Advice needed to set up a new planted tank...

[saulhudson]

Hello to all the experts,

After 1 year of facing a boring tank (that consists of a few pieces of wood, a noisy air pump, a dim violet kinda lighting, a 'corner-triangular-box' kinda filter that uses sponge, some miserable cardinal tetras and a pleco), I have finally deicided to 'upgrade' my 2.5ft tank into a proper and beautiful planted tank. I'm currently in the process of doing research on the net - but it seems that most articles and websites only focus on aquascaping, tank cycling process, explanation on mechanical/chemical/biological filtration, water chemistry etc. No doubt those are very important information, but I think what I really need now is some good advice on the EQUIPMENT REQUIRED (which are AVAILABLE in Singapore) for a proper + successful planted setup:

1. Filter + filter medium (I would prefer those external cannister type of filter - any recommendations? Also, what type of medium should be in it? ceramic rings, activated carbon etc etc etc?)
2. CO2-system (I really don't know much abt these - regulators, diffusers etc)
3. Lighting (any specific types/ratings that'll aid proper plant growth?)
4. Fertilizers (substrate or liquid?)
5. Any essential water testing-kits?
6. Are there any other important items/gadgets that I had missed out? (apart from the tank and the substrate)

I would really appreciate it if anyone could give me advice on the above equipment (particularly what type/brand recommended, and where best I can obtain them from - here in Singapore). Hope someone can kindly help! Thank you!

[vinz]

See this.

[DEA]

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On 4/28/2003 12:41:16 PM

1. Filter + filter medium (I would prefer those external cannister type of filter - any recommendations? Also, what type of medium should be in it? ceramic rings, activated carbon etc etc etc?)
5. Any essential water testing-kits?

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i recommend the eheim 2028 for a 4ft tank
actually, i recommend it for any tank 2ft or bigger
the media included with the filter will do you just fine
however, i replaced all of the media with filter floss
because i find it makes little difference in a planted tank

essential? that's quite a difficult qn to answer
the only one i consider impt in the beginning is the nitrite test kit
anything more than 0.1 means you should change your water
as for the rest, not so important

after you read the link vinz provided, see if it gets any clearer
you can always ask if you're not sure

[saulhudson]

Hello, thanx a lot Vinz and DEA!

Btw, with regards to a Co2 System, I'm really kinda confused with the meanings of some terms: "regulator", "diffuser", "reactor", "timer", "solenoid", "checkvalve" etc...

How many(and what) exact items are there supposed to be in a complete and proper Co2 System? And roughly how much will each item cost?

Regards,
saulhudson

[juggler]

For CO2 System, I found this article informative http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/diy_co2rig.htm.
More info regarding CO2 can be found at http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/.

[saulhudson]

Hey thanx juggler! That enlightened me a lot...
Btw, any nice + easy plants that I should start of with? I really like those grassy grassy type...btw, what is "Pearl Grass"?

[geoffrey]

Saul,

Check these sites for plants info and pix. Alternatively, grab yourself a plant catalogue, Oriental's cat is okay.

www.dennerle.com
www.tropica.com

Enjoy

[geoffrey]

BTW, you may want to grab hold of the book, Ecology of a Planted Aquarium - Diana Walstad from the library. That book will give you alot of insights into a planted tank.

[saulhudson]

Thanx a lot Juggler and Geoffrey!