Need suggestions for Newbie tank and filtration for non-co2 tank

[Mookie]

I'm also a newbie, I'm looking at setting up a low tech tank.

1.And was wondering if a normal over-the-counter 2ft fish tank bought from LFS ie Classica (OHF) would provide the required water circulation for healthy Moss/fern growth. And also is the normal light provided with the tank is sufficient? Or can I just buy some add-ons to improve on those over-the-counter tanks? Because I do need a cabinet for display.

Or should I buy separate parts ie tank/light/filter? But any good and not too expensive filters and lighting that would suffice growing fern/moss in a 2ft tank?


2.Also if I'm looking at 1 snail, 1 OTTO, 10 cardinal tetras and maybe another 8 shrimps, would that be considered too high a bio load for a 2ft low tech tank?


3.I see Eric mentioning SLOW growth for low tech tanks, but was wondering how slow is slow? How long would I have to wait for a full lawn of maybe for Riccia or one of the faster growing moss? I know it might depend on how much I buy and plant at the start. But maybe someone could give me an example? Eg 3 packets bought and spread evenly on a 2ft tank could take 6months...

Sorry to bore you with noob questions hahah
Thanks a lot of in advance guys!

[wongce]

Hi welcome to the hobby,

1) I have a set of 2feet classica tank with OHF and 3 t5ho lights... for low tech, you only need 1 to 2 light on for 8 hours. Filteration of the ohf is ok But lack of filteration space for biomedia...but add some biorings still ok and workable. You can check my blog for pictures..whether my aquarium is same as the one you intend to buy.

If you want aesthetically pleasing, a set looks better. But the cover will cause lack of air circulation which can cause higher water temperature. You may want to diy a hole for aquarium fan

2) should be ok

3) low tech slowness can be seen as not much growth in 1 to 2 months. You want to try riccia? You may need to invest in co2 then, if not, dark green riccia (submerge type) will take over which is not as nice as the light green ones. i do not receommend riccia to anyone as it a pain in the ***....lol

Growth on plants depend on light, co2, fertilizer... normally 6 -8 months maturing period is normal. if you go high tech with EI, you may shorten the period by half or even more

Low tech is recommended for newbie as you can learn the ropes and routine at a slower pace.

[Mookie]

Thanks Wongce for the advise! I was reading your blog last night and so glad that you replied me here haha cos I saw you got a Classica too. So easier for me and not have to reinvent the wheel.

So I guess Riccia is out then, I saw you have recommended a few moss etc in your blog. Was wondering which might be easiest to grow in our climate and beautiful for a lawn? Cos I don't want to fail and get humiliated by my wife LOL

Also if things are all planted, do you ever have to remove everything eg gravel with moss growing on it for an "overhaul", so as to clean the whole tank like what you might do with a normal fish tank once in awhile. Or will just leave everything as it is until you get sick of it?

Thanks again!

[wongce]

Thank you for reading my blog... haha

Plant growth in low tech is a bit different than in high tech, to use moss to achieve the lawn effect, i suggest you to tie them on mesh and lay them directly at locations which you wanted. Some moss does not root and some may grow upwards.. easiest should be Java moss but they do not look nice... fissiden grow too slow but very nice effect.. most mosses are generally ok with temperature ranging from 25 -29 dc. For local hot weather, i think you better grab a thermometer and check your ambient and aquarium temperature, try not to exceed 30dc to prevent browning especially errect moss...

You may want to try Brazilian microswords for lawn effect..but they grow really slow...haha see my simple dw scape for reference of the plant's lawn effect

for aquascapes, its very much depends on your maintenance regime and trimming regime, it you like the scape that much... just maintain it will do... i got 2 tanks..1 for rescape, 1 for deco ( leave there and no touch).. haha