Re: [APD] Suggestions for a new setup please

["Richard J. Sexton" <richard at aquaria_net>]

At 08:09 PM 5/30/2005 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi there all. I'm getting a 40 gal. tank to be heavily planted and I 
>wanted opinions on how I was thinking of setting it up.
>
>Most importantly, I would really like to do this tank without a filter. 
>I have read where this can be successful and I would like to try it.  
>Mostly for financial reasons but also because I would like to breed 
>cherry red shrimp for my LFS - I always have so many get sucked up by 
>my Magnum HOT canister.
>
>I was thinking of using an under gravel heating system to aid in 
>circulation (and plant growth)....for substrate, I was thinking a layer 
>of laterite followed by several inches of Eco Complete (I love this 
>stuff in my other planted tanks).  I'm wondering whether a powerhead 
>might be needed for further circulation? Also, is there a conflict with 
>having under gravel heat and MTS's?  I'd hate for those snails to turn 
>into escargo!
>
>I'm thinking that between the snails and shrimp, solid detritus will be 
>taken care of and the plants will utilize/filter the rest from the 
>medium fish load (hence no need for the filter right??) I imagine I 
>could run the micron-filter from the Magnum once a month or so to 
>polish the water. Water changes will be weekly using RO/DI water.
>
>I'm looking to get a Coralife Aqualight Double at 192 watts giving the 
>tank nearly 5wpg. With that and CO2 injection through a mounted 
>diffuser, plant growth should be vigorous enough to provide inhabitants 
>with enough oxygen.
>
>OK, so any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated as I'm very 
>eager to get this project started!
>
>Many thanks,

I have a 50 gallon tank with only 3 sponge filters, which I think are
about 25 years old. The tank has Ambulia and Mexican Oak Leaf for fast growing
plants, tons of crypts and one sword. There's an oerabundance of
remshorn snails, one pair of Aphyosemion georgiae, and 6 normani lampeyes.
The snails make a much bigger mess in there than the fish as fas as fecal output
is concerned. 

I zap it with a diatom filter every couple of weeks after I stir
stuff up.

I don't think subrtate matter mush as long as there's any source
of iron at the bottom. I've used everything from washers to flourite.

I like the look of flourite but them washers sure work good.

Everythung else sounds like it'll work.


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