remove the surface scum .

[hwchoy]

dont seem to have much scum...

[Ong]

Hi all, I understand that there are 2 kinds of CO2 regulator. One is auto and the other manual. Which is the better one?
Thanks.

[spilopterus]

over a long time, you'd appreciate the auto one. But then do it manually, if you got discipline and timing is convenient, auto would become a luxury I'd say.

I have school and so this means sometimes I need to open the valve half a day early. Sometimes, if rush, then forget.

If you a man of habits and discipline, no problem.

By the way, surface scum is quite common though it can be cured by having guppies or other lifebearers. Can be an eyesore and I think it also cuts your light off. Buy the cheap ones, no need branded.

[tawauboy]

surface skimmer cost around $22?

[hwchoy]

Nature is across the road from Thomson Medical Centre, junction of Balestier and Thomson Road.

If you want to consider the 60x60x60 2ft cube, do remember the thing will weigh 250kg and about 200 litres volume (meaning you need more lights).

[ryan]

hey pple... just wondering if u all know where i can get a 2.5 feet tank with stand at reasonable price? the s feet cube also?

surface skimmer can get for 18... i think pet mart sells it at that price...