40G Breeder Tank: Help to Setup for Success

[cubano076]

Good Day,

I am looking to set up a cost effective and relatively "easy" to maintain planted tank. dimmensions 36" Long X 18" wide X 12" tall.

Here is a list of equipment that I thought of purchasing. I would appreciate feedback on this list and any other recommendations (especially ways to reduce cost).

CD-16921 Single Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures 36" (1X96Watts)$79.99
CD-114955 Perfecto Glass Canopy (36' x 18') $24.99
CD-912052 Jäger TS Automatic Heaters 150 watt $15.99
CD-15568 Malaysian Driftwood (10"-15") $8.39
CD-15566 Malaysian Driftwood (4"-6") $4.49
CD-17061 ECCO Canister Filter 2233 $84.99
CD-12989 Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate $79.96 (qty 4- 20#bags)

If it is possible to use a hang on tank power filters (penguin 200 bio-wheel) I could save $60 on filtration.

C02 is an expense I would like to avoid.

I would like to have the appearance of thick vegetation on the back and sides of the tank, 2 to 4 unique center pieces, and then "grassy" foundation throughout.

The fish load will eventually be 5-7 congo tetras.

Thank you in advance for the help and advice.

Danny

[michael lai]

Hi Cubano076,
WElcome to aquatic Quotient and this wonderful hobby, Forget the hangon filter, the Ehiem Ecco would be a more worthwhile investment in the long run. If you wish to go without Co2, you might want to read up on Ms Diana Walstad's book which is very comprehensive on this matter. One last thing, you might want to consider a taller tank, maybe 24". I find 12" tall tank have limitations as alot of plants grow beyond that. Have fun.



Cheers.

[|squee|]

Without CO2 you have to plan for long term since plants grow so much slower without CO2. It isn't a bad thing, it's the problem of waiting for the vegetation to get as thick as you'd like it.

Good filtration as well as water movement is a must, so a cannistor filter will be a better choice imho.

Set up the tank as usual; seeding the tank with bacteria is a important way to start off a non-CO2 tank imho.

[cubano076]

Michael and Squee,

Thank you for the replies and the advice.