1st attempt at 3 ft planted

[DL]

Hi,
My first attempt at planted.
3ft tank, no fertiliser
Nutrafin natural CO2
10 guppies, 6 black neons, 8 cherry barbs, 2 dwarf platys, 3 corys, 1 clown loach, 2 mollies, 2 zebra danios, 2 dwarf rainbows, 1 SAE.
Background plants include camboba which i hope will grow and become a background plant, also java fern, java moss on driftwood.
Would i be able to have foreground plants growing and what kind would be recommended.?

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[DL]

sorry, forgot to add that the lights are brand CR aquarium, 2 x 24 watts PL.

[budak]

I think 2x24 W may not be sufficient for plans like cabomba and the other plants you have.... for a 3 ft, try getting 4X36W.... Nature Aquarium has some nice sets....

If you want your plants to thrive, you will need to do some fertilisation eventually.... do read up on the fert articles on the FAQ......

The Hygrophila difformis on the front right will grow fast and large..... you will find soon they fit better towards the back. But overall, ok layout for starters..... let's see how it is a month down....

[robin]

Be careful with your fertilising.
If BBA starts to bloom and grow on your background deco, it is almost impossible to remove. I have this problem currently and have to take out the whole Background Deco and sun it to kill off all the BBA

Robin

[axel_wong]

I advise you to change your filter to either canister or internal filter. This can prevent loss of CO2.

[CT]

agree with budak about the lighting. 4X36W will be a better choice. 2x 24w is a bit low.

[DL]

Hi Robin,
what do u mean by BBA? Beneficial bacteria?
FYI, i do not have background deco in the water, what i have is paper stick onto the outside of the tank (rocks design).


The overhead filter was left over from the Luo han period. Ya, agree that it is a disadvantage to use as this type of filter creates lots of water movenment and exchange of air to the outside and thus carbon dioxide loss. Will consider changing it .

As for light, thinking of buying another same light, that means i will have total of 96 watts which works out to 2.3 watts per gallon (3 ft tank = about 42 gallons). Would this work.......?