Newbies on planted tank

[sgquek]

Hi All,

Would like to seek some advise. Currently upgrade my 2ft tank to 3 ft X 1.5ft X 2 Ft tall tank with sump filter

This time round, would like to try planted tank with current fishes such as Tetra, Zebra danio, cory cat, SAE and Otto cat.

Never have planted tank before so quite overwhelm by all the info found in the web. To kick off, i will opt of low tech tank as I am newbies

Here is the question:

1) For the gravel, can I just black sand with stick fertilizer ?
If no, what soil would you recommend for planting ? Will the nutrient rich soil cause algae bloom and affect the fishes ? Should I put 2-3cm sand on top of the soil to prevent much nutrient leech into the water ?

2) LED light 1W x 42pcs, will the light be enough for the plant ?

3) Low tech plant do not need to have additional CO2, right ?

New Tank arriving soon and people that I spoke to provide too many contradictory advise till I am loss..

Thank !

[Shadow]

1. Depend on the plant, some foreground plant benefit from designer soil. Nutrient does not cause algae bloom except for ammonia. Algae need nwgligible amount of nutrient to grow. Limit nutrient will only effect plant. What soil are you talking about? do not add gravel on top of designer soilwill make thing worat.

2. Depend on the plant but honestly led is new thing, cant really answer your guestion.

3. Depend on your light. Higher like will require you to add more thing, evenyhough your plants suppose to be able to survive low tech environtment.

[ralliart12]

...2) LED light 1W x 42pcs, will the light be enough for the plant ?
...

Let me hazard a guess: you getting the newer model from BeamWorks? If so, it is very bright, but the spectrum is cool white.

[felix_fx2]

Please advise on what type of plants. Also the density of foliage.

No need to limit the nutrient, algae 90% of times bloom in tanks where the plants are not doing well or stunted.

There is a common saying here: focus on growing plants, not killing or preventing algae.

Led depend on wattage of each led, so far not many ventured in as those established brands cost quite high. You can take a look at hk75's setup.
Seems those are 3w.

Co2 will depend on the amount of light going the plants. The more light the more food the plant can make & co2 is part of the ingredients.

[sgquek]

Hi All

Thank for the advise. Sorry for late reply as I just back from overseas

LED, which brand I am not sure cos I customized my new set of tank and coming in Monday

The person who done my tank told me that the black sand that he provide can be use for planting, just use a layer of fertilizer as base before adding in the sand.

Plant wise, based on my research will be

1) pygmy chain swords
2) Java mosses
3) Hygrophyla corymbosa "stricta"
4) vallis
5) nana

I hope I can find all these on the fish shop.

Anyone can recommend me good base fertilizer ?

Thank