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Re: Melissas Fertilizer question
In a message dated 00-02-07 15:54:39 EST, you write: (some clipped out)
<< Mmmmm..... O.K.......
With a tank of that size, you'll want to get it right the first time, 'cause
it will be a drag to have to break it down to correct a major problem after
the fact.
Yap, that's why I want to do it right the 1st time, to save aggrivation
later on.
1. What kind of fish are you planning on keeping in the tank? Are they
"plant friendly" or do you hope to keep "monsters"? The most attractive
large planted tanks usually have very small fish in schools, with maybe a
few Angelfish or Discus as a focal point (substitute any other medium sized
fish which won't attack and eat your plants). If you are hoping for Rift
Lake Cichlids, your options are limited but not entirely gone. If any of
your fish are "diggers" you might be forced to pot up your plants
individually in clay pots and sink those into the substrate, protected by
pebbles large enough so that the fish can't get at the substrate around the
plants.
Definaly plant freindly fish only. Various tetras, gouramis, couple of
angels, rasboras, dwarf cichlids.. ect ect ect No diggers, no plant
destroyers.. I do currently have a couple of tinfoil barbs (6inch) that I
plan on either trading off at my LFS, or finding someone who wants em.
2. Are you planning a hi-tech or a low-tech approach? High-tech involves
supplemental CO2 and very high light levels (approximately 3-4 watts/gal).
Low-tech may or may not have supplemental CO2 and has more moderate light
levels, usually around 2 watts per gallon. Both approaches work, but the
plants which do well in one type of setup may or may not do well in the
other and the rate of growth of your plants will differ (faster in a
high-tech set-up, requiring more maintenance). The "need" for supplemental
CO2 depends to a large extent on how much light you are providing - at 1.5 -
2 watts/gal. the need is less than at 3-4 watts/gal. For low tech set-ups
without supplemental CO2, you can also select plants capable of using
bicarbonate as a source of Carbon. See Diana Walstad's new book "Ecology of
Planted Aquariums" for more details on that sort of thing.
Okay, Ive been doing research on keeping plants for a couple of months now.
Yes, I'm going the high tech route.. yes I'm going to utilize CO2
(pressurized-- dave gomberg's system to be exact) ,, also, metal halide
lighting, 2x 175 watt.. two fixtures.
3. The absolutely worst substrate in a planted tank is plain gravel with no
additives, at least in the beginning. Over time, as fish mulm and uneaten
food gets mineralized, it will be able to grow plants but never really well.
If you want a nicely planted tank, the substrate deserves more attention
than this.
I was thinking of either going with Profile (like flourite) or just going
with the flourite, although very expensive for the amount I need. If I go
the profile route, I might (dont know yet) layer it with a sm. layer of fine
gravel.. And that substrate gold product sounds good too..
Oh, and by the way - get out of the habit of vacuuming the gravel - it might
be needed in a fish tank but it isn't a good idea in a plant tank.
It will be pretty hard to vacuum the gravel with lush growth of plants
everywhere, hehe :)
The appropriate amount of Substrate Gold (176 oz will do a 120 gallon tank
nicely @ $45.00 + $9.00 shipping within the US) mixed into the lower 1/3 of
the gravel bed, covered under a couple of inches of plain washed gravel,
will make a safe, suitable substrate which will be stable for a number of
years.
Hmm.. that doesnt sound too bad.. have you had any experience withthis
product?
For fertilizing the water column, pick a good, well rounded aquatic plant
fertilizer like Tropica Mastergrow or Seachem Flourish. Dose initally at no
more than half of the manufacturer's recommended doseage and make any future
changes slowly, over a period of weeks.
Yah, I had already picked up some flourish earlier on.
You asked about "Jobes" sticks and I ended up writing a book...... oh well,
old aquarists do tend to go on...... ;-)
Well, thanks for your response, although it didnt have to be that extended,
but you didnt know how much experience/knowledge I had .. How long have
you been keeping fish? Ten years here.. just the plants are a new thing to
me.. :)
Good luck...
Thanks
James Purchase
Toronto >>
Melissa