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Optimum Aquarium Setup
I have decided to try the Horst/Kipper Optimum Aquarium setup with my new
75 gallon aquarium. I have always wanted lush plant growth, but could
never get healthy plants. From what I understand, the theory seems really
sound, but the price of Dupla parts are extremely high. I am trying to
substitute wherever possible with cheaper/better alternatives. Luckily, I
have a mentor at work, who has employed CO2 gas in his aquariums and
experimented with a few things, so I bought used equipment for the CO2
system from him, but I still need lights, substrate, fertilizer, a power
head for the reacter??, and plants.
I am looking for advice on:
1.) Lighting
From what I have been reading, metal halide seems the best, but I am not
sure about price/wattage/lumens/supplier/number of lights/means of
anchoring them above the tank
2.) Substate
I have looked around some local pet stores, but laterite doesn't seem to
be a common item. I know Dupla sells it, but as always they are
expensive. Is the expense worth it?
I also need to know basics like what substance (gravel/dirt) to use for
the substrate and how deep it should be.
3.) Fertilizer
What minerals do I need to supply and who is a good company to get them
from.
4.) Power head
I guess I need to push water around somehow, and it seems that the
CO2 reactor from Dupla needs a power head. Just what sort of power do I
need from this thing. At some point the fish will all end up stuck to one
side of the aquarium, so I don't want to get too carried away.
5.) Plants
This is the hardest question of all, and will probably change
drastically over time, but what plants are virtually industructable for a
beginner?
I would really appreciate any advice, as I am still trying to comb through
the extensive aquatic plants mailing list archives.
Jennifer Glover
* Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies. *