Tank background for planted tank or not? advice?

[mikeang]

Hi,

I am getting ready to go into planted tank (1feet cube + low tech). Hoping once it's stablised to add some tetra or shrimps...

I have a few questions :-

1. Is 2 kg of Gex soil sufficient? I want to add some sand on top.
2. Noticed most of the tanks here do not have those black sticker background on the tank. Is it not a common practice to stick those?
3. I bought the 30cm 7w*2 lights. Was told that it would work well.
4. Not intending to have a very crowded planted tank. Just simple just one driftwood and some simple plants... Do i really need CO2? I intend to use those CO2 tablets as starter
5. I intend to use my Eden501 on this one with a lily pipe. Should i change to something better as I do intend to use with chiller at some point for the shrimps?

Grateful for your advice.

Michael

[Shadow]

1. Get ADA instead but probably more ex
2. No background for flexibility, You can play around with background during photo shoot.
3. are you planning to inject CO2? Any plan for HC or glosso?
4. CO2 tablet does not really work for me, Seachem excel is better IMO
5. Get Eheim 2211 but it is $20-$30 more expensive. Same flow rate but can maintain flow much longer than EDEN

[mikeang]

Hi,

Thanks Robert.

Looks like i need another filter.. I am using eheim 2222 for my goldfish tank. Works very well. Was thinking of getting 2224 or 2222 for this one. Or maybe just 2213.

Sorry, what is HC? Glosso, i guess not. I want something simple and not too difficult for a start.

Do u think it's good to top up the GEX with sand? Can't get ADA as already bought the GEX. Sigh...

Thanks

Michael

[vinz]

If you don't want trouble with CO, then get carbon supplement such as Seachem Excel, or the alternative from Profito. Basically add a few ml every other day.

I suggest getting a filter that is over rated for your tank, if you don't mind spending a few tens more.
1. You can attach other devices in-line without worrying about drop in flow rate.
2. When you ever upgrade to a larger tank, you don't need to buy another filter... especially if you fork out the cash for a lasting quality brands.
3. Filter flow rates drop as filter media get clogged and equipment wear out.

[Shadow]

2224 or 2222 probably to much for 1ft cube.

Better not to add sand on top of Gex, leave it as it is.

HC and glosso is a foreground plant that normally require high light. Glosso especially
Glosso = Glossostigma elatinoides
HC = Hemianthus callitrichoides

[mikeang]

Hi,

Ok, shall avoid those highly difficult plants for this tank while learning.

As for filter, the 2222 seems to work very well on my smaller-than-1-feet tank which i keep my goldfish. Using rainbar, seems quite alright.

Knowing me, i will probably get a bigger tank in due course of time and might not have to buy any more filter. Will probably go for the 2222 if 2224 is way too powerful. The flow adjustment seems to work very well.

I saw the tank at Polyart was using this course dark grains of sand on top of the GEX. I asked the uncle what that was and was told it's some sort of sand and he recommended me this sand. Maybe i go exchange the sand for more GEX.

Should I invest in a proper CO2 system? or just use the chemicals. My CO is going to make noise so might as well get it done and over with ...hehehe

Thanks

Michael

[mikeang]

After doing some homework overnight, decided to go High Tech with CO2. Took the plunge and bought myself a complete set from C328.

Can wait to set this up.

Thanks

If you don't want trouble with CO, then get carbon supplement such as Seachem Excel, or the alternative from Profito. Basically add a few ml every other day.

I suggest getting a filter that is over rated for your tank, if you don't mind spending a few tens more.
1. You can attach other devices in-line without worrying about drop in flow rate.
2. When you ever upgrade to a larger tank, you don't need to buy another filter... especially if you fork out the cash for a lasting quality brands.
3. Filter flow rates drop as filter media get clogged and equipment wear out.

[reveru]

good job going the CO2 high tech way. in my experience, the CO2 from tablets is highly unreliable. like others have mentioned, the liquid carbon form is much better compared to tablets. of course, since you have gone high tech, then it won't be an issue. good luck in your tank setup! just thinking.. maybe 2 kg of soil not enough. another 2 kg will be better.

[yilimi]

good job going the CO2 high tech way. in my experience, the CO2 from tablets is highly unreliable. like others have mentioned, the liquid carbon form is much better compared to tablets. of course, since you have gone high tech, then it won't be an issue. good luck in your tank setup! just thinking.. maybe 2 kg of soil not enough. another 2 kg will be better.

i agree with reveru, get at least 4kg for 1ft cube. it's enough to create a decent slope too.