The common newbie setup thread

**erikokelf** · 11th Jul 2014, 16:50

Greeting guys, lately i have been extremely tempted to setup an planted tank after being a salty guy for more majority of my tank hobby.

Hence i have chance into this forum in view of gathering as much information as possible to better combat myself into preparation.

First off, would like to find out what will be the estimated cost for setting an planted tank excluding the plant itself.

I'm looking at a 2x2x1.5(h) tank to be setup beside my existing marine tank.

Secondly, i'm interested to find out the cost of co2 regulator, substrate and cost of drift wood and rocks as i believe these will be the main contributor to majority of cost.

Lastly, for chiller i will be using Arctica 1/10 and lighting should be a Maxspect Razer 160w with only the white channel operational as i believe blue light does not have much effect for fresh water setup.

Also i have read from many forums that a overflow system with sump is not really advisable for planted environment as more co2 will be lost due to such design but as i have been using sump tank throughout my marine journey, would like to consult guru's here will it be feasible as it will be neater for my personal preference.

Many thanks in advance and please pardon me if my questions might bored you due to frequent repetition =)

**Goalkeeper** · 11th Jul 2014, 17:32

This link has some cost estimates.....it's from one of our sifu in this forum.

http://theplantedtankblog.blogspot.s...-yeartank.html

**Urban Aquaria** · 11th Jul 2014, 19:13

For tanks using sump filtration systems, although there may be more Co2 being off-gassed due to increased water surface and agitation, you can just increase Co2 injection accordingly to compensate for the losses. Co2 refills are relatively cheap anyways, so it wouldn't bump up the overall running costs that much.

**stewart86** · 11th Jul 2014, 22:43

Here is a list of things I bought, price are near estimate and only vary slightly across most LFS in Singapore.

Planted tank checklist

Tank equipments
Tank: 45x24x30 32 litre $75
Light: UP aqua pro z 45cm $60

Filter system
Canister filter $60 xb 303
Filter media $20 biohome plus
Inflow out flow $50
Co2 $100 mini co2 system (cheapest)
co2 drop checker $20
Thermometer $10
hardscaping $30

Substrate $100
ADA power sand-S 2L
ADA aqua soil powder

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**erikokelf** · 12th Jul 2014, 03:03

Originally Posted by Goalkeeper

This link has some cost estimates.....it's from one of our sifu in this forum.

http://theplantedtankblog.blogspot.s...-yeartank.html

Thanks that's really helpful to give me a rough idea.

**erikokelf** · 12th Jul 2014, 03:04

Originally Posted by Urban Aquaria

For tanks using sump filtration systems, although there may be more Co2 being off-gassed due to increased water surface and agitation, you can just increase Co2 injection accordingly to compensate for the losses. Co2 refills are relatively cheap anyways, so it wouldn't bump up the overall running costs that much.

Sounds like a fair trade off to me. Thanks for the info.

**erikokelf** · 12th Jul 2014, 03:05

Originally Posted by stewart86

Here is a list of things I bought, price are near estimate and only vary slightly across most LFS in Singapore.

Planted tank checklist

Tank equipments
Tank: 45x24x30 32 litre $75
Light: UP aqua pro z 45cm $60

Filter system
Canister filter $60 xb 303
Filter media $20 biohome plus
Inflow out flow $50
Co2 $100 mini co2 system (cheapest)
co2 drop checker $20
Thermometer $10
hardscaping $30

Substrate $100
ADA power sand-S 2L
ADA aqua soil powder

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the detail price list. Btw are you able to share with me where did you get the Co2 mini co2 system and also is it feasible for tank size (60x60x45) that i intend to use?

**stewart86** · 12th Jul 2014, 08:06

I got it from EO, it is actually not that mini, is just that I got the smallest paintball type cylinder and a single gauge regulator. EO have bundle discount if u get the whole set with them.

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**stewart86** · 12th Jul 2014, 08:07

Erm.. Sorry for the typo! How do I edit it?

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**aquahob** · 19th Jul 2014, 22:42

may i know why u mix sand and soil together ?

**Urban Aquaria** · 20th Jul 2014, 10:30

Originally Posted by aquahob

may i know why u mix sand and soil together ?

If you are referring to ADA power sand, thats not actually sand, rather its a porus media (look like pumice rocks) that is designed to be placed as a base layer under the ADA aquasoil, helps provide nutrients to plant roots and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Not sure why ADA give it a name with "sand" inside though.

**aquahob** · 20th Jul 2014, 13:04

Originally Posted by Urban Aquaria

If you are referring to ADA power sand, thats not actually sand, rather its a porus media (look like pumice rocks) that is designed to be placed as a base layer under the ADA aquasoil, helps provide nutrients to plant roots and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Not sure why ADA give it a name with "sand" inside though.

Thanks for your clarifications. i research on the ada power sand too. thanks