Newbie needs help, and plants

[zhiz22]

Hi guys

Just happen to be intrigued by the little planted tanks/ vivarium so itchy to start one that is of low maintainence, just using lights and a filter.

I do have a 6 inch and 1 ft tank so I thinking of starting one using these small tanks.

I need help on what to start getting, preferably those easy to grow and hardy ones.

If anyone here that knows me and is into planted tanks and can pass me some free plants and advice, that would be great!


Thanks!
__________________

[Wackytpt]

Hi,

I think we met before (You using the same nick also in AF). Firstly i think you must decide whether you want to go into a low maintainence planted tank or vivarium. Both setup are totally different.

[benny]

I think we met before (You using the same nick also in AF). Firstly i think you must decide whether you want to go into a low maintainence planted tank or vivarium. Both setup are totally different.

If that is the case, then Kelvin (did I remember correctly) is an expert in bettas, parrots (amongst other things). Good to have you around.

Small tanks are harder to maintain that most people would like to believe. But with a good understanding of the basics, it's not impossible. I would recommend the 1 ft over the 6 inch tank and go with something simple. a few questions...

1. What kind of filtration do you have? Internal? External? Capacity? Flowrate?
2. What kind of substrate do you have?
3. What is the wattage of the lightset you are using? PL? FL?

What will help us give you good recommendation.

Cheers,

[zhiz22]

Yes i am that kelvin. stopped betta already, now crazy about parrots, both the fish and the bird.

Actually I do need advice on what to substrate to use, what type of filtration is preferred, and what lights i should get.

Dun intend to use CO2 but may add a few small fishes/ shrimps.

I want a tank that look something like http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=216095

or this
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=13947

Just a filter, java fern, java moss/ other moss on driftwood. maybe a few small plants in gravel.

basically a low maintainence tank, slow growing plants.

Holding back on vivarium at the moment....my newt seems happy in a mostly aquatic tank now. Also wait till i figure out where to get moss and how to keep the tank moist.

[Wackytpt]

Yes i am that kelvin. stopped betta already, now crazy about parrots, both the fish and the bird.

Actually I do need advice on what to substrate to use, what type of filtration is preferred, and what lights i should get.

Dun intend to use CO2 but may add a few small fishes/ shrimps.

I want a tank that look something like http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=216095

or this
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=13947

Just a filter, java fern, java moss/ other moss on driftwood. maybe a few small plants in gravel.

basically a low maintainence tank, slow growing plants.

Holding back on vivarium at the moment....my newt seems happy in a mostly aquatic tank now. Also wait till i figure out where to get moss and how to keep the tank moist.

Lapis and maybe abit of base fert should be fine. As for plants, e tennlius, nanas, ferns are fine. I can spare you some plants if you need. PM me your msn messager and we can discuss more. The tank you wants to set up is easy to do up

[|squee|]

Yes it's quite easy, if you take the trouble to understand what goes on behind a planted tank.

First, get yourself these 3 things: KNO3, KH2PO4 and Equlibrium. All can be bought at Nature Aquarium or your well-stocked LFS.

Next setup your tank as you want it, use moderate lighting. Add fans if you can, as well as good filtration/water circulation. Bare Lapis sand will be easy; you can opt to have base fert if you want.

Once your tank is set up and matured, there's nothing you need to do other than add fish and Yamatos (cleaner shrimp) and enjoy. No water changes are needed, in fact this is a very important key to keeping your tank healthy. Don't do water changes, unless you mess up the substrate real bad or do something that might result in lots of ammonia. Just top up of water will do.

Bi-weekly add a small pinch (just pinch your fingers in the powder) of KNO3, KH2PO4 and Equilibrium. You might want to increase the frequency of dosage to weekly if you find plant health is poor.

Feed your fish daily, or every other day and the tank should do just fine. I have a 2 feet 56L tank that's done based on this method and it's been smooth sailing for me, hardly any algae except some short hair algae on the glass.

This is the article that I've learnt from. You might find it technical, but it's good reading. And also, all the above is how I'd do my non-CO2 tanks, there are lots of other ways to go about it.

[zhiz22]

Thanks for your help

Yes indeed i do need some reading up

forgot to read the FAQ

thanks a lot