This time need big help again..

[aquascaping1982]

Hi bros out there, this time I will be helping my friend to setting up a 4ft tank with lots of plants but with no fauna. And also without the use of co2, my question is ---->

1.What types of substrate & fert to use?

2.What are the lighting to use?

3.How many fans is enough for a 4ft?

4.Recommend me some "beginer" plants to start with.

5.And what other things I should take note of?


Lastly I would like to purchase a Ehiem filter for my 2ft tank, so any recommendation for me?

Thanks bro out there for advise & help.. thank you thank you..

[|squee|]

1. I'd use simple Lapis sand with some base fert, or pure ADA Aquasoil.

2. Can't help you on lighting, I only kept 2ft tanks before.

3. 2 or 1?

4. Java fern is always a great choice, and Vallisneria nana as well imho. Try crypts too as usual.

Ehiem 2213

[aquascaping1982]

Any more suggestions to go?

[Weirong]

Use a good substrate and use plants that will take in their nutrients from there. Without CO2 injection, you won't be fertilizing the waters much.

Crypts and Ferns work nicely for this kind of setup. 4ft means a ton of plants.

[aquascaping1982]

Use a good substrate and use plants that will take in their nutrients from there. Without CO2 injection, you won't be fertilizing the waters much.

Crypts and Ferns work nicely for this kind of setup. 4ft means a ton of plants.

Thanks Weirong for your feedback, but my main problem is the lighting without co2 I have to cut down on strong lighting so what would you recommend for it? As for substrate & fert I would prefer to use ADA aquasoil since quite a nos of people using this particular brand.

[Weirong]

Crypts and Ferns grow very well even at low light levels or under shade. They just grow slowly and are almost indestructable. You only need to remove the older leaves from time to time.

That's why you need to plant very heavily from the start.

[wks]

You can try easy to grow stem plants like Hygrophila difformis and Hygrophila polysperma.

[bossteck]

5.And what other things I should take note of?

Since you going for semi-low tech approach.
You should also advice your friend that he/she need lots of patience!
And probably should not expect to see the plants bubbling furiously

[aquascaping1982]

Yeah thanks for your feedback too bossteck!