New Tank Questions

[Juby23]

Hi All,

Sorry I need some quick tips as I am having difficulty searching through the past threads.

1) I am going to set up a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft plant tank. Should I be using 6500k or 10000k lights? It seems that both have been recommended in the previous threads. My aquarium supplier is recommending 10,000k but the plant supplier is recommending 6500k

2) Should i be investing in a chiller immediately or should i just make do with fans? I was told that chiller needs certain ventilation. Therefore if i am going to use it, i have to get the aquarium guy to make allowance for the required ventilation in the cabinet below.

3) I have a existing koi pond. Is it advisable for me to use the water from the pond to kick start the aquarium? I assume that it is 'matured' already with all the bio-organisms inside.

4) I have downloaded a new plant tank setup manual by ADA. I intend to follow that closely. However, the plant shop says i should not be planting all my plants in my new tank. He recommended that I use a few sturdy plants to allow the tank to mature first before introducing the other plants. However, I would think it will be easier to plant all the flora before I add in all the water.

5) Should I be adding salt into the new tank because that i what i did for my koi pond ? .

Your kind recommendations pls.

[CK Yeo]

1) 6500k
2) Depends on your budget. Not a must.
3) No need. Planted tanks do not cycle like normal fish tank.
4) ADA. I prefer heavily planted from the start.
5) No need. Salt is not essential for plants.

ck

[dcwk]

(1) 6500k has the correct light spectrum for plants.
(2) What temperature can you achieve using fan? For my case, it is 27C and I am happy with it.
(3) Best to cycle from scratch.
(4) Plant heavily to avoid unwanted "guest" --> Algae
(5) Not advisable.

[dragonfly]

1) 6500K
2) Depending on ambient temp, a couple of fans is usually enough and the inital investment cost is much lower. You can alway buy a chiller later if you decide you really need it.
3) I don't cycle my planted tanks.
4) I prefer a big bang, heavy planting start. Less problem with stray neutrients and algae if the plants hit the deck running.
5) Salt you used for koi will probably kill the plants you wish to grow. But as you get more into the hobby, you will probably use salts and chemicals. But that will come later

[torque6]

Juby, you havent let us know what is your setup plan ? Are you going for plants/shrimps/fishes ?

[Juby23]

thanks for all the helpful advises above. My plan is to create a 'massive plant' tank with some jumbo tetra and some shrimps. I would probably get the plants first, and let the tank settle first before introducing the fishes. Will put in some drift wood and stones for tank-scaping.

[dcwk]

Plant heavily in the beginning and let tank cycle for 6-8 weeks. Test water parameters constantly during this period. Introduce your fauna in batches so as to allow time for the BB to cope with the bioload.

[torque6]

Ok, setuping a planted tank. Chiller is good to have, but what about pressurised co2 system? Intend to try low or high tech plants ?

[Juby23]

am probably getting more low tech plants for a start. maybe someone can list me a couple of good plants to get started with?

[WaterH2O]

Got low tech tank but low tech plant huh? I know what you mean, loe requirements plants right. But another question before you go get those low req plants. There are fast growers and slow growers plants which one you want. Suggestion is to get some fast growing stem plants to fight the algea first then change to a more moderate growth. Some low light/req plants Anubias Nana, Java Fern, Hornwort....etc.

[geezer333]

Expert here can suggest some low tech, fast growing, cheap and see pei swee plant please. I am new to planted tank so please give some ho a advice. Cheers

[Juby23]

very excited... my custom made tank is arriving tomorrow, and all the subtrate and light bulbs and soil are already sitting in the toilet waiting for the tank. I am also going to shop for plants tml afternon. Going to Lim chu kang. Okay, nana, java ferns, hortwort... what else ... need as much info as possible. Is red coloured plants okay? what about glosso ( did i spell it correctly?)??

[fugu_88]

Bro juby, which shop in LCK is good to get plants from, nice & cheap.... Can PM me address?
I just start mine today, bought some java moss & ferns. Still need some other to combat algae......

Thanks

[Juby23]

tried sending a PM to you fugu_88, but your setting doesnt accept emails.

[Juby23]

such disappointment... the tank delivered was faulty... glass chipped. sent it back, and have to wait another week for the new tank to arrive. darn!

[Juby23]

blessing in disguise, the delay allows me to have a clearer idea of what i need to buy. Did not realise that my Ehiem pro 3 comes with all the substrate and JBJ set comes with all the required auxillary fittings etc. Also allow me to plan exactly what i want the landscaping to be like or should it be aquascaping?

Ordered a driftwood from Mainland. Mr Yeo is nice enough to dip it in his koi pond for 1 week for me to wash away the color and ensure it really sinks. 60cm x 20cm x 40cm. Very nice.

[Juby23]

I think i have decided to get a chiller because the room is rather hot in the day. Anyone has any suggestion for a reliable brand, the size needed for a 4x2x2 ft tank and where is the best place to get it?

[Verminator]

Soaking your driftwood for 1 week won't make that much of a difference. When i first put mine in it turned my water orange for about 3-4 months before it finally cleared up.

Anubias specimens can be a good start, just make sure you check total size of growth with some of them. Mine easily reaches the top of a 50cm high tank. smaller specimens often available and make for good additions to any aquarium.

Crypts of any sort seem to do well, a good starter plant. Mine seem indestrucible. Growth varies from fast to moderate, deepending on co2 injection levels.

Echinodorus are again a good starter plant, especially echinodorus blehri. Substancially sized background plant. Sends out runners often. Good growth rate, forms nice cover at the back of any aquarium.

As with most plants, they all benefit from co2 and added nutrients in the form of fertilizers.

Don't know anything about chillers i'm afraid. My tank runs at 22'C standard, i struggle to keep my tank higher than 24'C with a heater xD even in summer

[torque6]

I think i have decided to get a chiller because the room is rather hot in the day. Anyone has any suggestion for a reliable brand, the size needed for a 4x2x2 ft tank and where is the best place to get it?

can go for resun,haliea series for budget and artica if you want to pay abit more for nano sized chillers.

[AquaObsession]

How are you going to get the Jumbo tetra and the shrimps to become friends?

Cheers, Christophe