want to start planted tank

[garylim]

I will use a small tank either 1 FT or a 1.5 ft, will use a HOF.
What soil and plant is good? I may keep shrimps or Tetra. i know i need a aquarium light? what else do i need? This is my first time doing planted tanks. So Any advice or tips? Thanks

[Stormz]

T5 or PL light should be a need if you're going to have a moderate set.

[diazman]

some moss or java fern/anubias if you want maintenance free or low maintenance. If you planning to go high tech (with co2 and the works) read up threads in the aquascaping section.

[qool]

To have a good planted experience you should have:
1)good lights if you want to go for more light intensive plants
2)good regular co2 dosing. Low tech you can go liquid co2 high tech go for co2 tank
3)good soil. Ada or gex but i personally regret choosing gex
4)good cooling system. If you already have a stable water temperature of 28 or lesser you are ok. If not consider some form of cooling eg fan
5)good regular fertilizing regime. Plants need their Ks and Ns.
6)good patient and prayer ..... when algae decide to visit your tank

If one of the top is lacking .... we should see you around more often

[garylim]

Thanks for you advice

Is CO2 and cooling system is a must for panted tank? My tank 1FT is a HOF power enough for the tank to be crystal clear? when planting is done do i top up water to my tank? after that when can i add in fishes?

[mukyo]

At least fan. To keep temp 27avg.
I use ada and they really do well.
I didnt use co2. Only so called useless co2 tabs lol.
Btw nobody ever recommend borneowild i wonder why.

As for plant, i find that thise grass like is easieat to grow.

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[garylim]

What type Fan you recommend? When need to use co2 tabs?

[mukyo]

I use dymax. Quite nice to buffer my temp.
People say co2 tabs is useless. So i wont recommend you to get one. I just throw in for the same of finishing them.

Suggestively they do grow. But i dont know is it just the ada or the co2 tabs helps ad well.
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[qool]

Ans fans are nice they are AC fans, they are able to keep a temperature of 27 degree. C02 tablets are too inconsistent which can result in algae outbreak

[garylim]

Where to i place the fan?

[mukyo]

Beside your hof would be fine. I hope they are not blocking

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[garylim]

Beside your hof would be fine. I hope they are not blocking

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The fan is blow towards my tank water?
Might not start so soon, still need more info about planted tank

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[mukyo]

Yup. Blow nicely. Of course try to have some part covered to minimized evaporation. Nevertheless you will still loss some water. So do check and top up.
Try to use led. As they are cool.

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[qool]

Shrimps do not respond well to large water top up. So if you decided to use a fan water top up should be done regularly.

[diazman]

if you putting your tank beside bed...

can adopt my method.. hehehhe...

with that fan blowing, my tank averages out 26-28

[mukyo]

1st time i saw your tank bro. Nice!!
I also put beside my bed.
Moonlighting+pleco eating scene= sleep drug

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[felix_fx2]

Mukyo, the thing about using a fan to cool tank. Works by evaporation la.

Diaz, how I wished my lights not 154w and 1.5m from my bed. Although i've grown immune to the glaring lights.

[mukyo]

I tried already bos. Covered partially it does not evaporate so much. Yet i still get 27deg.
I cant get 26 also if i open full, but water reduction is different much.
My cover is just piece of glass not sealed tight got hole in front as well. So its like creating airflow behind to front while keeping the water partially back in due to condensed.

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[diazman]

1st time i saw your tank bro. Nice!!
I also put beside my bed.
Moonlighting+pleco eating scene= sleep drug

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"... thanks will always be given for helping me..."

Mukyo, the thing about using a fan to cool tank. Works by evaporation la.

Diaz, how I wished my lights not 154w and 1.5m from my bed. Although i've grown immune to the glaring lights.

@ muyko - haha, the only place i can put. Switch on lights during the night help to save from switching on the main room lights . the plants havent grown much for the past 2 months though, still patiently waiting for it to fill.

@ felix - mine only 15watts but i cannot "tahan" the glaring lol salute you for handling the glares from a 154w lighthing.

AND trust me, that bed fan is way overkill. if i switch it to speed no. 2, it will be like to coffee shop fan blowing you and the tank away.


NOTE: Don't bother covering up a 1/1.5ft tank - The water evaporates very fast. i lose about 1/4 of the tank water every 2 days. Just let it open top and fan cool it.

[garylim]

Can I put soil first then after that cover with sand on top? But how to I clean the gravel,By not messing up the tank ?

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