Advise - Planted Fish Tank Setup -

[simplepso]

Hi,

Shifting from current Oscar setup (Giving back my oscars to LFS)

Need advise and suggestion from the experienced members with regards to setting up a planted tank /

Just, a brief idea on my planned tank setup where i only have the tank and the filters at the moment /
(PH and Temp readings are given below as i was running the same tank with 2 Oscars)

Tank Size: 120cms L * 37cms W * 50cms H
Lighting: JBL 2*45W T5 9000 K (1 Daylight Full Spectrum + 1 Fluorescent tube) with Seperate Switch for both
Substrate: JBL AquaBasis plus + JBL Manado (Top Layer)
Liquid Supplements: JBL Ferropol Weekly
Everyday Supplements: JBL Ferropol 24

Filters: 2 External Filters (1400l/hr) + 1 builtin OHF.

Live Stocks: NIL, Will Begin with Tetra, Rainbow, Corydoras - Once cycled and bacteria colony established - Discus Fish in the Future for sure
PH: Neutral Generally, sometime rises but max 7.4
Temp: 27-29 Generally

Note: Will not be intrested to use a Co2 euipment in near future.

Plants Intrested in:

Java Fern
Jungle Val
Amazon Sword
Wisteria
Dwarf Sag i.e Sagittaria
Crypts i.e Cryptocoryne
Anubias
Rotala Indica

Questions:
1) Do i need a co2 reactor mandatorily? I will be having fertlizer and T5 lighting (2*45W), will this alone cause algae bloom? as these three needs to be in balance i.e co2, light, fert/
(or, should i stick on with my current lighting 30W T8 (Blue and Pink) with fertlizer mentioned above without Co2.
2) Airstone/spraybars? some say do not use, other say use, as it will remove co2 from tank. Then, how do i supply sufficent oxygen level for both fish and plants - and nighttime would be nightmare for both.
3) Surface agitation is required/not required in a planted fish tank with no airstone?

All you comments will be highly appreciated. And thanks to all in advance.

[diazman]

The plant list looks of low requirement plants so you can forgo the C02 (although its beneficiary). For the lighting, get a cool white/daylight tube as it will be more suitable for growing plants. In your case of not using CO2, dose the fertilizers lightly.

[simplepso]

The plant list looks of low requirement plants so you can forgo the C02 (although its beneficiary). For the lighting, get a cool white/daylight tube as it will be more suitable for growing plants. In your case of not using CO2, dose the fertilizers lightly.

Thanks diazman.

Well you mean, to use a T5 or T8/ Currently i have T8 2*30W
dose the fertlizer lightly means? should i not be usign the JBL Aqua Soil. (or) should i be using the Ferropol once every two weeks.

Appreciate your advise.

[chlorophyll]

H Im a fellow beginner,

1) Aquatic plants do well with carbon. CO2 is a good source of carbon for them. There are alternatives such as liquid carbon and CO2 tablets but I have found CO2 injection is the best. A CO2 reactor or atomizer/difusser can be used to dissolve CO2 gas into your tank. Balancing lights CO2 and fert is tricky. For a start I always use test kits to control or restrict nitrates and phosphates dosing, but you will get to a point where you will know much nitrates ,phosphates and iron your plants consume daily. If there are deficiencies in carbon and N-P-K, algae will bloom. The longer your lights are on, the more carbon,N-P-K your plants will consume. Thats why its important to know your tanks daily consumption or else deficiency can occur.

2 &3) Aeration is useful for your livestock especially if you have lots of livestock. Unfortunately it is a trade off between oxygen and co2. Find an equipment that gives you minimal surface agitation but sufficient enough for gas exchange. Slowing down filter flowrate reduces agitation. An airstone on a timer is wonderful.

Above all, have fun in this hobby !

[diazman]

I assume this setup is lowtech? T5 would have been a better choice but if you are able to grow plants with the current T8 set-up then it should be no issue. I'm only knowledgeable more on nano set-up due to space restriction

When i mentioned dose lightly, means once a week etc. A good fertile substrate is important to grow plants, else you will have problems later, unless you're growing Ferns/moss

[simplepso]

H Im a fellow beginner,

1) Aquatic plants do well with carbon. CO2 is a good source of carbon for them. There are alternatives such as liquid carbon and CO2 tablets but I have found CO2 injection is the best. A CO2 reactor or atomizer/difusser can be used to dissolve CO2 gas into your tank. Balancing lights CO2 and fert is tricky. For a start I always use test kits to control or restrict nitrates and phosphates dosing, but you will get to a point where you will know much nitrates ,phosphates and iron your plants consume daily. If there are deficiencies in carbon and N-P-K, algae will bloom. The longer your lights are on, the more carbon,N-P-K your plants will consume. Thats why its important to know your tanks daily consumption or else deficiency can occur.

2 &3) Aeration is useful for your livestock especially if you have lots of livestock. Unfortunately it is a trade off between oxygen and co2. Find an equipment that gives you minimal surface agitation but sufficient enough for gas exchange. Slowing down filter flowrate reduces agitation. An airstone on a timer is wonderful.

Above all, have fun in this hobby !

I know Co2 is the best - but will keep that for later stage. Currently my only plant is to run a low-tech planted tank/
So, i will use a airstone on a timer at night when lights are switched off only. The surface agitation will be created by the 2 spray bars at both ends coming from the 2 external filters iam using.

Now the clarification i require is: I will be planning a heavily planted tank/
If i use the T5 with JBL Aqua soil and JBL Ferropol(Fertlizer), will this cause a algae bloom as iam not using Co2 - what i read and understand is that all three needs to be balanced. Please let me know on this/ I would really appreciate.

[simplepso]

I assume this setup is lowtech? T5 would have been a better choice but if you are able to grow plants with the current T8 set-up then it should be no issue. I'm only knowledgeable more on nano set-up due to space restriction

When i mentioned dose lightly, means once a week etc. A good fertile substrate is important to grow plants, else you will have problems later, unless you're growing Ferns/moss

Diaz, As of now i have the T8 2*30W Blue and Pink Color - but what i have planned was to buy T5 2*45W (which i understand from you now is not a necessity as iam not using a co2 reactor) am i right?/ u mean to say i need a T5 type high light only when i use a co2.

Regarding the dosage of liquid fertlizer, i got it. And also understood regarding the aeration from chlorophyll.

[diazman]

You can use the T5 to light up the tank BUT restrict it to one tube or so to prevent algae since T5 penetration is better than T8 tubes.

I have used 2 x 8 watts T5 for my low tech nano set-ups in past (used one tube to light up the tank only). Growth was good without CO2 but of course I had very fertile substrate (Potting soil ). The best part of all, I even get to see the plants pearl

IMO, you can experiment it in your own time to see what suits your needs.

About the O2 exchange, shouldn't be a problem as long your tank has proper filtration and you stock them reasonably. You can forgo the air pump but you may turn it during the night time if you worry for your stock (especially if its a sensitive species)

[simplepso]

You can use the T5 to light up the tank BUT restrict it to one tube or so to prevent algae since T5 penetration is better than T8 tubes.

I have used 2 x 8 watts T5 for my low tech nano set-ups in past (used one tube to light up the tank only). Growth was good without CO2 but of course I had very fertile substrate (Potting soil ). The best part of all, I even get to see the plants pearl

IMO, you can experiment it in your own time to see what suits your needs.

Got it! Now let me finalize everything at a go...

1) No need for a Co2 reactor as long as it is low tech.
2) No need of airstone in a heavily planted fish tank - but ensure you have atleast a minimal surface agitation from the filters for o2 for fish and plants. It is also good to have aeration running only @ night using a timer if required as the requirement of o2 will be more at night.
3) Good Fertilizer soil is good, but dose of liquid fertlizer should be controlled to once per week
4) Lighting should also be on the lower side like T8, if it is a T8 i can use both or if i intend to go for T5 - use only one tube in order to keep algae at bay.

Lastly in brief, Low tech Planted fish tank is a combination of heavily planted, good fertlizer substrate, T8 lights - without a airstone nor a co2 but with a minimal surface agitation using spraybar.

Hope iam right - Please correct me if iam wrong.

[diazman]

Its just a guideline. You can check up on the Aquascaping thread, the low tech section. There's alot of materials available

You can DIY CO2 if you want to.

A Low tech doesnt necessarily needed to be heavily planted, it simply means a slower growth, lesser or almost no fertilization and CO2 required.

Here's my tank. There's Water Wisteria, Water Sprite and Java "Windelov" Fern. Fertilize whenever I remember. Setup is only 7 days old but the stem plant exploded in growth as i used potting soil. Specification is on my signature at the bottom

IMO, its the fun of planting and watch them grow

IMG212.jpg

[simplepso]

Its just a guideline. You can check up on the Aquascaping thread, the low tech section. There's alot of materials available

You can DIY CO2 if you want to.

A Low tech doesnt necessarily needed to be heavily planted, it simply means a slower growth, lesser or almost no fertilization and CO2 required.

Here's my tank. There's Water Wisteria, Water Sprite and Java "Windelov" Fern. Setup is only 7 days old but the stem plant exploded in growth as i used potting soil. Specification is on my signature at the bottom

IMO, its the fun of planting and watch them grow

IMG212.jpg

Diaz, as you have been very helpful can you please see the link below and let me know if i can use them for my tank without a co2 nor a airstone, just to finalize my purchase of equipments and substrates and fertilizers.

I love JBL, simply for no obvious reason other than the fact that i came into this hobby using JBL from the very beginning for my oscar tanks/ that's it and nothing else. And ofcurz a reputed German Brand.

Bottom layer:

http://www.jbl.de/en/aquatics-freshw...aquabasis-plus

Top Layer:

http://www.jbl.de/en/aquatics-freshw...398/jbl-manado

Liquid Fertilizer: (Once a week or in 2 weeks)

http://www.jbl.de/en/aquatics-freshw...2/jbl-ferropol

Lights: 2 Seperate Switches

1 Tube for Morning (9 Hrs) (7:00am - 4:00pm)
http://www.jbl.de/en/aquatics-freshw...l-solar-tropic

&

1 Tube for Evening (6 Hrs) (4:00pm - 10:00pm)
http://www.jbl.de/en/aquatics-freshw...solar-color-t8

&

@ Night both lights off and switch on the airstone/ (9 Hrs) inspite of having a minimal surface agitation using the spray bar for external filters.

***

Please advise. Just do not want to do things wrong when i have access to experts...
Hope you get me.

Appreciate, thank a lot in advance.

[wongce]

Don't focus on erradicating algae,focus on growing plants and you will do well,

From your selection of plant, should be ok without co2. However a weekly dose of seachem excel or liquid carbon is recommended.

For lights,just stick to 2 watts per gallon, t5ho prefered, 6 - 8 hours per day. Anything more will be a waste and promote algae growth. Light sprectrum can be varies, as long between 6500k to 12000k, your plants will be fine

Fertilizer : weekly dosage or divide the dosage into half and dose every 3 to 4 days.

Substrate: i am not sure whether ada/gex soil is readily available in your area,basically you just need aquasoil and other sand/ gravel are just for aesthetic reason. If you dont mind the black/brown soil, you can basically just use aquasoil and don't even need other gravel/sand on top...up to individual preference though.

Aeration: for me is a must after lighting hours, a habit of mine...a precaution feature in case filter fails and there will still be aeration in tank.

Happy planting!!....note to cycle your tank properly if you are using aquasoil/planting soil as they might leak nutrient or ammonia which are poisonous to most livestock.

[simplepso]

Don't focus on erradicating algae,focus on growing plants and you will do well,

From your selection of plant, should be ok without co2. However a weekly dose of seachem excel or liquid carbon is recommended.

For lights,just stick to 2 watts per gallon, t5ho prefered, 6 - 8 hours per day. Anything more will be a waste and promote algae growth. Light sprectrum can be varies, as long between 6500k to 12000k, your plants will be fine

Fertilizer : weekly dosage or divide the dosage into half and dose every 3 to 4 days.

Substrate: i am not sure whether ada/gex soil is readily available in your area,basically you just need aquasoil and other sand/ gravel are just for aesthetic reason. If you dont mind the black/brown soil, you can basically just use aquasoil and don't even need other gravel/sand on top...up to individual preference though.

Aeration: for me is a must after lighting hours, a habit of mine...a precaution feature in case filter fails and there will still be aeration in tank.

Happy planting!!....note to cycle your tank properly if you are using aquasoil/planting soil as they might leak nutrient or ammonia which are poisonous to most livestock.

thanks a ton wongce, ran thru ur comments and noted ur points.
Will reply to you after a while as iam rushing out for a personal work...

thanks again....

[diazman]

Diaz, as you have been very helpful can you please see the link below and let me know if i can use them for my tank without a co2 nor a airstone, just to finalize my purchase of equipments and substrates and fertilizers.

I love JBL, simply for no obvious reason other than the fact that i came into this hobby using JBL from the very beginning for my oscar tanks/ that's it and nothing else. And ofcurz a reputed German Brand.

.

Forgive me as I'm unable to provide insights on JBL products as I haven't gotten around in using their products except for their 7 balls root fertilizer. The selection of substrate looks good though, but it hurt your pocket If you are familiar with the product or have used them in past set ups, you can go ahead with them


Rule of thumb, ensure the light bulb is rated as what Wongce stated.

Lighting hours wise, keep it on at one short e.g. 8pm-4am (8 hours). Any more then that, you might invite trouble into your setup. Keep lighting anywhere between 6-9 hours at most.

No harm in turning on the air pump at night.

[simplepso]

Forgive me as I'm unable to provide insights on JBL products as I haven't gotten around in using their products except for their 7 balls root fertilizer. The selection of substrate looks good though, but it hurt your pocket If you are familiar with the product or have used them in past set ups, you can go ahead with them


Rule of thumb, ensure the light bulb is rated as what Wongce stated.

Lighting hours wise, keep it on at one short e.g. 8pm-4am (8 hours). Any more then that, you might invite trouble into your setup. Keep lighting anywhere between 6-9 hours at most.

No harm in turning on the air pump at night.

Ya, noted. Regarding the time - i assume you got it wrong on pm/am. I believe you meant to keep the lights on from 8am-4pm (8 hrs)/ Will keep the pump on @ night as well. Thanks a lot.

I will post all the available tubes as a response to wongce, so that both of you can select the right tube for me. Would really appreciate that as well.

Thanks again.

[simplepso]

For lights,just stick to 2 watts per gallon, t5ho prefered, 6 - 8 hours per day. Anything more will be a waste and promote algae growth. Light sprectrum can be varies, as long between 6500k to 12000k, your plants will be fine

All points are understood and made a note on the same, Please would you have the time to select the right tube for me from the below mentioned.

I have 2 holders for the tubes with seperate switches.

Using T8 2*30w will give me only 60w for my 60 USGallon

JBL SOLAR TROPIC T8 30W
Sunlight full-spectrum tube for aquarium plant
Colour temperature: 4000 K.

JBL SOLAR NATUR T8 30W
Daylight full-spectrum tube for freshwater
Colour temperature: 9000 K.

JBL SOLAR COLOR T8 30W
Fluorescent tube for intensive colours in freshwater aquariums
Enhanced red and blue colour tones.
Increased red and blue sector of spectrum.
Increases photobiological processes in plants by stimulating chlorophyll synthesis

Using T5 2*45w will give me atleast 90w for my 60 USGallon
(Same specs as above mentioned 3 models, apart from the watts there is no other difference)

So,as to what i have learnt from here i must go with T5 2*45w
Daylight full-spectrum tube for freshwater
Colour temperature: 9000 K.

but here again, as iam dump in all this (will the 2*9000K be a problem)? Please confirm/ or should i go for T5 2*45w 4000K

Aeration: for me is a must after lighting hours, a habit of mine...a precaution feature in case filter fails and there will still be aeration in tank.

As i have 2 spray bars from 2 external filters, will the aeration be still necessary at night with a timer.

Happy planting!!....

Thanks mate, simply love this forum on the help and advises i have received so far from others as well...

[wongce]

The 2wpg rule is a general rule of thumb. As you tank is 50 cm height, i would suggest you to go for t5ho lights. However,since you already have t8 on hand,of course you can use it back,but i would suggest you add another tube of t8/t5 to bring the wattage nearer to 2wpg....

General note: the lights you plan to Deploy will heat up your tank significantly.The reason why hobbyist use t5ho is due to less heat generated,more efficient,space saving... Monitor the temperature during set up if its hotter than 29 degrees, be mentally prepared for a aquarium fan/diy fan or chiller(if you have the budget).

Your filtration is definitely more than enough for a 60 gallon. Total around 14times of turnover...you will be creating a whirpool lol... Most ppl will aim for 6-8 times turnover. I myself prefer 10x turnover and my tank does have significant flow and waves...haha

Aeration might not be a concern if you can keep to a low livestock and sufficient surface agitation. You can monitor your livestock after you cycled the tank...if the fishes are gasping for air,its time to add aeration.

Sorry for being long winded...lol

[diazman]

No, i wasn't wrong in the timing. I do switch on the lightings between 8pm to 4am for my tank. I can only afford to look after the tank during the night as I'm still studying and juggling part time work during the day hence that timing

You could opt for the T5 instead as the 9000k should work better. The T8 4000k may be unsuitable as it may look a bit orangey, just my opinion . I'm not sure how the temperature fairs over at your country but as wongce states, if your tank's temperature is on the high side, you may deploy a fan to keep the tank cool.

You already have 2 external filters, that would be good. If you are concern about aeration, there's two methods you can deploy:

1) Raise the spray bar to provide surface agitation

2) Plug the airpump to a timer so that it will only switch on during the night

Looking forward to your setup!. Happy planting

[simplepso]

The 2wpg rule is a general rule of thumb. As you tank is 50 cm height, i would suggest you to go for t5ho lights. However,since you already have t8 on hand,of course you can use it back,but i would suggest you add another tube of t8/t5 to bring the wattage nearer to 2wpg....

I got ur point -i will buy and use 2 * T5 Daylight full-spectrum 45W - 9000K, (total 90W for 60Gallon) closest i can get to 2wpg.

Again - tons of sorry for repeating the same dump question again, will there be a problem on the maths of 2*9000K - won't this signify (18,000K) a lot of high light. Does this maths has any relation or i only need to consider the 2*45W is 90W.

Your filtration is definitely more than enough for a 60 gallon. Total around 14times of turnover

the company states 1400l/hr, i have never checked it - but i assume it should atleast 700l/hr - so 2 external filter would be 7 times... I never and do not completely go by brand claims... Me too into Sales Field - Who will understand this better. hahahah

you will be creating a whirpool lol...

Sort off.... hahaha. but iam using spray bars at both ends so not much of a whirl pool effect - sort of tsunami - hahahah

Simply LOVE the way u guys explain details.

[simplepso]

No, i wasn't wrong in the timing. I do switch on the lightings between 8pm to 4am for my tank.

Sorry !!! I Got it Wrong

I can only afford to look after the tank during the night as I'm still studying

Make best use of the time, you never get this time again

juggling part time work during the day hence that timing

I infact repsect the people who work at very young to earn and support, in our part of the region they do not deploy youngsters to work and also ask them to concentrate to study which majority does not do .. lol

You could opt for the T5 instead as the 9000k should work better

yes, but will 2*t5 9000k (18,000k) be a problem - Regret my ignorance. / I have asked the same thing to wognce

if your tank's temperature is on the high side, you may deploy a fan to keep the tank cool.

Will, keep a monitor on the temp and implement alternatives as required.

1) Raise the spray bar to provide surface agitation

Already Raised

2) Plug the airpump to a timer so that it will only switch on during the night

Will, certainly keep this on line to use in case the livestock shows o2 defeciency.

Looking forward to your setup!. Happy planting

Thanks mate! I have never done this before - but already have started falling in love with the dream setup.