fertitliser and gravel

**sesom** · 19th Apr 2002, 20:42

Just bought 2 bags of lonestars(each 22kg)and 2 packs of JBL fert(each 5kg). Havelock auntie says this is enough for my 3 ft planted tank. Before I start setting up, I would like to know your comments whether the substrate is enough or not as it will be very difficult to add more fert if not enough, after setting up. Thanks.[:

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**DEA** · 19th Apr 2002, 21:03

what kind of plants are you intending to grow?
if they include lotuses, echinodorus and crypts, to name a few, go for as much base fert as you can afford/your tank can reasonably hold
what you can do it to put the base fert in, and top it up with gravel to 15cm behind and 8cm in front

**sherchoo** · 19th Apr 2002, 22:41

Used 3 bags of lonestar gravel and 3 bags of JBL fert for my 1m tank..... Don't think my dimensions are too far from your tank

**sesom** · 20th Apr 2002, 01:17

Perhaps blyxa japonica,didiplis diandra,glosso,stellata var, vallis maybe tiger lotus and hydrophilla polyspema.[

] .just try try!

**hwchoy** · 20th Apr 2002, 01:57

sesom, the base fert is actually by volume, 5 litres per bag, I do not think you'd have enough.

Since you didn't mention the width of your tank, you can calculate for yourself:

decide how thick you want your fert to be (recommend 5cm). calculate the volume using (assuming your width 1.5 ft)
90cm x 45cm x 5cm = 20,000cc = 20 litres

which means you'd need 4 bags. If you want the fert to be sloped to the back you'd need more, just plug in the formula.

As for the gravel, same calculation. Lonestar is roughly 750cc to a kg, so each bag of 22kg gives you about 16 litres.

have fun [:

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**vinz** · 20th Apr 2002, 16:14

Whao... 5 litres per bag? I think you got it wrong.

Anyway, i used 2 or 3 of the big bags of JBL substrate fert for my 1m tank.

**hwchoy** · 20th Apr 2002, 16:57

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On 4/20/2002 4:14:30 PM

Whao... 5 litres per bag? I think you got it wrong.

Anyway, i used 2 or 3 of the big bags of JBL substrate fert for my 1m tank.

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it is written on the bottom of the bag, on the back I think. Anyway, do your calculations and see. Or you can buy a bag and measure it

**sesom** · 26th Apr 2002, 17:29

Hi guys, tnx for your guidance. Finally I decided on 3 JBL fert and 2 bags of lonestar.That set me back close to 100 bucks. The level of gravel looks good, except for the fert. For those who can afford, I think 4~5 bags will be good. Presently my tank 1m is still cycling with blur water!!!
cheers.