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Thread: new in planted tank - Pls Advise

  1. #1
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    new in planted tank - Pls Advise

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    Hi Experts

    I just bought a tank at Clementi 328. Spec 40cm(L) X 30cm(W) X 54cm(H). Brand = resun. It comes with a top cover with build-in 10Watt light, a powerhead connected to a OH filter.

    Should be abt 16 gallon.

    I am using those "volcanic soil" (brownich type) as my subtrate. It make up to abt 3 inch depth on my tank floor. The vendor(in Farmart) told me not necessary to use CO2. Is it true?

    1] Is my lighting power too little to grow even those low light plants?
    2] Will add at least another 10watt florencent light. So will this amount(20watt) enough for low light plants in my tank?
    3] I do not intend to use CO2 yet. OR is it a must to use them?
    4] What R the hardy plant that r suitable for my tank configuration? possible to post their pictures too cos i really new.
    5] how often must i change water & what is the amount?
    6] Where got shop specialist in planted tank?
    7] Do i need those test kit for PH etc?where can i get them?

    I am staying in bukit panjang.

    thks

  2. #2
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    Hi,
    By the way i'm not an expert, just to share with u, what i've learnt from my stay here. i jus set up my tank 1 month ago, most things are in control. my tank is 10G.

    Yes, you need CO2 if u want your plants to grow well. what kind of plants are you getting?

    1] Is my lighting power too little to grow even those low light plants?
    - about 2 or 3W per gallon. so yours should be 32W to 48W.
    if you are having high low plants, try to go for 4W per gallon

    2] Will add at least another 10watt florencent light. So will this amount
    (20watt) enough for low light plants in my tank?
    -2/3W per gallon is a guide. it's up to you. but advisable to have atleast
    2W per gallon. if you need lights, get from Nature Aquarium, at
    balestier. opposite Thomson Medical. lights are at reasonable price.

    3] I do not intend to use CO2 yet. OR is it a must to use them?
    -if you have a budget problem for initial setup, maybe you can try
    Dennerle CO30 set, they have the junior and mini-flipper set. The junior
    set is cheaper, maybe about $50, mini-flipper at $75. refill bottle at
    $14. i got the mini-flipper set. Just have to add water to the CO2
    bottle. after 24-48 hours should have co2, last for 30 days. if not, u
    can get JBL brand, about $18-$21. refill bottle at about $12. those
    canister type costs quite alot so i used dennerle becos my tank is
    considered small.

    4] What R the hardy plant that r suitable for my tank configuration? possible to post their pictures too cos i really new.
    -xmas moss does not need to much light but are slow-growing.
    you can try this site, some plant pics there
    http://homex.coolconnect.com/member3...antGallery.htm
    plants that need high light are: glossostigma, hairgrass, riccia (what i
    have them in my tank)riccia is beautiful, create a nice carpet and when it
    bubbles, it creates a magnificent beauty.

    5] how often must i change water & what is the amount?
    -change the water at least once a week, i change about 20-30%

    6] Where got shop specialist in planted tank?
    -in balestier , Nature Aquarium, phone number 62556051
    pet safari (simei, eastpoint)
    some of the experts can tell you where are the rest located.

    7] Do i need those test kit for PH etc?where can i get them?
    yes,best to have them so you can monitor the condition.
    PH, CO2, KH these are required. you can get them at any lfs.

    you can add algae-eating shrimps, otos, or Siamese Algae eaters (SAE) after putting in your plants. you can find these in nature also.

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    Hi again,

    your substrate is the fertiliser?
    substrate fertiliser should be able 1" high covered with about 3-4" of 1-2mm gravel.

  4. #4
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    Justjoin,

    It depends on what you want. I think you are really into planted tanks like the ones of Amano's and others. You've got to change a number of things.

    1. Lights - for your tank min 2x15W
    2. CO2 - DIY or pressurised
    3. Substrate - (I have not seen volcanic soil before. Sounds like substance that you may ended up with rotting substrate.[] ) Use base fertiliser with proper gravel about 2-4mm.

    I think you better decide what you want first rather than suffer the pain of converting later.

    As for planted tank, there are nice ones at Sam Yick's (Marine Parade & East Point Simei). The best I have seen in Singapore is PE-WE Alley at Joo Chiat... very inspirational tanks he have... better Sam's.

    BC

  5. #5
    Eh justjoin, you in the right place at the right time.

    Won't give you much tech advise except do PLENTY of research, continually ask questions in this forum to confirm your findings. I suspect you'll need about 2 weeks before you can be sure of what you need. Be patient.

    You should be able to find plenty of websites as you go along and search. Look for Kendo's website, he's compiled a number of Singaporean tanks, at least you know what you can achieve. Look for a post here that goes *wet eye candy*

    Once you know the style which you want, post something here again then we see where we can go from here.

    Try going Amano's website too for inspiration. Go on a few fieldtrips. Actually, just go to these two shops.

    Sam Yick - Marine Parade Central, go to the second level where the display tanks are.

    Aquamart - this guy knows a lot and ask where he keeps his shelf of aquarium books, more pictures to inspire you. Look for Raymond.

    By the way, in the long run, you gonna have to have CO2.

    I just realised you are using an overhead filter, if that is what I think it is, it is an absolute no no. Connect your powerhead to an internal filter.
    Visit Spilopterus' Tank
    Fish of Fury

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    ----------------
    On 4/5/2002 10:31:10 PM

    I just realised you are using an overhead filter, if that is what I think it is, it is an absolute no no.

    ----------------
    I am curious to know why not.
    why I don't do garden hybrids and aquarium strains: natural species is a history of Nature, while hybrids are just the whims of Man.
    hexazona · crumenatum · Galleria Botanica

  7. #7
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    overhead filter will cause turbulance.
    loss of co2 if there is co2 injection.
    thomas liew

  8. #8
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    ----------------
    On 4/5/2002 11:08:05 PM

    overhead filter will cause turbulance.
    loss of co2 if there is co2 injection.
    ----------------
    ah so! yes yes, stricly no no. [:]
    why I don't do garden hybrids and aquarium strains: natural species is a history of Nature, while hybrids are just the whims of Man.
    hexazona · crumenatum · Galleria Botanica

  9. #9
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    ----------------
    You should be able to find plenty of websites as you go along and search. Look for Kenzo's website, he's compiled a number of Singaporean tanks, at least you know what you can achieve. Look for a post here that goes *wet eye candy*

    ----------------
    Hi justjoin

    Thot make ur search slightly easier....
    Here's Kenzo's site which Spilo's talking abt.


    Gd luck!

    Nizz

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