Setting up a heavily planted 3 x 2 x 2 ft tank

[ziege]

I'm planning of setting up a new 3x2x2 tank. My existing 2ft planted is doing barely ok and i'm only in this hobby for around 1.5 yrs so i can say my knowledge in this hobby is not very deep. ( But hey! this place is a wonderful place to gain more knowledge). So is it advisable for me to venture into a 3ft at this time? My ideal tank will be a heavily planted one with mainly cardinal tetras and some cories. What are the main areas i must look into before i venture into this tank?

many thanks

[Weirong]

You mentioned that your 2ft tank is barely ok??? So why are you venturing into a 3ft when it's more work and space?

Not to put you off, but I suggest you read up more and put the knowledge to test on the existing 2footer you have until you are more confident.

[ziege]

That's why i've been telling myself to put it on hold! Btw, does increasing the amount of plants reduces algae and water change?

[AquaObsession]

post a pic of ur 2 footer please..wanna see what u mean by okay

[|squee|]

Btw, does increasing the amount of plants reduces algae and water change?

It does to a certain extent.

There's a way to set up a planted tank successfully. It takes discipline though, which is what many of us don't have, including me. It helps if you sit down, write and go through what you want for a tank.

So far they're:
1) Heavily planted
2) Cardinals and cories

Sounds like a typical tank with a white sand foreground. Do you want CO2?

[ziege]

I'll post a pic of my current 2ft as soon as i can

For my planned 3ftx2x2,

I'm looking at:

1. Mainly Cardinal Tetras and Cories

2. Presurised c02 system

3. Filter ( need advise on which type is good for a tank of this size and type)

4. Substrate: Thinking of using ADA. Not an expert on substrate, thus need plenty of advises on this from forumites here! I'm also thinking of having a sandy area with a cave dedicated for the cories

5. Plants: Heavily Planted in different varieties to create different look, colour and height effect. ( What plants are best for background effect?)

6. Other deco: Want to create plenty of caves and tunnels using drift wood and rocks. Hope to create a scaping where the sides are filled with tall plants and the centre will be a show-piece of a variety of smaller plants.

7. Back of tank wallpaper: Any recommendation?

I'm not rushing into completing this project. Just want to start my planning and at the same time give myself a direction to pick up the necessary knowledge and know hows

[Fei Miao]

Welcome to AQ, I would suggest you do more reading up before upgrading to a 3ft

[|squee|]

1. Easy enough fish choice
2. That means more work, fertilisation and lighting and temperature issues.
3. Can't advise you
4. ADA Aquasoil for a 3ft will cost you a bomb. For cheapness I suggest you go for normal peat moss plus filter squeezings for base fert and normal aquarium gravel like Lapis sand on top.
5. This one is entirely up to your taste and preference.
6. You'll need to start searching for driftwood now.
7. Don't put a background if your wall is white, or black is a good standard choice for thickly planted tanks.

Do more reading up, and post any questions you might have here