Brand New Tank Set-up

[prso]

Dear forumites!

I'm currently running a low tech 2ft with JBL base fert, normal gravel and a OHF. The tank is generally infested with snails and algaes are got rid off periodically manually. Plants are Java fern, amazon sword + some unidentified.
Fauna include 1 angel, several cardinal+neons, 1 crown loach and some ghost shrimps.

After having this set-up for 2 yrs, i've decided to get a new proper setup.

My basic requirements

a 2 ft or 3 ft cabinet tank.
Planted tank
CO2
Existing faunas - ghost shrimps and angel ( to be adopted by friend)
+ new cardinals

Need experts' advices in the following:

1.) What are the considerations to consider in cabinet tanks+ typical cost
2.) Recommended Substrate
3.) Recommended plants that are lasting (8hrs light daily, with CO2)
4.) Filter (Pref. a canister one)
5.) Any other important factors being left out.

Appreciate all your help!

After 2 yrs, I'm still very much a noobie

[kemp]

for substrate, i would greatly recommend ADA aquasoil

[benny]

If you choose the standard cabinet tanks on the market, very often, the existing light set is not bright enough for planted set up. Low light aquascape at best. Do take note of that.

As for filtration, I think only external cannister will be suitable for cabinet tanks. Internal filters takes up precious real estate.

Cheers,

[prso]

If you choose the standard cabinet tanks on the market, very often, the existing light set is not bright enough for planted set up. Low light aquascape at best. Do take note of that.

As for filtration, I think only external cannister will be suitable for cabinet tanks. Internal filters takes up precious real estate.

Cheers,

Thanks for the info. How much is a standard 3 ft cabinet?

For external cannister, what is a good model and the est price?

I need to work out a budget

[prso]

for substrate, i would greatly recommend ADA aquasoil

thanks for the info too!

I've been reading up on the ADA aquasoil threads with interest. Seems to be my 1st choice now. Only thing is afraid i'll screw it up.... lol

[ahkarboy]

Get the JBL florapol if you want some base fert and get just some other gravel. ADA will hurt your wallet unless you're willing to spend a little more on your tank.

[prso]

Get the JBL florapol if you want some base fert and get just some other gravel. ADA will hurt your wallet unless you're willing to spend a little more on your tank.

How much ADA will i need for a 3 ft and est cost?

[|squee|]

2 packs or more. 1 pack costs less than SGD$30.

[Sleepy_lancs]

Not sure why the harp on the substrate and soil. It has been proven time and again that you don't need expensive substrate to grow plants (Yeah.. those whom came to my house before are laughing at me I know my main tank uses flourite, but I have 3 tanks using only lapis sand). Follow recommendations from Tom Barr seems to work for most and myself included (although yeah I am still having problems with the darn BBA. Yes more co2 is needed but hey its already at max KH4 with PH at 6.3-6.4, I've live with the BBA for the time being).

Anyway my point is that you can save that money from using expensive substrate and base fert and get a good filter (from ehiem of coz), a good lighting system (that also need not be expensive, FL lights DO WORK) and proper CO2 equipment (Oh please get a good one here... don't save that few dollars and expect miracles)

[juggler]

As our weather is hot over here, it is not advisable to get a tank with enclosed hood holding the lights. Things would get heated up unless you invest further in chillers (quite expensive in my opinion).

Tank dimension should be comfortable for you to do maintenance without hurting your back. You should be able to reach the back of the tank, with a stool if needed, comfortably for planting.

Cabinet, if possible, don't get those made with chipwood that expands and soften when soaked with water. This weakens the cabinet.

May I add my opinion that you try to see if you can make your 2ft tank work before venturing into another setup. I am afraid the old habits may be brought to the new tank. Currently I see your 2ft tank being run with an OHF which removes CO2 rather quickly. So your plants do not have enough CO2. If you are interested in discussing about this, you can try starting another thread.